Meet Xiqian Chen | Theatre Producer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiqian Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiqian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a theater producer and director based in New York City, I’ve had the privilege of working in mainstream Broadway theaters for almost five years. During that time, I observed a significant gap—while New York has a large and vibrant Chinese demographic, their stories and cultural experiences rarely represent the city’s most prominent stages. This lack of visibility sparked something within me. I realized that these audiences deserve to see themselves, their histories, and their unique immigrant journeys reflected in the art around them.

In response, I co-founded Nomad Theater, a community-driven company focused on engaging and empowering immigrant and bilingual Mandarin-English-speaking audiences. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to inclusivity, with our productions featuring immigrant artists both onstage and behind the scenes.

We believe that audiences crave stories that reflect their realities—whether it’s about cultural heritage, the challenges of modern immigrant life, or the triumphs that come from adapting to a new country. By centering immigrant experiences in our storytelling, Nomad Theater strives to create a space where people can connect with their roots, see themselves represented, and feel that their stories matter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a producer and director, my work is dedicated to engaging underserved and marginalized audiences, with a particular focus on elevating Asian, women, and immigrant voices while fostering connections with mainstream arts organizations globally.

As a first-generation immigrant artist, I have broken barriers by working at two of the largest mainstream theatre organizations: Broadway’s Roundabout Theatre Company and The Bushnell Performing Arts Center. In both of these traditionally exclusive, white-dominated spaces, I was the only international full-time staff member, contributing significantly to theatre education, producing, and community engagement initiatives. Over the past four years, my work has spanned large Broadway productions, musical concerts, live events, educational programs, and creative community workshops, impacting tens of thousands of theatergoers and students.

I’m also very lucky to connect my roots by collaborating with arts organizations from my home country to facilitate multiple cross-culture exchange initiatives, working with The Poly Theatre, Tony Awards China, Beijing Performance Arts Group, and Wuxi Symphony Orchestra.

My bilingual background and global perspective have been invaluable assets, enabling me to think creatively and engage audiences more effectively. This unique viewpoint, coupled with my dual roles as a creative and business professional, provides me with a holistic understanding of the industry.

As a director, I focus on crafting compelling artistic visions and guiding performances. As a producer, I oversee financial resources, marketing campaigns, community engagement efforts, event organization, social media management, and relationship-building with local organizations. This comprehensive approach allows me to make informed decisions that balance artistic vision with practical realities, especially in areas like fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

However, the journey has not been easy. As an immigrant, Asian, and young woman in a highly competitive industry, I have faced challenges such as bias and visa-related barriers that many of my American peers do not encounter. Despite these obstacles, I remain determined to overcome them. This led me to co-found Nomad Theater, a community theatre organization that not only produces quality work but also creates a supportive space for immigrant artists, advocating for humanity and belonging.

These experiences have strengthened my passion for producing and inspired me to develop more sustainable and inclusive production models. I am committed to continuing to push boundaries, amplify underrepresented voices, and create impactful, transformative experiences for diverse audiences worldwide.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: We’d start with the must-see spots—exploring Times Square and the Broadway theatre district, where I work. After soaking in the energy of the area, we’d grab brunch at Kunst Coffee Haus, a cozy spot with great ambiance. In the evening, we’d catch this season’s hottest Broadway show, The Outsiders, then head to The Fred’s bar to grab a drink and discuss our thoughts on the show.

Day 2: We’d visit the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, housed in the historic Andrew Carnegie Mansion. A highlight would be checking out the special exhibition, An Atlas of Es Devlin. After the museum, we’d spend the afternoon wandering through Central Park, perhaps even rowing a boat on the lake or simply relaxing on the Great Lawn.

Day 3: For a laid-back day, we’d start with brunch at Little Ruby’s in the East Village, then explore both the East and West Village. From there, we’d cross the Brooklyn Bridge, visit Dumbo for stunning views of Manhattan, and dive into Williamsburg’s artistic and creative scene with its cool galleries, vintage shops, and rooftop bars.

Day 4: We’d spend this day exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), taking our time with its vast collections. Depending on my friend’s interests, we could either see a live performance at Lincoln Center in the evening or attend a classical music or ballet performance—something that fits the artistic vibe of the day.

Day 5: This day would be more personal. We’d visit the NYU campus, my alma mater, and wander through Washington Square Park, watching street performances and enjoying the community vibe. In the evening, we’d catch an Off-Broadway show, something more intimate and experimental.

Day 6: It’s time to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We’d take the ferry and dive into the history of immigration in America, which would be a meaningful connection, especially considering my own journey as an immigrant artist.

Day 7: For the last day, we’d keep it relaxed with a visit to the New York Public Library. We’d admire its architecture, then head to nearby Bryant Park for some downtime. Depending on how we’re feeling, we could wrap up the week with a final visit to a rooftop bar called Skylark which has a view of the Empire State Building, or a quiet evening walk along the High Line.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mentor, Yolande Spears. Her unwavering trust, guidance, and belief in me have played a crucial role in shaping the artist and leader I am today. Yolande is not only an incredible theatre artist and educator but also the Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Connecticut’s premier venue for Broadway theatre, music, dance, and more.

Shortly after I graduated from grad school, Yolande extended an opportunity that changed my life—she offered me an internship at The Bushnell, later hired me full-time, welcoming me into the Theatre Education team, where I had the chance to hone my craft and truly learn the ropes of theater management and producing.

She also taught me to pursue my dreams with fearless dedication. Her lifelong commitment to arts education, community engagement, and cross-cultural communication inspired me not only to believe in my vision but to approach my goals with resilience, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose. I carry those lessons with me in everything I do, and I am forever grateful for her belief in me.

Website: https://www.xiqianchen.com

Instagram: xiqianchen_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sissi-xiqian-chen-512378152/

Image Credits
Melvin Yen; Chun Han, Yao Yao