Rebecca Ho is a performer and voice actor based in NYC. She fell in love with the stage at the age of 3 as a competitive dancer, and later changed gears and pursued her Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics in college. But her love for performing never left her, pushing her to attend acting school and move to New York. She’s gone on to make her off-Broadway debut in “Dilaria,” and appeared in “The Importance of Being Ernest” at a summer stock theatre in Maine. You’ll also hear her in the audiobook for “Good People” by Patmeena Sabit – one of the New Yorker’s Best Books of 2026! Her advice to young artists? “There is no set road map on how to do this thing.” Read on to learn more about Rebecca Ho and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Charlotte de Mita is a singer-songwriter based in L.A. As an elementary-schooler, she dreamed of being a singer, and would often sing in her church choir. As de Mita continued on her vocal journey, she began learning more about contemporary songwriting and performance. Her discography now includes “Slipped Away,” a late-night ballad, and “Ice Queen.” de Mita’s advice for young artists? “For anyone pursuing the arts, remember that every small step you take can lead to something bigger down the line, so strive to be better bit by bit.” Read on to learn more about Charlotte de Mita and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
The Cre8sian Project is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Cre8sian Project Scholarships!
Melanie Chen Cole is a sound designer (and cat mom!) based in San Diego. She got her start as a musician, playing the piano and flute as a child. While attending UCSD for biology, she switched majors to join the music department, which ended up landing her an internship at La Jolla Playhouse in sound design – and later earning a BA and MFA from that same school. Now, her resume includes works such as “Covenant” at The Alliance Theatre, “Treasure Island” at Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis, "Baskerville" at The Alley, and currently “The Heart Sellers” at Seattle Rep. Her advice to young artists? “You will be your own biggest advocate of your work. It is hard to quantify success in the arts, so you will have to find a way to define success for yourself.”Read on to learn more about Melanie Chen Cole, and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Peng Peng is an actress and artist based in Las Vegas – but you might recognize her from Nickelodeon’s “Warped,” A24’s “Overcompensating,” the “Gold Over America” tour with Simone Biles, or from her own music videos! Peng Peng fell in love with the arts at a young age, but initially pursued a career in gymnastics (just shy of the Olympics) before stepping into the performing arts. When she’s not performing, Peng Peng works with an organization benefiting children battling cancer, and turns to video games to help her decompress. Her advice for young artists? “Learn to be your biggest supporter, because at the end of the day, no one is going to believe in you as much as you.” Read on to learn more about Peng Peng and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
We are pleased to announce the 2025-26 Cre8sian Project Scholarships!
The Cre8sian Project Scholarships, through Positively Arts (a 501c3 non profit), in partnership with The Sherlock Team, are open to cis-female and female-identifying high school students attending public, private, or home school with an interest in the arts, are of Asian heritage, and live in Clark County. Students who are involved in any aspect of the arts, not just performance, are encouraged to apply. This can include writers, photographers, filmmakers, technical stage crew (carpentry, props, lighting, automation, audio, set design, stage managers), artists, graphic designers, directors, acrobats, singers, dancers, musicians, composers, arrangers, etc.
Applicants must submit their materials through the google form link by 11:59 PM on Jan 31, 2026. Only complete on time applications will be considered. Applicants may be contacted for an additional zoom meeting with the adjudication panel if needed. The winner will be announced February 13, 2026 on The Cre8sian Project website at www.TheCre8sianProject.com!
Sabrina M. Imamura is a dancer and actress based between NYC and LA – but you might have seen her recently in the North American tour of “Hamilton”! Imamura got her start dancing in ballet classes at 3 years old, later receiving a classical piano education. She later got her BFA from the University of Michigan, and made the move to New York, where she welcomed all kinds of new performance opportunities – including musical theatre. Now, her resume includes“Hamilton,” as well as an ad for Swarovski with Ariana Grande, commercial for Shiseido, and doubling work on “The After Party” Season 2! Her advice to young artists? “You should always be your authentic self and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.” Read on to learn more about Sabrina M. Imamura and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Lauren Mariasoosay is an actress based in NYC – but right now, you can find her on tour! She got her start in performance at three years old, and after taking a job as a principal vocalist at Disneyland, she knew she was on the right track. Now, Mariasoosay’s resume includes credits like “Six,” “Aladdin,” “Cats,” and fan-favorite “Hamilton!” When she’s not performing, Mariasoosay is an advocate for Laadliyan and Didihood, Canadian-based organizations that support South Asian women in the workplace and education system. Her advice to young artists? “Keep going! They really mean it when they say you’ll get a single yes in a sea of no’s.” Read on to learn more about Lauren Mariasoosay and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Sasha Ono is a musician based in NYC. Ono credits her family for her introduction to music, sharing that it’s been a deeply integrated part of her life since her youth. After deciding to transition from teaching to cello performance, she’s now heard on Cynthia Erivo’s album, "I Forgive You" Ariana Grande’s "Eternal Sunshine" live recording, and her string quartet/jazz quintet project with her father. When she’s not in the studio or onstage, Ono leads a project called “Comfy Classical,” where audiences and musicians enjoy community and music in comfortable clothing. She’s also an advocate for Creatives Care, an organization that connects creative workers with mental health services in New York, and of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, which provides all the tools needed for kids to learn music. Ono’s advice to young artists? “Continuously take time to reflect and search for your own voice and purpose… And keep practicing!” Read on to learn more about Sasha Ono and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Brianna Kim is an actress based in NYC. As a young actor, she got into commercials, even doing voiceover work for Nickelodeon. After taking on a role in the film "Away We Go" with Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski, Kim became a theatre actor in high school. Now, her credits include “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying” (produced by Baayork Lee’s NAAP), dancing on a“Saturday Night Live”episode opener, the national tour of “Cats” – and most recently, hitting the road again with the first national tour of “Some Like It Hot!” When Kim’s not onstage, she’s practicing her 7-step skincare routine, taking dance classes, working out, or making Tteokbokki! Her advice to young artists? “Have so much fun and always be yourself!” Read on to learn more about Brianna Kim and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Saira Umar is a writer and creator based in Los Angeles. After applying for many writing fellowships, she landed a spot in the PBS Writing Program, leading to her first produced script for PBS Kids' "Skillsville." Meanwhile, Umar also worked on projects like Netflix’s “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld,” “Digman!,” “KEVIN,” and is currently working in production on a show at Marvel! When she’s not working, Umar volunteers with Asians in Animation, previously leading their social media creation team, but most recently running their TV production program to create the pilot animatic “Tea Leaves Last.” Read on to learn more about Saira Umar and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
The Cre8sian Project is thrilled to announce our expansion of our Access to the Arts Initiative through the end of 2025 by sending students to see Wicked!
Cre8sian Project founder Angela Chan has joined the national touring production of Wicked and will be sponsoring AAPI female/female identifying high school or college students to come see the show!
If you’d like to be considered, email us at thecre8sianproject@gmail.com from your school email and tell us your grade/year, school you are attending, heritage, which show date & time you’d like to attend, and tell us how you’re involved in the arts! Winners will be notified each Monday!
Erica Ito is an actor based in New York City, but credits her theatre background to a summer magic camp that taught her improv. After attending the University of Michigan and graduating with her BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in English Literature, Ito went on to build her impressive resume. Most recently seen as Nessarose inWicked, she’s also sung on theMy Heart Says Go Studio Cast Recording and in a developmental concert of this new musicalPump Up The Volume, based on the 1990 film. When Ito’s not onstage, she puts her English Literature minor to work through a literary analysis podcast she co-hosts and produces. Her advice to young artists? “ You either define ‘success’ for yourself or abandon the idea entirely and just have fun and mess around and make sure you’re able to pay your rent each month.” Read on to learn more about Erica Ito and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Yukimi Song is a multi-faceted musician based in Brooklyn. “With a U-Haul and a dream,” Song attended NYU and double-majored in journalism and music, earning her master’s and a postgraduate degree in piano. Though she enjoys teaching both in a studio setting and as a faculty member, a love for performing remains at her core. Song has appeared across the U.S. and Asia–but her favorite project to date is launching The Piano Pod, a podcast combining storytelling, music, education, and community that has hosted around 100 guests–from Grammy winners to neuroscientists! Through this platform, Song curates educational resources to her listening community. Her advice to young artists? “Performing with depth and authenticity requires more than hours in a practice room or appearances on stage—it demands thatyou live… Let life shape your music, not the other way around.” Read on to learn more about Yukimi Song and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
The Cre8sian Project Access to the Arts Initiative is back! We’re celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by sending students to see shows! Cre8sian Project founder Angela Chan will be sponsoring AAPI female/female identifying high school or college students in the following cities to see the national touring productions of Wicked, Moulin Rouge, & Juliet, and Six!