Student Spotlight: Wan-Hsin Cheng

Wan-Hsin Cheng attended the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals) conference in New York thanks to her Microgrant award. Here’s what she had to share about her experience at one of the most significant performing arts events conferences.

How Did You Hear About the Conference?

Wan-Hsin shared that she learned about APAP online. Known for bringing together thousands of performing arts professionals each year, this conference has been a staple of the industry since 1957. “New York is an incredible place for arts-related conferences,” she says, encouraging others to explore the numerous events the city has to offer. For Wan-Hsin, APAP stood out as a must-attend opportunity to connect with industry professionals and deepen her understanding of the performing arts sector.

Why Did You Want to Attend?

With its rich history and global reach, APAP is a gathering of artists, agents, programmers, and many others from the performing arts world. Wan-Hsin saw it as an invaluable chance to gain early exposure to this professional environment. “I thought it would be a great way to accumulate industry-relevant experience,” she explains. Plus, the support from the Microgrant was a key incentive that made attending even more feasible for her.

What Surprised You the Most?

Wan-Hsin was amazed by the scale of the conference. “It was way bigger than I expected,” she says, describing the conference as an exciting whirlwind. With hundreds of events—from speeches and showcases to panel discussions and an expo—there was no shortage of things to see and do. The conference took place at the Midtown Hilton, but performances were also held across Manhattan. “I got to witness so many innovative and unique forms of performing arts—it was super inspiring!” Wan-Hsin recalls.

Takeaways from the Experience

For Wan-Hsin, the experience was not only about networking and learning—it was also about being inspired by the diverse and boundary-pushing performances she saw throughout the event. From avant-garde theater to experimental music, there was something for everyone, and the energy of the city and the conference combined to create an unforgettable experience.

“I highly recommend checking out APAP if you’re in the performing arts field,” Wan-Hsin concludes. “It’s definitely an event that brings people together and celebrates creativity in all its forms.”