Performer, Producer, Director, Arts Educator and Arts Administrator

Joyce Laoagan (stage - Joyce Lao)  is a New York based Filipino-American performer, producer and creator. Her parents are descendants of Aboriginal and Indigenous Asian communities. She has a degree in Psychology (pre-med), Special Education, MA in Music, MA in Arts Administration from Baruch College and attended Stella Adler School of Acting, the Juilliard School and HB Studios.  She grew up competing in dance and singing. She has produced, acted and written several films and theater - both contemporary and experimental-immersive in New York City and festivals. Her Directorial debut, “Hecuba” won Runner – up as Best Ensemble and for Best Director at the Ancient Drama Festival and has produced and created theatre experiences for The NYC Fringe festival, Midtown Theatre festival and recently, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival International - all well received. She has co-written, produced and played the lead role for a short film, Eva's Gabriel which received nominations and awards in different categories. She is presently collaborating with Director, Natalia Yandyganova, creating AI immersive and experimental works. She has appeared in and booked several shows on TV and in online streaming platforms. As an artist and performer, she also has the passion to help and promote other talents - most especially multi-talented people of color especially talents of Asian, POC, and Indigenous descent. This passion turned into a vision. She has been establishing herself as a creative professional and founded The Ally Artists Group (www.allyartists.org). She is passionate about social justice, arts education, human rights and interested in exploring the social emotional aspect of the human psyche. She is also an avid traveler, foodie, and scuba as well as a free diver. Aside from producing film and theater, she is the Program Manager of the Dance Education and Family Programs Department of the Joyce Theater in New York City.