Lily Yuan is the founder and the executive producer of Children’s Theatre of Richmond. Her producing credits include Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at the Gateway Theatre (2017), Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. at the Massey Theatre (2018), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. at the Norman Rothstein Theatre (2018), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Granville Island Stage Theatre (2019), Peter Pan Jr. at the Norman Rothstein Theatre (2019) and “This is Halloween” Music Video (2020). In 2017, she received “Vancouver’s Outstanding Woman Award” for her volunteer time building the youth theatre organization. In 2018, the Business Development Bank of Canada featured Lily for creating a professional theatre group for youth actors and local theatre artists. Lily is a proud graduate of Tsinghua University. Apart from producing, Lily is an award-winning art teacher based in Richmond. She is a two-time Canadian bodybuilding medalist, who also happens to enjoy painting and making costumes.
If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell you?
When I was younger, I was very headstrong and too proud. At many of life’s crossroads or turning points, my decisions were made arbitrarily or with less reflection than I should have applied. I would advise my younger self to slow down, be patient and seek advice before making major decisions. Time is on your side.
When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I knew I was ready because I was able to combine my passions with my sales and marketing background. You can love the arts but in order to pursue them as a career, they must also be marketable. I started producing Brodway Jr. Musicals in 2017. This was a new endeavor for me. The original reason I began producing musicals was because of my love of the performing arts, combined with interests in children’s education and organizing family events. I hoped to create high-quality stage performances that brought joy to Vancouver families. I also wanted to build a creative outlet and professional quality stage for teenage artists. My many years of sales and marketing experience allowed me to assemble and lead a team that would promote and sell our shows to the Vancouver audience. I believe in setting high expectations for our youth because if we believe they can, they will believe they can. Our theatre is based on high-quality performances, targeted promotion, and artistic growth for the next generation. Many local artists who share the same conceptual ideas and belief systems have joined us. Their talents and gifts are the motivation for what I do.
What or Who has been your greatest influence in business?
All the talented artists that I have encountered are my greatest influence and inspiration in business.
What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?
My business goals include continuing to teach virtually, joining additional workshops, providing additional workshops, and supporting the many talented artists I work with during the pandemic.
What do you have going on that you would like to share?
In 2020, I offered virtual art classes to several different age groups, which I hope to continue in 2021 to access up-coming events and support the arts, please check out our websites.
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Children’s Theatre of Richmond
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