We were lucky to catch up with Xiqian Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Xiqian, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a first-generation immigrant artist, I’ve had the privilege of working at two of the largest mainstream theater organizations: Broadway’s Roundabout Theatre Company and The Bushnell Performing Arts Center. In an industry traditionally characterized by exclusivity and white dominance, I found myself in spaces where I was often the only international full-time staff member, the only Chinese individual, and a young woman. These factors posed unique challenges—how I look, how I speak, and where I’m from made me stand out in ways my American peers didn’t experience.
One invaluable lesson I learned from my mentor, Yolande Spears, is to have unwavering faith in myself and my work. She taught me that the external noise—the doubts or biases others may have—shouldn’t diminish my confidence but should instead become background noise that strengthens my resolve.
I’ve come to recognize that my immigrant identity, cross-cultural background, and bilingual skills are tremendous assets, especially in the arts. The key to my success has been in owning my strengths and allowing my roots to infuse my work with authenticity and dedication. These unique perspectives enable me to contribute something new and different to the table, which is a significant advantage in a creative industry.
Equally important is building a network of allies. As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve realized the value of having a support system—people who understand, advocate, and cheer for you. While navigating this journey alone can be isolating, finding those who stand by you ensures that you never truly feel alone, and that it isn’t just your fight to carry.
Once I embraced my identity and my purpose, the rest became about hard work. Like anyone ambitious to create something meaningful and real, I put in the effort, with a determined mind to push my limits and keep growing.
By maintaining these principles, I’ve made significant contributions to mainstream organizations through theater education, productions, and community engagement initiatives. Over the past four years, I’ve worked on large Broadway productions, musical concerts, live events, educational programs, and creative community workshops, impacting tens of thousands of theatergoers and students. My journey has proven that even when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, your unique perspective can be your greatest strength.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a theater producer and director based in New York City, deeply passionate about creating work that amplifies immigrant and underrepresented voices. One of my most fulfilling projects is Nomad Theater, a community theater company that I co-founded, which aims to bridge the gap between the vibrant immigrant communities in New York and the stories that are often missing from mainstream stages. What makes Nomad Theater special is our dedication to centering the experiences of bilingual Mandarin-English speakers and immigrant artists, both in the cast and crew, to truly reflect the rich diversity of the city.
I find it exciting to work at the intersection of culture and storytelling, where we can create productions that resonate deeply with immigrant audiences. People want to see their stories, cultures, and modern experiences portrayed authentically on stage. Through our productions, we aim to provide a platform for these voices and create a space for meaningful dialogue around identity, belonging, and the immigrant journey.
As for what’s new, I’m thrilled to announce that we are currently in the process of expanding our work, including launching a series of bilingual theater workshops and a new production that will debut next year. This initiative will allow us to reach even more communities and create opportunities for aspiring immigrant artists to develop their craft.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been: faith in myself, resilience, and the willingness to break boundaries.
Believing in your vision is key. Trusting my instincts allowed me to take risks, like founding Nomad Theater. For those starting out, build confidence in your abilities, stay true to your ideas, and surround yourself with people who support your vision.
In any creative industry, rejection and setbacks are part of the journey. Resilience helped me push through challenges and grow from them. My advice: embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and keep your long-term goals in sight. Don’t give up when things get tough.
Challenging the norm has been central to my work, whether through representing immigrant voices or blending cultures in storytelling. For those early in their path: don’t be afraid to break away from convention. Innovation often comes from those who dare to do things differently.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I face as an immigrant artist is balancing the demands of making art while surviving in one of the world’s most expensive cities. This involves navigating cultural adjustments, dealing with immigration and visa issues, and confronting discrimination as an Asian woman in a system that doesn’t always support immigrant artists. To address these challenges, I formed a digital career networking platform for immigrant artists, which now has over 200 members. We share opportunities in the art and culture industries, as well as professional development resources. Additionally, I’m grateful to be part of a growing community of allies advocating for immigrant rights and working toward better representation in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xiqianchen.com
- Instagram: xiqianchen_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sissi-xiqian-chen-512378152/
Image Credits
Melvin Yen, Chun Han
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