Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Todd Lien. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Todd thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Before founding iStage Entertainment, I worked as an acting coach at a talent studio serving children from Chinese immigrant families in the greater Los Angeles area. During my first four years of teaching—up through 2020—I witnessed a clear and pressing need among these young talents. Many came from households where parents had limited English proficiency and access to resources, creating a barrier to pursuing careers in entertainment. I felt a deep calling to become a bridge between the Chinese immigrant community and Hollywood.
With my bilingual abilities, a natural talent for teaching and connecting with young performers, and my professional experience and network in Hollywood as an actor and director, I realized I was uniquely positioned to make a real difference. I envisioned a space that could not only train but also elevate a new generation of elite Chinese American talent—preparing them to break into Hollywood and thrive.
As conversations about representation and diversity continue to grow, this vision felt both timely and essential. I saw many others in the community trying to meet this need, but without the necessary resources, industry access, or bi-cultural understanding, their efforts often fell short. Recognizing that I held a rare combination of tools to make this vision a reality, I brainstormed with a few trusted colleagues, and together we founded iStage Entertainment—a platform built to empower, equip, and champion the next wave of Asian American visibility in the entertainment industry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a trilingual actor and singer originally from Taiwan, with a background that bridges both Eastern and Western cultures. My performing journey began with winning top 3 in singing competitions like The Voice of China and The Chinese Idol in North America. Encouraged by producers and fueled by a newfound passion for performing, I made the bold decision to leave my path in medicine and pursue the performing arts. After earning my MFA in Acting for Film, I began auditioning and building my network in Hollywood—not just as a performer, but also as a director in both film and stage productions.
My unique blend of cultural insight, industry experience, and highly effective teaching skills has allowed me to stand out from other immigrant-run talent studios and companies—even those that have tried to replicate what I do. What I’m most proud of, however, is the impact I’ve made on young talent. Through a mix of coaching, custom strategy planning, and hands-on production experience, I’ve helped over 20 young performers gain admission to top private schools, performing arts institutions, and colleges.
I specialize in understanding the specific needs of each young artist and tailoring a path that aligns with both their aspirations and their parents’ goals—whether it’s building a competitive resume, navigating the school application process, or getting signed by top-tier talent agencies. Today, I personally manage 14 young talents who are represented by leading kids’ talent agencies like DDO Kids, CESD, and The Wayne Agency. Many of them have landed roles in national commercials, social media campaigns, TV shows, and feature films—including Barbie.
What truly sets me apart is my deep, genuine desire to help these young talents and their families succeed. I’m committed to going the extra mile—every time—to ensure my clients achieve their dreams.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My life has been shaped by two major pivot points. The first was when I made the life-altering decision to transition from medicine to the performing arts. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and had been accepted into both medical school and a graduate program in pharmaceutics. But in 2014, the loss of two close family members profoundly changed my perspective. It pushed me to reflect deeply on what I truly wanted from life. In search of meaning and joy, I began participating in singing competitions—and the moment I stepped on stage and sang, something inside me lit up. That experience sparked a passion for performing, and ultimately led me to change my career path from medicine to acting.
The second pivot came in 2020, during the pandemic lockdown. After years of working as a performer and teaching for four years, I found myself questioning what more I could do with my life—how I could give back in a more meaningful way. I had already seen the impact I could make through teaching, and I recognized a growing need in my community. That realization led me to found iStage Entertainment.
When I first launched iStage, it was simply meant to be a stage and film production company for Asian American kids who loved performing—a safe, creative space where they could be themselves and develop their talent. But as I worked more closely with students and their families, I listened to their needs and gradually expanded our services. What began as a production space evolved into something much more: helping students with school applications, strategic planning, resume-building, and even navigating the talent agency world.
Before I knew it, iStage had organically grown into a full-fledged talent management company. While our services evolved, our mission never changed. At the heart of it all has always been the desire to empower young Asian American performers and provide them with the tools, opportunities, and confidence to succeed.
My journey hasn’t followed a straight line—it’s been one of continuous transformation. But I’m proud of who I’ve become because I’ve learned to trust myself, to listen closely to others, and to embrace change with an open heart.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One of the most powerful marketing tools that built my reputation in this industry has been word of mouth. From the very beginning, I understood how important it is to choose the right clients—families who share my values and vision. When I first started teaching, I quickly earned a strong reputation because I was genuinely passionate about my work. I took the time to truly listen to both the students and their parents, and I always followed through with thoughtful, practical solutions to help them reach their goals.
What set me apart early on—and still does today—is my honesty and straightforward communication. In a community where sugar-coating and profit-first mindsets are all too common, my clients found it refreshing and rare to work with someone who prioritized education, growth, and integrity. My genuine desire to help and develop young talent has turned those early clients into my most loyal advocates. Their trust and support became the foundation of my reputation.
Even after I left my teaching job to launch iStage Entertainment, my reputation continued to grow. Today, families across the community know the quality, achievements, and impact of my company. I’ve built a name that people trust—one grounded not in flashy marketing, but in consistent results, honesty, and a deep commitment to the success of every young performer I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.istageentertainment.com
- Instagram: @istageentertainment
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/istageentertainment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-VL2w-aMNI&t=4s
- Other: Testimonial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXsGtcxrDQw&t=8s
Image Credits
Photographer: Jime Sechinbaatar