Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ivette Dumeng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ivette , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from discovering my purpose early in life. I started working at 14 in a small coffee shop in Washington Heights, where I quickly earned the trust to manage the shop and handle the books. From there—whether as an actor, producer, or director—I learned to tune into possibility and block out the noise around me.
I’ve grown by recognizing opportunities and staying committed to being useful, whether I’m leading a team or supporting one. I give 100%, no matter the size of the task, because I truly love learning, growing, and contributing. I’ve been fortunate to be placed in roles that stretch me, and I don’t give up or give in. Every day feels like another chance to shine—or to help someone else shine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the co-founder of Nylon Fusion Theatre Company, which is dedicated to producing new works with political, social, and cultural awareness. I’m also an active member of several organizations, including The Actors Studio Playwrights & Directors Unit.
Our upcoming projects include John Patrick Shanley’s new play Zebra Woman, our annual festival featuring both emerging and established playwrights, and Voices Inside, a festival presenting work by incarcerated writers in partnership with PEN America and Voices Inside. Updates will be available on nylonfusion.org.
I’m also developing multiple film projects as both a director and actor. Current work includes directing Floating by Nick DeSimone and Carolyn Boriss-Krimsky, acting in Roman by Alfredo Diaz, producing Valentino by Satya Mai and Bryan Hamilton, directing Power of the Page by Shawn Belpanno, and acting in On The Balcony by Genia St. Zeller, along with several projects for The Actors Studio Playwrights & Directors Unit. More at IvetteDumeng.com.
Recently, I was brought on by Alec Baldwin and John Patrick Shanley to co-direct and produce Outcasts: 5 Short Plays with my creative partner, Lori Kee. I also had the honor of performing with Debra Messing and directing wonderful artists, including the incomparable Rebecca De Mornay. I also directed Booked by Carlos Jerome, featuring Marc Reign, Raye Levine Spielberg, and many other brilliant Puerto Rican artists—a project that filled me with pride.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey most were resilience, curiosity, and the ability to listen deeply.
Resilience kept me moving forward, even when the path was uncertain or the work may have felt overwhelming. Yes, setbacks are inevitable, but learning to stand back up—quickly and with intention—has made all the difference.
Curiosity has been my fuel. It pushed me to learn new skills, explore new mediums, and say yes to opportunities that stretched me. Staying curious kept me evolving rather than settling.
And listening deeply—to people, to environments, to the “room tone” of a project—helped me discern what was truly needed. It made me a better collaborator, leader, and storyteller.
For those early in their journey: Be curious. Listen to the negative feedback as a way to help sharpen your skills. Listen to the positive as a way to build upon it. Stay malleable. Be flexible and try to move with intention. Donate your time to helping others so that you can grow.
To be even more specific. If you are walking down the street – keep your eyes open and help someone in need. Compassion is key.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m absolutely energized by collaboration. I’m drawn to people who lead with curiosity, discipline, and generosity—artists, writers, directors, producers, and creatives who are as devoted to craft as they are to building a meaningful, supportive room. When that combination comes together, the work sings.
As an actor, I have a constellation of dream roles that light me up: Lady M, Hedda Gabler, Agnes of God, and anything penned by the incomparable John Patrick Shanley and the iconic playwright Migdalia Cruz. These roles—and these writers—stir something deep in me and remind me why I do this work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ivettedumeng.com
- Instagram: ivettedumeng_reale
Image Credits
Al Foote III for professional theater images.
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