Meet Ningyao Melvin Yen | Theater Producer, Director, Writer & Entrepreuner

March 25, 2024 Leave a reply

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ningyao Melvin Yen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ningyao Melvin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was always a dream of mine. I believe that people should strive to excel in what they do, rather than just completing tasks. Working across various organizations, productions, and companies, I often felt I was merely ticking off tasks. My training at NYU’s Entrepreneurial Institute was the genesis of my foundational ideas. Initially, I wanted to establish a theater production company, as I had always worked in the theater industry, serving previously as a producer, director, and writer. Upon moving to New York, I noticed a scarcity of theater groups focusing on the Chinese-American narrative, and Chinese artists seldom had opportunities to showcase their work due to the difficulty in resonating with American audiences.

This observation led me to create A Stage Theatre, aiming to build a better environment for creating stories about the Chinese diaspora. I met numerous Chinese artists, including graphic designers, painters, musicians, and 3D designers. My goal was to integrate various art forms into theater, providing a platform for artists to thrive. I realized that it wasn’t the stories that couldn’t resonate with American audiences but the fear that they wouldn’t resonate, which constrained the artists’ creativity. My mission has been to break through this barrier and encourage uninhibited artistic expression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey into the world of performing arts is unconventional and deeply personal. Never professionally trained in the arts, I harbored dreams of becoming a doctor or a scientist and pursued a degree in business and physics in college. However, a serendipitous opportunity to act in my university’s musical club transformed my perspective and ignited a passion for the performing arts, a place where I finally felt at home. This was particularly meaningful for me as a woman from the LGBT community and a Taiwanese individual studying in mainland China – contexts where I often felt out of place.

Despite initially feeling distant from the title of ‘artist’, my move to New York to study Performing Arts Administration allowed me to embrace and share my creativity. I delved into writing plays, lyrics, and directing short films, learning through hands-on experience by participating in various projects, often without pay, until I began to receive paid opportunities and fellowships within large performing arts organizations.

My art is a blend of new media, music, movement, experimental approaches, poetry, Buddhist philosophy, and spiritual exploration. It’s an expression of my identity, where I find comfort, happiness, and gratitude. The path hasn’t been easy, but every challenge was a step towards finding my ‘home’ within the arts. I want the world to know that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect us to our deepest selves and to each other, regardless of our backgrounds or professional training. My story is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, regardless of the obstacles.

It’s worth it, it’s my home.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d curate a week filled with experiences that encapsulate the essence of New York City, particularly through the lens of its vibrant performing arts scene and my personal journey within it. We’d start with a Broadway show, carefully selected to align with their tastes, as I believe theater is a gateway to truly experiencing the city’s culture and, by extension, a significant part of my life.

Beyond Broadway, I’d introduce them to some of NYC’s lesser-known gems, like local museums that showcase the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that make up this city. A tour around Wall Street would be on the agenda, not just for its financial significance, but as a historical district that narrates America’s story amidst towering skyscrapers.

For a deeper dive into cultural heritage, we’d visit the Tenement Museum and the Museum of Chinese in America, places that resonate with my own experiences and the stories I aim to tell through my theater work. When it comes to dining, we’d indulge in Japanese cuisine – a personal favorite of mine, followed by winding down the day with some whiskey, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and reflection on the day’s adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For my shoutout, I deeply appreciate the opportunities and learning experiences provided by my fellowship at Playwrights Horizons. The invaluable lessons on collaborating with unions, managing contracts, finances, and budgets have equipped me to smoothly handle all operational tasks in my own projects. This foundational knowledge has been pivotal in navigating the complexities of theater production and management.

I also owe a great deal of gratitude to my time as a producing fellow at Manhattan Theatre Club. The experience broadened my horizons, instilling a strategic planning mindset that enables me to look beyond the immediate and envision the bigger picture. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to theater and production.

My family deserves a special mention for their unwavering support. Despite the distance, with my mother in Taiwan and my sister in Singapore, their encouragement and support, including financial contributions to my company, have been a constant source of strength. My partner and my dog also provide a daily source of joy and support.

Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to the moon. It might sound peculiar, but the moon has always been a symbol of calm and introspection for me. It reminds me to stay warm-hearted and sensitive, qualities that are essential in the creative industry where empathy and understanding are at the core of storytelling and connecting with audiences.