Meet Lea (Muci) Li | Theatre Professional & Live Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea (Muci) Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
During my undergraduate years, while deeply immersed in law and English studies, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to the university’s musical club. It was in this setting that my passion for the arts truly came alive. Over those four years, I took on a variety of roles, serving as director, producer, and stage manager for six memorable productions. Each role, each show, was a lesson that further ignited my desire to create.

Leading a club with over 500 active members was about more than just coordinating events or ensuring successful productions. It was, at its heart, about building a community. Through this experience, I witnessed the incredible power of art to unite diverse groups of people. It gave me a profound sense of purpose, as I realized the unique contributions I could make to this community.

The challenges of the pandemic only strengthened this belief. Instead of passively waiting for the world to regain its equilibrium, I felt an urgency to act. “You Only Live Once” took on a deeper meaning, serving as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time. In a world grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, I understood my responsibility in the theatre: to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable.

As I approach the conclusion of my master’s program in performing arts administration at NYU Steinhardt, I continue to enrich my experience, interning at TBD Theatricals and delving into live music production on the side. With each new venture, my belief grows stronger: pursuing an artistic career was not merely a choice, but a genuine calling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey into the realm of theatre and artistic management began at the Tsinghua Performing Arts Center in Beijing. It was an intense, transformative phase, and I vividly remember the thrill of organizing the center’s 10th-anniversary special programming. Working in such an environment taught me the value of collaboration and the art of leveraging digital tools to make our events shine brighter.

But as transformative as Beijing was, the allure of New York’s theatre scene was irresistible. Joining The Great Gatsby Immersive Experience was an exhilarating chapter. Here, I delved into everything from schedule coordination to venue operations. The interactions with the Gatsby Production and EBP General Management Teams were invaluable, refining my communication approach and grounding me deeper in the theatre world.

These extensive experiences from my previous roles paved the way for me to take an innovative turn with my own theatre organization. As a founding member and the Production Stage Manager at A Stage Theatre, I played a pivotal role in the creation of the organization’s first original play with music, “Awake.” I’m proud to announce that our show recently closed on a high note at Walker Space Theater on September 10th, marking a significant milestone for us. Bringing “Awake” to fruition not only highlighted my ability to manage intricate projects but also showcased our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering diverse theatre to our audience.

But my artistic inclinations don’t stop at theatre. Music has been a parallel passion. In my free time, I’ve ventured into live music production. Collaborating on projects like the DNA NYC concert series with Nineteen95 has been a chance to champion emerging artists and fuse my organizational skills with a broader creative canvas.

Most recently, I’ve embarked on a new chapter, beginning my internship with TBD Theatricals. I’m eager and ready to delve into the realm of creative producing, adding yet another dimension to my artistic journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A great day for me always kicks off with an excellent cup of coffee. Living in downtown Brooklyn, I’ve found my go-to morning spot at Devocion. They’ve even branched out to Manhattan, so there’s no excuse for missing out. Their coffee is always impeccably fresh, and if you’re a fellow coffee aficionado, you’ve got to try their Toro beans—make it a latte, you won’t regret it. Plus, they offer pistachio milk, which is perfect if you’re into trying unconventional options like I am. Now, I’m someone who can never get enough of Central Park. If you’re the chill type, you can go bird—or people—watching. But if you share my oddball love for raccoons, you can spend some time chasing these cute, furry critters. When hunger strikes, Up Thai is my easy pick, especially when coming from Central Park. If you find yourself downtown, you’ve got to try Soothr. Not only is their Thai food mouthwatering, but their cocktail list is a must-try. And let’s not overlook Saigon Shack because, let’s be real, who can resist a comforting bowl of pho? To cap off a perfect day, especially since I work in the performing arts, you can’t go wrong with a Broadway show. If you’re looking for more diverse content, off-Broadway is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My coworkers at A Stage Theatre (https://astagetheatre.com) have truly been invaluable. Crafting and presenting an original non-English musical in NYC presents its own unique challenges, but together, we rose to the occasion! A special shoutout to Yuyi, who introduced me to Shoutout LA.

And to Reza Davoudi – joining the DNA NYC series with you has reignited my profound love for live music. Kudos to everyone who’s been a part of this exhilarating journey!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fussyrabbitsays/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-li-372586230/