William Yao

William Yao is a dynamic performer whose artistry has been shaped by a lifetime of creative expression. A musician and actor since the age of three, he honed his craft through years of classical training, winning accolades such as the Kiwanis Music Festival Gold Medal for musical performance. His passion for storytelling extends beyond traditional stages—he thrives as a digital creator, building vibrant communities through TikTok and Twitch live streams, where he blends performance, music, and candid conversations about the creative process.

William’s screen and stage work reflects his versatility and dedication to the craft. He appeared as a dancer and drummer in Marvel Studios’ In The Dark, sharing the screen with Jhene Aiko and Swae Lee, as well as the Netflix series Avatar: The Last Airbender as a martial artist. His lead role in the award-winning short film Give Me Love (Innovate Film Festival 2024) showcased his emotional range, while his Off-Broadway directorial debut, Daydreamers, merged dance with immersive storytelling. On stage, he commanded attention in The Ash Girl and The Laramie Project, proving his ability to navigate both whimsical and dramatic roles with equal conviction.

Trained at Johns Hopkins University in Film and Media, William’s performances are rooted in technical precision and raw authenticity. His background in street dance, martial arts, and music (drums, guitar, Chinese flute) adds a dynamic physicality to his work. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and Japanese, with intermediate Korean, he brings a global perspective to every role.

William’s artistic curiosity has taken him across the world—from intensive dance training in Japan and Korea to directing films in New York, Paris, and Shanghai. William utilizes these experiences not only refined his artistic expression but also to inspire works that capture cultural intersections.

“Art is a conversation—one I’m honored to have with audiences, collaborators, and the characters I portray.”