Xin Wen is a Chinese contemporary folk singer and performing artist. PhD Theory of Literature and Art. Xin was born in Jilin province and raised in Beijing. She started singing at the age of 8. In 2009, she enrolled to study vocal performance at China Conservatory of Music. Her music blends bel canto, Chinese folk music, and popular singing styles.She soon after she would discover her passions for Broadway show and moved to the United States and planted down in the star studded city of New York where she began her career in entertainment as a Chinese female producer. Xin were proud producers on the Tony nominated A Christmas Carol last season.
PHOTO FILE: BROADWAY PRODUCER XIN WEN (CREDIT: TOMMY)
Q: Since you’re not from the United States, do you find yourself facing more challenges in New York?
A: Absolutely. But again, that’s a given. As an international working in Broadway, struggles are obvious. Any international producer would face the same issues when they are striving in a foreign country. I often ask myself – why would anyone choose to let me produce their projects, why would anyone choose to financially invest in my talents. Unlike a normal 9-5 job, building a career in Broadway requires not only professionalism, but also connections, connections that’s much harder to make as a foreign professional. It was quite hard for me to get a hold on things when I first moved out here, I didn’t really know a lot of people. Though I was extremely motivated and were ready for any challenge, the reality was I didn’t know where to put them in use. Blindly knocking on different doors (metaphorically and literally) could be frustrating sometimes. To be able to answer myself those questions, I work harder every day, I push harder on each project, I work smarter, and keep learning. It’s a never-ending cycle really, because even after you make it, you still need to keep growing. Myself, I need to tell people that I’m just as good as a local if not better, which can be hard. Not being a local in this industry in Broadway is always a challenge for me, but it’s also the best motivation. As struggling as it was, the challenge was also expected, and luckily it has been dealt well with.
Q: you come from very successful backgrounds in singing. So… how did you get into Theatre?
Theatre truly does bring people together in so many different ways. When I’m a part of a show, I like to sit or stand on the far, far side of a theatre and look back at the audience’s reaction. There is no greater feeling then being able to see how an audience is responding to what is happening on stage. Truly nothing better than witnessing that.
As we know, China's musical theater industry is booming and the market potential is huge. I'm currently working on an original Chinese musical that I hope to bring back to Broadway in the future. I want to tell the story of China, to let the world know more about China, and I hope that through the joint efforts of international artists, we can accelerate the process of cultural integration around the world.
Q: Do you have any advice for other Broadway, international or not?
A: If you truly love it – go for it, give whatever you have to follow your passion, chase your dream, there’s never a “fail” in pursuing dream, but only, “give up”. I won’t be gentle about it. If you have a second of doubt of whether you truly want it – forget about it.The only thing that makes me want to do it again and again is my love for what I do; my passion for theatre. So, my advice – make sure your heart truly wants it and then go. It doesn’t matter where you are from.
Q:Anything else that you would like to share with the Broadway audience?
Broadway was the first to shut down, which came as quite a shock. But, When the theatres are finally able to open again, it’s bringing everyone back together that he most looks forward to experiencing.I can't wait for that moment when we can all gather again in a theatre to laugh, cry, applaud, stand on our feet and cheer. To be with a group of strangers who for this moment are all together to experience a unique performance that only those people we have.
Company name：Broadway Rainbows Inc
Contact：Tod
Email：adda@Broadwayrainbow.cn
Company official website：www.broadwayrainbows.com
Phone：+1 64640079521