Chiaoyi Chang (PAA ’23)
Moving from Taiwan to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in Performing Arts Administration was both exhilarating and daunting for PAA alumna Chiaoyi Chang (’23). Moving anywhere is stressful, but moving across the continent is exceptionally difficult. The easiest part of her process was choosing NYU’s Performing Arts Administration program. In the city where the performing arts thrive, Chiaoyi learned to advocate for herself and found her way into the theater industry.
The Journey to New York
Chiaoyi's academic background lies in the humanities and social sciences, fields that, while not directly aligned with her current career, provided a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Her passion for literature ignited during her college years, leading her to explore theater through several drama classes. Alongside friends, she founded a theater group showcasing independent productions at the Taipei Fringe Festival. It was during this time that she discovered her love for playwriting and the administrative roles within theater.
Recognizing a gap in her technical and administrative skills, Chiaoyi sought a master's degree in theater and performing arts administration. Drawn to NYU’s program due to its comprehensive curriculum and deep connections with the vibrant theater scene in New York City, she embarked on a journey from Taiwan to the United States.
Developing Who She Wanted to Be
As an international student, Chiaoyi often felt that she worked twice as hard to keep pace with her domestic peers, something she maintains is the case for a lot of international students. In her initial few months at NYU, Chiaoyi struggled to fit in. She would try and fail to understand cultural references, conversations, and cultural habits that did not feel authentic to her. Over time, Chiaoyi realized that the real obstacle wasn’t the cultural differences but her own impulse to fit in by mimicking others—an approach destined to fail. By prioritizing her own growth and needs, she found comfort and confidence in her own skin. This shift in mindset empowered her to build genuine and more meaningful connections. Chiaoyi began utilizing the resources that are available to all NYU students. Through attending events posted in the program’s newsletter, workshops held by NYU, and reading books recommended by professors, she took charge of her own learning. She eventually found herself in the “Creative Career Design Fellowship” cohort, a semester-long fellowship program led by the NYU Production Lab. This intensive experience focused on sharpening artists’ and administrators’ skills in storytelling, personal branding, project management, financial management, and networking— ideas and tools that Chiaoyi utilizes in her fundraising work today.
That was just one of many moments at NYU that would be crucial in creating the framework for her career in development. It was the Development for The Performing Arts course taught by PAA Faculty Kirsten Munro, the Director of Development for The Joyce Theater Foundation, that inspired Chiaoyi to apply for a development internship at HERE Arts Center. HERE continues to play a pivotal role in her professional development as she secured a part-time position as a Development Assistant Intern, then as a full-time Development Associate, and finally as a Development Manager. Securing an internship as an international student while studying full-time and grappling with language and cultural barriers is challenging enough, but Chiaoyi also managed to secure a full-time job and create her own community, who advocated for her and encouraged her to use her own voice.
The Importance of Mentorship
One member of Chiaoyi’s ‘found’ community in New York is her mentor, a previous Development Director and Chiaoyi’s direct supervisor at HERE. Over time, their professional relationship blossomed into a mentorship that provided Chiaoyi with the guidance and support she needed to thrive. Chiaoyi learned how to advocate for herself and seek out opportunities - even if she didn’t think she was qualified or prepared for them.
“To be honest, I didn’t actively seek out a mentor. She just happened to be my boss, and that’s how the mentorship evolved. I never explicitly asked her, ‘Will you be my mentor?’—it just naturally developed that way. Through our club and occasional hangouts, I used those opportunities to ask for guidance, both about my career and sometimes about personal matters. I would prepare specific questions in advance, knowing we’d be spending time together, and she always offered really supportive answers.”
Chiaoyi’s mentor truly believed in her potential and even pushed her to apply for a manager position when Chiaoyi doubted her readiness.
“A lot depends on the mentee. You have to take the initiative to make the most of your time together, whether it’s through prepared questions or simply looking for areas where your mentor’s experience can help. Mentors, especially those with a great sense of mentorship, are usually aware that you're seeking something valuable from the relationship, and they’re prepared to give advice. Even after I moved back to Taiwan, we still check in with each other, and I ask for her advice, especially since development work is not as advanced in Taiwan as it is in New York. To maintain a mentorship, you have to be intentional—schedule regular check-ins, whether it’s once a month or more, and always come prepared with meaningful questions. That’s how the relationship continues to grow over time.”
Advice for Aspiring Arts Leaders
Chiaoyi offers practical advice to current Performing Arts Administration students: take action, even when faced with uncertainty. Becoming a leader often requires risk-taking and the willingness to learn from mistakes. She encourages emerging professionals to actively seek out networking opportunities – persistence is key.
“Have a growth mindset. It’s about treating mistakes and failures as opportunities. I recently learned this concept, and it really resonates with my time in New York. When things go wrong, when you feel like a failure, or life throws challenges your way, it helps to shift perspective. Ask yourself these powerful questions: what can you do right now to turn this challenge into the best opportunity for your future success? How can this moment become a turning point you will look back on with pride in three years? . It’s about recognizing that everything can be an opportunity, even when you fail a project or exam. By the time you get to the final, you might ace it, and that progress will leave an impression. Your failures can become a stepping stone to your ability to grow.”
For international students, Chiaoyi emphasizes the importance of embracing unfamiliarity and using it as a catalyst for growth. By engaging with diverse perspectives and building a supportive network, students can find their footing in new environments. She believes that the unique experiences of international students enrich the cultural landscape of the PAA program and provide other students with valuable insights.
“Find your support network, whether it’s through classmates, mentors, or local communities. And most importantly, recognize and believe in your strengths. In my opinion, that’s the key to feeling a sense of belonging, even in spaces that might initially feel ‘too good’ for you. The international experience you bring is valuable, and it will enrich your journey in ways that are often unexpected.”
Continuing the Journey in Taipei
Now working as a Development Associate at the Taipei Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art cultural complex located in Taipei, Taiwan, Chiaoyi’s career exemplifies resilience and adaptability. Development and philanthropy are emerging fields in Taiwan, and Chiaoyi has leveraged the skills she learned in New York City to help cultivate this growing and relatively new area of the arts industry. Chiaoyi’s journey teaches us that your path may not always be straightforward, but each step taken can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
About Chiaoyi
Chiaoyi Chang (she/her) is the Development Associate at Taipei Performing Arts Center. Before this role, she had a life-changing three-year journey in New York City, where she earned a Master’s in Performing Arts Administration from NYU and grew her career at HERE Arts Center, progressing from Development Assistant to Development Manager. Chiaoyi has embraced many roles in the theatre world, including producer, playwright, stage crew, and more.
Interviewed by: Payton Rhyan (Performing Arts Administration, ‘25)