Asian Actors & Thespians
Asian Actors & Thespians
A podcast that narrates the artistic journeys of noteworthy API actors and drama artists, and discusses important issues impacting API artists across the diaspora. Hosted by Los Angeles-based actor, Chase Lee.
How to take advantage of opportunities (ft. Jo Mei)
An opportunity lost is never to be retrieved. Actor Jo Mei stops by the show to talk about how she has made the most of her opportunities during her career.
For more content, check out my website at chaseleeacts.com and follow me on Instagram @chaseleeacts and on TikTok @chaseleeacts.
And make sure to follow Jo on Instagram @jotomato and check out her website at jomei.com.
Employing all of your talents as an artist (ft. Carla Ching)
Contrary to popular belief, being a “jack of all trades” can be a good thing, especially if you’re an artist! Legendary playwright/screenwriter Carla Ching joins me on the show to talk about how her various talents have helped her during her career.
Finding your style as a filmmaker (ft. Emily May Jampel)
Many of the great filmmakers of our time have a distinct style that audiences can readily identify. So how does one begin to develop their own style and artistic voice? Writer/director of “Lucky Fish” Emily May Jampel joins me to share her thoughts.
How to get cast as a non-binary actor (ft. Josephine Chiang)
As actors, we know that having a “type” is a great strength. But for genderqueer/non-binary actors, the casting process can provide some unique challenges. Enby actor Josephine Chiang joins me on the show to share their thoughts.
Honoring your story (ft. Mahima Saigal)
Do you have a story to tell? What’s keeping you from telling it? Fear of rejection? Fear of not being “interesting” enough? Actor/writer/director/producer, Mahima Saigal, joins me on the show to tell us how she creates work that honors her story.
Committing to a life as an artist (ft. Suzen Baraka)
Are you the main character in your own story? If not, what’s holding you back from fighting for your dreams? Emmy-winning actor/poet Suzen Baraka joins me on the show to talk about how she has committed to creating a life as an artist.
Increasing Southeast Asian representation in TV and film (ft. Justin Quizon)
Sure, “Crazy Rich Asians” was live but where are all my Filipinos at?? Filipino-American filmmaker Justin Quizon joins me on the show to discuss how to increase Filipino/Southeast-Asian representation in TV and film.
How to make it in Hollywood as an AAPI actor (ft. Krista Marie Yu)
Hollywood! La La Land! City where dreams go to…die. For most actors, anyway. Only a select few find a way to make it in the City of Stars. Star of Hulu’s “Reboot,” Krista Marie Yu, joins me on the show to tell us about how she did it.
How do you found a theater company? ft. Ralph Peña
I want to stage plays! I want to make movies! But how do I start? How does one found a theater/production company? Co-founder and artistic director of Ma-Yi Theater Company, Ralph Peña, joins me on the show to tell his incredible story.
What’s it like to be an influencer and an actor? ft. Christina Calcote
Part 2 of my conversation with Christina Calcote, in which we discuss the intersection of their status as a social media influencer and their artistry. We also talk about navigating this crazy world as an Asian person, K-Pop stanhood, and BTS!
The existential dread of becoming an actor ft. Christine Lee
Being an actor is horrifying. It’s not just overcoming the stage fright - it’s living a life of uncertainty, obstacles, and rejection. New York-based actor Christine Lee joins me on the show to share their thoughts.
What it’s like to be a plus-sized AAPI actor ft. Cori Menzies
In what ways do plus-sized actors face discrimination in the industry today? What can we do to enact change? We’ll answer these questions, and more, as I invite my friend and colleague, Cori Menzies, on the show.
Why did I choose to be an actor?
Why would anyone in their right mind choose such an impractical profession? On this inaugural episode of Asian Thespians, I introduce myself, tell my story, and talk about what got me into acting and led me down this whimsical, wonderful path.