We see the finished performance: the lights go down, the curtain rises, and for a couple of hours everything appears effortless.
Behind it is anything but.
In this Learning Lunch, Yijin takes us behind the curtain to explore how ambitious live productions actually get made - from the first idea to opening night.
Drawing on her experience across New York, Beijing and Auckland - from Broadway producing to Hollywood finance - Yijin will share an insider’s perspective on the creative, commercial and human decisions that shape what ultimately reaches the stage.
We’ll explore:
- How an idea becomes a production — and what happens long before opening night
- How producers bring together artists, designers, investors, venues and audiences around one vision
- The balancing act between creative ambition, commercial reality and audience experience
- How productions and stories change as they travel across cities, cultures and markets
Along the way, Yijin will share stories and lessons from working across some of the world’s most dynamic creative industries - and what the art of producing can teach us about collaboration, decision-making and bringing ambitious ideas to life.
Date:
This Learning Lunch is on Tuesday 1st December from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm and includes lunch.
Venue:
We're pleased to be hosting this learning lunch at The Commons at Alberts, a stylish and welcoming central Auckland space designed for conversation, connection and bringing people together.
Parking:
1 Albert Street is located at the corner of Albert Street and Fanshawe Street. Please enter via Fanshawe Street and take the escalator up to Alberts Concierge, where our team will direct you to The Commons on Level 1. There is parking at the Downtown Carpark for $6 per hour or you are within walking distance of lots of public transport options.
Catering:
We cater to most dietary requirements with prior notice. Please advise us at hello@heart.co.nz of any allergies or specific dietary requirements.
About the expert
Yijin Liu
Yijin Liu is a producer and global strategist working across international markets, partnerships and the creative industries.
After sixteen years living and working in Beijing and New York, Yijin is now based in Auckland, where she leads programming strategy across the Alberts portfolio while running Meridian Liu Group, developing cross-border cultural initiatives, partnerships and market opportunities.
In New York, Yijin led the live entertainment team for a privately held Hollywood financier, developing stage and experiential opportunities around major studio IP. Earlier in Beijing, she managed Tinhouse Productions’ international portfolio, including NZTrio’s 2015 China tour.
A graduate of Columbia University and China Conservatory of Music, Yijin is an adjunct lecturer at Beijing Language and Culture University and serves on AUT’s Event Management Partnership Advisory Board. Her perspective is shaped by years of working across different markets, cultures and business environments - and by a particular interest in how ambitious ideas are financed, positioned and brought to life.
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