the aly liew  

Growing up Asian-American in a predominantly white country, I didn't have much representation in the movies I would watch. I had Jackie Chan and Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior as my only examples of things I could be if I ever wanted to be an actor, to which my parents would so lovingly tell me, "You can't be in the movies, you don't know kung-fu." And they're right, I still don't know kung-fu. But it's pretty cool that I don't need to know kung-fu to be an actor.

The first time I stepped on a stage was in high school, and I was enthralled. I fell so deeply in love with the connection I created with other people, the audience, and within myself. I knew there was nothing else I could do with my life that could possibly be more fulfilling than acting. This passion brought me to the University of Connecticut, where I obtained my Bachelor in Fine Arts in Acting. In addition to my training at UConn, I studied abroad with Theatre Academy London through Florida State University in the Fall semester of 2023, where I received classical intensive training in Shakespeare with Barbara Houseman, and obtained a stage combat certification in Rapier and Dagger from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.

I find pride and empowerment in being able to connect with an audience as I am. I am a queer artist of color, and there's no pretending that I'm not. It's never been a matter of how I hide myself within a character, but how I bring my whole soul to any given circumstances. I find unity and connection with other artists of color, who prioritize honesty in the sharing of their art with an audience. My education does not end with a cap and gown; as artists, we are all on a continuous path of learning and growth as we navigate the industry.

Feel free to reach out via email (thealyliew@gmail.com) or Instagram (@thealyliew) for any collaborations. I'm looking forward to expanding my horizons, and connecting with other artists whose passion runs as deep as mine.