In the heart of New York City — where ambition hums through every subway line and creativity fills the air — Apple Tsai is finding her rhythm as one of Taiwan’s next shining stars abroad. With her graceful presence, expressive voice, and genuine warmth, the young actor and singer is redefining what it means to chase a dream with courage and heart.
Born and raised in Taiwan, Tsai’s fascination with performance began early. She still remembers sitting in a darkened theater as a child, watching a production by Taiwan’s Puppet & Its Theater Company (紙風車劇團) and being utterly mesmerized. “I thought the actors were glowing,” she recalls with a smile. “I wanted to know how it felt to make someone else feel that magic.”
Building a Foundation in Taiwan
Tsai went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from National Tainan University, where she explored every corner of stagecraft — from acting and singing to movement and theater education. Throughout her studies, she sought out ways to tell stories that connected people from different backgrounds.
Her early career blossomed quickly. She performed in productions at the Taipei Fringe Festival, appeared in theaters across Taiwan, and took part in a wide range of experimental and community-based performances. She also joined the cast of the Netflix series Hotel Salt Water, an experience that broadened her artistic perspective and gave her a glimpse into on-screen storytelling.
“Every project back home helped me discover a new side of myself,” Tsai says. “Community theater taught me empathy, experimental theater taught me courage, and television taught me precision. All of it prepared me for the next step.”
A Leap Across the Ocean
In June 2023, Tsai took that next step — moving to New York City to study musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). The transition wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. “New York can be overwhelming at first,” she admits. “It moves fast, and you have to learn to move with it. But there’s also so much life and inspiration here — every corner has a story.”
At AMDA, she honed her craft under the guidance of seasoned Broadway professionals, diving deep into voice training, acting technique, and stage performance. The experience pushed her to grow not just as an artist, but as a person. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned here is to embrace imperfection,” she says. “That’s where the truth of art — and of love — really lives.”
Finding Her Stage in the City That Never Sleeps
Since arriving in New York, Tsai has already performed in a series of exciting and diverse projects. She made her U.S. debut at the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City (TNC), a vibrant celebration of creativity in the East Village. She then brought her charisma and vocal flair to the 80’s Pop Cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama, one of New York’s most iconic cabaret venues, known for launching countless Broadway careers.
She also performed as part of the opening act for the legendary Halloween Black and Red Ball — a beloved downtown tradition that has been celebrated for nearly half a century — showcasing her ability to merge theatrical storytelling with bold visual performance.
Adding to her growing list of credits, Tsai became an active member of Vocal Ease, a New York–based performance group dedicated to bringing joy and live music to senior communities, hospitals, and care centers. Through Vocal Ease, she has performed at various venues across the city, using her voice to connect with audiences beyond the traditional stage.
“Performing with Vocal Ease reminded me why I fell in love with theater in the first place,” she reflects. “It’s about sharing energy and emotion, not just entertainment. It’s about bringing warmth and light to people, even if it’s just for a moment.”
Lessons in Love, Life, and Resilience
For Tsai, New York has been both a dream and a test. The city has offered her endless opportunities, but also challenges that taught her about love — not the movie kind, but the everyday kind that demands patience, vulnerability, and strength.
“I’ve learned how to love in a tough way,” she says with a laugh. “Love here is unpredictable — just like the subway! It’s messy, it’s real, and it teaches you to keep going. Most importantly, it’s taught me how to love myself, flaws and all.”
That personal evolution has deeply influenced her work. Whether she’s performing a bittersweet ballad or stepping into a complex stage role, Tsai’s performances carry a sincerity that audiences can feel. Her storytelling is grounded in empathy and shaped by her experiences of navigating a new culture while staying connected to her roots.
Looking Ahead: A New Creative Chapter
As her artistic journey continues, Tsai is preparing for an upcoming production: The New Voice that promises to be one of her most personal yet — a project blending singing, storytelling, and orchestral performance. The show will explore themes of love, resilience, and rediscovery, weaving her New York experiences into a heartfelt musical narrative.
“This new piece is very close to me,” she shares. “It’s about the kind of love that changes you — not just romantic love, but love for your dreams, your friends, and yourself. It’s a celebration of learning to start over.”
The production will feature original arrangements and live orchestral accompaniment, offering audiences a dynamic blend of theatricality and intimacy. Tsai hopes the project will inspire others to embrace vulnerability and find connection through art. “Music has this incredible power to unite people,” she says. “When we tell stories through song, we create a space where everyone feels seen.”
A Bright Future on Global Stages
As she reflects on her journey so far — from community theaters in Taiwan to cabarets and festivals in New York — Apple Tsai radiates gratitude. “I’ve met so many amazing artists here who’ve taught me the beauty of collaboration,” she says. “Every project feels like a small miracle — people coming together to create something honest.”
Her vision for the future is clear: to keep performing, to keep learning, and to keep connecting. She dreams of developing immersive theater experiences that invite audiences to step into the story, breaking the invisible wall between stage and life.
“I want people to feel like they’re not just watching — they’re part of it,” she explains. “Because that’s what art really is: shared emotion.”
With her thoughtful artistry, magnetic stage presence, and ever-growing body of work, Apple Tsai stands at the exciting intersection of cultures and creativity. Her story is one of courage, curiosity, and constant evolution — a reminder that chasing a dream often leads to something far greater than what you imagined.
As she continues performing across New York’s vibrant arts scene, one thing is certain: Apple Tsai’s light — and voice — are just beginning to shine.
