Meet Our Team
Behind every unforgettable performance at A STAGE THEATRE is a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing their unique skills and passion for theatre. Meet the visionaries who bring our stories to life.
Melvin Yen
Founding Director
Melvin Ningyao Yen, a pioneering force in the fusion of digital media and theater, hails from the vibrant cultural landscape of Taiwan and now operates out of New York City. Ningyao’s artistic journey is marked by a diverse and rich tapestry of experiences that span continents and disciplines. As the founder and producer at A Stage Theatre in New York, Ningyao has been instrumental in creating original works that explore the Chinese American narrative, bringing forth a unique blend of historical depth and innovative expression.
My professional background includes working in producing and GM at Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, TBD Theatricals in NYC, and U-Theatre in Taiwan. I also worked as a freelancing Stage Manager, Production Manager, Producer in numerous theater projects in NYC.
Yiqing (Lana) Zhang
Co-Founder / Co-Director
Yiqing Zhang (Lana) is a Brooklyn-based actor, singer, arts administrator and storyteller. With over 3 year’s of experiences working in off-Broadway and local theater organizations, her journey is characterized by her unwavering dedication to original theater and her commitment to creating a theater community that is both diverse and accessible. Her past selected acting credits include The President’s Invitation – Jingyuan (NoMad Theater), AWAKE – Siyu (A STAGE Theatre), Ripples From A Lost Song – Meiru/Mother (224 Waverly Theater). Her past producing and stage management credits include West Side Fest 2024 The Death Avenue Posse (The Motor Company), This Land of Plenty (Cellunova Productions), AWAKE (A STAGE Theatre), Monologues of n Women (Yun Theatre). IG: lanazhang_99
Chiaoyi Chang 張巧宜
Development Consultant
Theatre lover from Taiwan. Playwright for 2021 Venue Wet Base 2.0 Experimental Drama Black Cotton Candy and Producer for 2020 Taipei Fringe Festival Feeding Box. Currently an M.A. Candidate in Performing Arts Administration at NYU. Stepped into the Development world of Downtown Manhattan’s art scene in May 2022 and has been around there ever since.