About

Hello. My name is Fùyuán Zhèng, or 郑富元 in real Mandarin.

You may know me as Fuyuan, then you must be wondering what the curves and lines are that I’ve added to my name.

They’re actually tones—part of the pīnyīn system that represents how Mandarin Chinese is spoken. If you ever want to know how my name is authentically pronounced or what it means, ask me when we meet in person. I always love sharing how people call me at home.

I work in theatre as a stage manager, director, and intimacy choreographer. My goal as a theatre practitioner is to build a rehearsal room that feels supportive, inclusive, and collaborative—a space where artists can take risks and feel supported doing their best work.

I am also an active researcher and advocate for practicing intimacy direction in Chinese theatre, aiming to foster safer and more ethical rehearsal practices across cultural contexts.

Outside of the theatre, you’ll find me learning new languages, writing quietly on my bed, or figuring out a new chord on the guitar.

I’m always open to conversations and collaborations—especially those that challenge traditional structures and make space for underrepresented voices.

MFA in Stage Management, Columbia University School of the Arts

BA in Anthropology & Theatre, Wake Forest University