Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Yeong.
Hi Alan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was encouraged by my undergraduate mentor, Bob Scriba, that I have some talent in pursuing a theatrical stage designer. He encouraged me to pursue this field and essentially, I was given a blessing from a person that I highly respected. I continued to follow my mentor’s advice and listened to the universe on what lies ahead for me. I am a curious creature that loves to learn continuously either by collaborating with other artists or from the students that I am mentoring.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Establishing my artistic journey was filled with highs and lows — nevertheless, a fun exciting fulfilling one.
I learned to be a better listener and become a team player. As a visual creator — in this instance, costume designs — is not about satisfying the personal ego. Theatre is a collaborative art form. In order to create meaningful designs or forge any long-lasting collaborative relationships, I learned the importance of listening to my peer’s needs, the underlying meaning of the text, the production conceptual approach. However, my biggest personal struggle was knowing how to balance workload/work-life balance. When I was starting out as a young professional costume designer, I was contracted to design a musical production for a cruise line. I placed all my trust in a collaborator that I barely know and the final outcome was a disaster. This incident still haunts me from time to time and serves as a reminder to me when I am about to make some unrealistic decisions. I must confess that my professional failures have helped me grow into the designer that I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a freelance professional costume designer in metro Atlanta for more than 20 years. I have often collaborated with my dear friends at Aurora Theatre since 2012. I am truly blessed that Aurora Theatre valued my artistic contributions and invited me to participate in their major production endeavors.
Other metro Atlanta theatre companies — Theatrical Outfit, Actors’ Express, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Theater Emory, and Synchronicity Theatre
I am also been part of the faculty of the University of West Georgia’s Theatre program for 22 years — Professor of Theatre/Costume Design/ Head of Design. I enjoyed mounting future theatre designers’ minds and collaborating with my dear UWG Theatre colleagues. It tickles me to see many of my former students growing into artists of their own right and changing the landscape of Atlanta or regional theatre.
What sets me apart?
Well — HAVE FUN! Surround yourself with positive energies at all times. I strongly believe that you can never create when you allow chaos and negative energies in your life/work-life. I approach all projects with a FUN attitude and exercise kindness to all. As a BIPOC artist and especially a designer of Asian descent, I am like a unicorn in this industry in Atlanta, I work hard to prove that I am a competent artist and a great collaborator. I work hard and play harder! Be a good listener and a greater collaborator.
The proudest moment?
Recognition from my peers. I tend to take a step back from the spotlight. I do my work and disappear into the wings — stealth mode! I was extremely proud when I received my first Suzi Bass Award for my Costume Design work for The Hunchback of Notre Dame produced by Aurora Theatre and Theatrical Outfit. Only took me 17 years for my Atlanta peers to recognize my work. That was my proudest moment. But in seriousness, my proudest moments are always seeing my former students excelling as theatremakers.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Firstly — my mother. She is my superhero. The best mother anyone can have.
Secondly — Bob Scriba, my undergraduate mentor. An intelligent man. Intimidating but yet a man with a heart of gold. Without Bob, I don’t even know who I am today. He set the motion. He granted me permission to play and listen to my inner artistic talents.
Thirdly– everyone that have crossed paths with me. I have learned so much about humanity and embrace all! My bond with them allowed me to observe my surrounding — to become a kinder person, a better theatremaker,
Contact Info:
- Email: ayeong@gmail.com
- Website: alanyeong.com
- Instagram: ayeong44
Image Credits:
Rendering by Alan Yeong Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
