Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Peter Xiao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Peter, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is a theater piece called Don’t Pitch It, Do It, which I was involved with over the summer. It tells the stories of international artists in New York and the United States, focusing on their traumas, challenges, setbacks, and how they overcame them. This project is deeply personal to me because, as an international artist in the U.S., I know firsthand how difficult it can be. We have to worry about visas, work status, and constantly proving ourselves. For instance, there’s a visa called the O-1, which is specifically for artists who can demonstrate extraordinary abilities and accomplishments in order to stay in the U.S.

For this piece, as the casting director of it, I was heavily involved in reviewing the candidates’ profiles with the director, and we carefully considered each option, sending them personalized messages. This project wasn’t just about putting on a show; it was about providing international artists with a platform to be seen. We had a cast of nine, six of whom were international artists, many on O-1 visas or OPT (Optional Practical Training), which allows artists to work legally for one year after graduating from an American college.

It was an incredible experience to meet and collaborate with these artists, sharing stories about the international artist experience. This project was also a first for me in several ways: it was my first time assembling a cast for a theater production, and later I stepped into the role of producer, for the first time. I witnessed the journey from script to stage, which was such a powerful and eye-opening process. It made me realize how often international artists are overlooked in the industry, and I’m proud to have contributed to a project that brought attention to their struggles. It was a deeply meaningful experience, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.

Peter, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started as an actor, studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a drama major. Acting has always been my passion, and during my first two years of college, I participated in various projects. Coincidentally, I got into casting during my junior year, and I’ve been involved in casting ever since. I started with student films, moved on to series, and now, having graduated, I continue working in casting.

What I love about acting is being able to embody characters, and I found that same joy in casting. Whether I’m the one bringing a character to life or watching someone else do it, I love being part of the storytelling process. Stories are so precious to humanity; we all carry our own stories and constantly share or listen to others. As an actor and casting director, I feel honored to be part of this process, holding these stories in our hearts and bringing them to life.

What draws me to both acting and casting is the connection to the narrative. As an actor, I get to step into a character’s shoes. As a casting director, I collaborate with directors and producers to understand their vision and help them find the right actors for their projects. What sets me apart as a casting director is that I don’t believe the casting process should be harsh or unforgiving. Too often, actors spend countless hours on self-tapes and auditions, only to face rejection in an industry known for its cruelty. The standards are high, and success is uncertain.

When I became a casting director, I wanted to change that dynamic. I aim to show actors kindness and respect, making sure they know they’re doing great work whether or not they get the role. I believe in being the person who brings compassion into the process. Actors are like gems waiting to be discovered, and casting directors are the ones who get to uncover that brilliance.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal that drives my creative journey is ensuring that everyone, especially the talent, is treated with respect. As an actor and artist, I understand firsthand how hard it is to secure a role. We all work tirelessly to bring a project to life, and I believe that this should be a collaborative effort without any hierarchy—one filled with love, understanding, and passion. Everyone should feel joy in being an artist and working in this industry, and I want to contribute to making that a reality.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

For those who are non-creatives or aspire to be artists, having passion is key. But also be ready to face rejection, experience setbacks, and deal with being underestimated. Failure is inevitable, but so is the chance to rise again. Take ownership of your life and your journey—don’t let anyone else define who you are. And always have something else to hold onto beyond just survival, because being an artist is as much about resilience as it is about creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peterxiaowy.com
• Instagram: @peterxiao325
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weiyu-peter-xiao-20020325

Image Credits

Short films:
THE AMERICAN – directed by Bryan Yanbing Lee, casting by Peter Xiao
ROPE – directed by Lucas Manuel-Scheibe, casting by Peter Xiao
Night Walking – directed by Winona Lu, casting by Peter Xiao
What I tell you three time is true – directed by Adora Wang, casting by Peter Xiao