Mengyuan Chen C’21
- Major: Theatre Arts
- Launch Career Community: Arts, Communications & Languages
- Launch Identity/Affinity Community: International Student
What attracted you to Drew?
I was born and raised in China but heard Drew had a great theater arts department and was close to New York City. I loved that I could see Broadway shows.
Did you know what you wanted to major in when you started at Drew?
I started acting when I was young, maybe at the age of 6. My father is a dancer and director of many shows and my mother is an actress in China. They influenced me a lot. Chinese dance is hard to do and you often get injured so they recommended that I become an actress instead and I have been acting ever since.
Do you have any mentors at Drew?
My advisor Theatre professor Dr. Lisa Brenner has been very helpful. She’s given me a lot of advice on how to get into theater. She’s also a great teacher.
What issue in the world means the most to you?
I want to see art between countries exchanged more, especially between China and the U.S.
What are a few of your favorite memories of Drew?
I really like the acting class. Students are kind and we play games.
What advice would you give students who are just starting out?
I would encourage them to share their ideas in class. Try to participate in clubs to make friends and to make school more exciting. For international students, I would say be brave and speak English. People are kind and will help you if you have problems.
What are your career goals? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I want to be an actress and a teacher and eventually a director. I want to audition and if I could stay in the U.S., I would or I will go back to China to help my dad if he needs an actress for his shows. Also, I would like to be a teacher to educate actors.
Fun fact you would like to share?
I love to take photos and traveling.
My father and me dancing in China.
