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Shawn Duan

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Shawn Duan BIO

Shawn Duan is a Chinese-American actor and singer with a passion for the stage. Born and raised in New York City, Duan began his career in theater at a young age. He attended the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he honed his skills in acting, singing, and dancing.
Duan made his Broadway debut in 2016, when he was cast in the ensemble of the hit musical "Hamilton." He remained with the show for two years, performing in over 600 shows. During his time with "Hamilton," Duan also served as the understudy for the roles of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton and King George III.
In addition to his work on Broadway, Duan has also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions. He played the role of Boq in the off-Broadway production of "Wicked," and was part of the ensemble for the off-Broadway musical "Gigantic." Duan has also performed in regional theater productions across the country.
Outside of theater, Duan has made a name for himself in the world of television. He has appeared in several popular TV shows, including "Law & Order: SVU," "The Blacklist," and "The Good Fight." In 2019, Duan landed a recurring role on the hit Showtime series "Billions," playing the character of Ben Kim.
Duan is also an accomplished singer and musician. He has released several singles and music videos, showcasing his soulful voice and impressive range. His music has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.
Despite his success, Duan remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He is known for his hard work and professionalism, and is highly respected by his peers in the industry.
Duan's most recent work includes his role as Ben Kim on "Billions." He continues to pursue his passion for theater, music, and acting, and is sure to make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry for years to come.

Shawn Duan Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Projection Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Projection Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Projection Designer
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Projection Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Assistant Projection Designer

Shawn Duan Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Projection Design

Shawn Duan, The Chinese Lady

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Video/Projection Design (Play or Musical)

Shawn Duan, Letters of Suresh

Shawn Duan Videos

Shawn Duan News


Photos: First Look at The 1491's BETWEEN TWO KNEES at Perelman Performing Arts Center


The Perelman Performing Arts Center will present the NY premiere of The 1491’s comedy Between Two Knees, directed by Eric Ting. Get a first look at photos!

Cast Set for BETWEEN TWO KNEES at The Perelman Performing Arts Center


The Perelman Performing Arts Center has revealed the cast for the NY premiere of The 1491’s comedy Between Two Knees, directed by Eric Ting.

Cast and Creatives Set For Pearl Cleage's SOMETHING MOVING: A MEDITATION ON MAYNARD at Ford's Theatre Society


Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Pearl Cleage's Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, directed by Seema Sueko (Silent Sky).

Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The Muny


Ruggiero, his casting partner’s at Telsey & Co., and the Muny assembled an appropriately youthful, talented and beautiful cast. Every member of this young cast understands how to use lyrics plus subtext to tell story through song. Kanisha Feliciano’s (Maria) gorgeous soprano pierces the stratosphere.

Meet the Full Cast and Production Team of West Side Story at The Muny


Full cast, design and production teams have been set for one of the greatest and most powerful musicals of our time, West Side Story, playing at The Muny July 15 - 21. Learn how to purchase tickets!

2023 Second Stage Theater Uptown Series to Present TOROS By Danny Tejera This Summer


Second Stage Theater will present TOROS, written by Danny Tejera and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, this summer at Second Stage Theater Uptown.

Works From Britton Smith, Kate Douglas & More to be Featured in Second Stage Theater's 2023 New Voices Series


Second Stage Theater is continuing its commitment to nurturing American playwrights with THE 2023 JUDITH CHAMPION READING SERIES and the inaugural NANCY DENOVAN MUSICAL READING. 

PAPERBOY World Premiere Musical to Begin Performances This Week


Manhattan School of Music’s Musical Theatre Division will present the World Premiere of Paperboy, a new musical based on the award-winning novel by Vince Vawter.

Manhattan School of Music Musical Theatre To Present World Premiere Of PAPERBOY


Manhattan School of Music's Musical Theatre Division will present the World Premiere of Paperboy, a new musical based on the award-winning novel by Vince Vawter.

Judy Gold to be Joined by Sandra Bernhard, BD Wong & More for Talkbacks at YES, I CAN SAY THAT!


PRIMARY STAGES and 59E59 Theaters, in association with Jamie deRoy, will present talkbacks for Judy Gold in Yes, I Can Say That! by Judy Gold.

Lisa Lawer Post Named Interim Executive Director of Second Stage Theater


Second Stage Theater (Carole Rothman, President and Artistic Director) has announced that Lisa Lawer Post has been named Interim Executive Director at Second Stage Theater. Ms. Post will officially join the award-winning Broadway and Off-Broadway institution on February 27, 2023.   Current Executive Director Khady Kamara will depart the company at the end of the month.

D'Arcy Carden, Katie Finneran, Scott Foley & Chris Sullivan Will Lead THE THANKSGIVING PLAY on Broadway


Second Stage Theater has just announced the cast for its upcoming production of Larissa FastHorse’s play, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY. Find out all the details about who will star in the new play!

Full Cast Announced for BETWEEN TWO KNEES Seattle Premiere at Seattle Rep


Seattle Rep has announced the complete cast and creative team for the “uproariously funny” Seattle premiere of sketch comedy troupe The 1491s, Between Two Knees. 

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY Adds Four Simulcast Viewings


Due to popular demand, Second Stage Theater has added four simulcast performances of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. See details about the performances, and learn how to purchase tickets!

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY & Imagine Justice To Host Justice Nights on Broadway


Second Stage Theater will partner with Common and his not-for-profit, Imagine Justice, to host “Justice Nights On Broadway” following the matinee performances of Between Riverside and Crazy at The Hayes Theater on Saturday, February 11th and Saturday, February 18th 2023.

Michael R. Jackson & Common to Join Second Stage Theater's Winter's Ball


Second Stage Theater will host a Winter’s Ball geared towards young professionals and arts patrons, featuring Michael R. Jackson and Common. The fundraising event will take place on Monday, February 27 at The Pierre Hotel. See

Gary Perez Joins The Cast Of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY


Gary Perez has joined the cast of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, directed by Austin Pendleton.  Mr. Perez assumed the role of Lieutenant Caro on January 20, 2023.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival to Present JUBILEE, An A Cappella Celebration of the Fisk Jubilee Singers


Alabama Shakespeare Festival will present Jubilee written by Tazewell Thompson with composer and lyricist Dianne Adams McDowell, Jan. 5 - 29 on the Festival Stage.

BETWEEN TWO KNEES Sketch Comedy Show Announced At McCarter Theatre


​​​​​​​McCarter invites audiences to start the New Year laughing with the outrageously funny and wickedly subversive tale of familial love, loss and connection: Between Two Knees, by acclaimed intertribal sketch comedy troupe The 1941's and directed by Eric Ting.

Cast Announced for SILENT SKY at Asolo Repertory Theatre


Asolo Repertory Theatre will present Lauren Gunderson’s SILENT SKY as the second play in its 2023 repertory season. See who is starring in the cast, how to get tickets, and more!

Shawn Duan FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Shawn Duan been nominated for?

Shawn Duan has been nominated for Outstanding Projection Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Chinese Lady" and Outstanding Video/Projection Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Letters of Suresh."

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