Raised by a single mother in Queens, New York, acting wasn't something that was being pushed on me. Growing up I knew I had a yearning for performance, and it wasn't until I got to college where I really immersed myself. Growing up, I was very active, always involved in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and some martial arts. Being an Asian American in the United States, I was just like your average kid growing up in the 2000's, loved watching TV, movies, anime, just any content that would stimulate my growing mind. Which is where my love for performance started. But the thought of being an actor seemed like an impossibility. However, I got to a point in my life where I knew I had to try to achieve my dreams, otherwise I would live the rest of my life thinking "what if?" So, I pursued my dreams and auditioned for what would eventually change the trajectory of my life for the better, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Biography
Why Me?
Teamwork Oriented
Someone who strongly values teamwork, I believe that cooperation and togetherness is the only way to go far. Like the famous African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I'm someone who can put their personal gain aside for the well-being of my team, and can definitely be a strong, leading voice if the situation calls for it.
Always Learning
The recipe of success is to continue learning. If I'm not growing, I'm not succeeding. My growth in my professional career will be directly based on how much effort I put into being the best at what I do, what I study, and who I am, inside and outside of my craft. And in order to have continued success, I must keep growing and evolving into the best me possible.
Goal-Oriented
I stay motivated by keeping myself busy, and by setting firm goals. Creating milestones for myself allows me to track my success. Creating self work keeps me busy and always working. I set high expectations for myself and I'm set on meeting those expectations.
Agile Communicator
The foundation of good acting is good listening, to be genuinely empathetic, and to constantly be asking the "why?". Listening is the foundation of communication. Both on the camera/stage, or off, being a good listener is something I've always prioritized. And in order to be truly empathetic, listening is the key to understanding.
Positivity
Having a positive outlook on life is what keeps me going everyday. Especially in the times we live in now, it can be tough to see the glass half full, but believing and having faith in the good in humanity is why life is worth living. Even when things are tough, both on set or at home, starting the day off with a smile, and checking your baggage at the door is half the battle.
Create Success
Born with a competitive edge and a natural drive to be the best at anything I do, I put a high level of expectation on my work. I strive to create success, and therefore along with my acting, I like to write and create self work to always keep my mind stimulated, and to keep myself one step ahead.
Billy's time at the Academy consisted of 2 years of intensive training where he learned from some of the best in the industry. His training included the likes of, Meisner Technique, Movement, Voice and Speech, Alexander Technique, Shakespeare, On-Camera Technique, Musical Theater Singing and Dancing, Stage Combat, and so on. He then joined their 2023-2024 Company where he had the opportunity to collaborate with a plethora of industry directors, casting directors, agents, and so much more. Billy's notable works from the Academy include, Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet, Mr.Banks from Blue Stockings, Sebastian in Twelfth Night, R in Passage, and originating the role of Henry Hardnose in the first professional production of Hearts Like Planets. Billy is very proud of his accomplishments from his time at the Academy
Training
Billy Chen
