About

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

You may know me as Fuyuan, and perhaps you’ve wondered about the curves and lines in the spelling of my name. Those marks represent tones, part of the pīnyīn system used to indicate how Mandarin Chinese is spoken. If you’re ever curious about how my name is authentically pronounced—or what it means—I’d be happy to share when we meet. I always enjoy talking about how people call me at home.

I work in theatre primarily as a stage manager, and also as a stage director and intimacy director. 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 the practice of intimacy direction in Chinese theatre, aiming to foster safer, 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