
Parry Shen
Actor & Graphic Novelist
Since Parry Shen’s breakout performance in Paramount Pictures/MTV Films’ Better Luck Tomorrow – the first studio film to feature an all Asian American cast – he has continued to showcase his acting versatility in major theatrical releases. His film credits range from Columbia Pictures’ comedy, The New Guy, to the newly crowned horror classic Hatchet…
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Full Bio
Since Parry Shen’s breakout performance in Paramount Pictures/MTV Films’ Better Luck Tomorrow – the first studio film to feature an all Asian American cast – he has continued to showcase his acting versatility in major theatrical releases. His film credits range from Columbia Pictures’ comedy, The New Guy, to the newly crowned horror classic Hatchet with Robert Englund, to 20th Century Fox’s romantic comedy First Daughter with Katie Holmes.
Shen’s accomplished television resume further displays his range as an actor, and includes appearances in NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, NCIS, MADtv, Without A Trace, Veronica Mars and a recurring role on ABC’s critically acclaimed Brothers & Sisters.
Shen is also the co-creator and contributing writer to Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, a graphic novel comprised of compelling “shadow history” stories of the Asian American experience. Iconic actor George Takei has called Secret Identities “an amazing assemblage of talent, vantage points and imagination.”
A prominent member of the Asian American community in both the film and comic book industries, Shen has been profiled on Entertainment Tonight and Extra and featured in Rolling Stone, People and The Wall Street Journal.
With a goal of demystifying the acting business and sharing his experiences as an Asian American in the media across the country, Shen has spoken at over 100 events in the past five years. He has given back to his profession by teaching acting at the University of Southern California and SUNY Buffalo.
Currently working on Volume 2 of Secret Identities, Shen shares his latest projects in his blog, and details the everyday highs and lows of his path as an actor, at his official website, www.parryshen.com.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Asian Americans in the Media
As a working Asian American actor for the past 13 years, Parry Shen will convey the inside details of the media business that can only be garnered from being in the trenches on a day-to-day basis. Shen will directly correlate how current stereotypical images and misrepresentations of Asian Americans in the media affect society, in short, revealing how much such images “trickle down” and affect Asian Americans not in the entertainment industry. The workshop portion has the audience “audition” for the actual stereotypical and progressive material Shen has vied for in the past. This presentation is the ultimate “compare and contrast” lesson that will open participants’ eyes and foster discussion about how critical and far-reaching Asian American roles are in the media.
Secret Identities: Unmasking the Asian American Experience
Graphic novel Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology contains over 26 stories using the lens of superhero identity, and utilizes this unique pop genre to bring to light little-discussed aspects of Asian American history and culture in an accessible, entertaining, and provocative way. As co-creator of the book, Shen will delve into the stories which contain a “shadow history” of the Asian American experience, including the building of the railroads, the Japanese American internment, atomic bombings, the Vietnam airlift, the murder of Vincent Chin and the groundless incarceration of Dr. Wen Ho Lee.
Several AAPI collegiate and high school courses have already adopted Secret Identities, recognizing it as a valuable and innovative resource to jumpstart discussions in a fresh manner. An interactive demonstration, a timely Asian American topic will be chosen via audience participation during the event to create a new hero/back-story to address the aforementioned issue.
Leadership: Marketing to Leadership
There is a saying, “Leaders make people want to follow them.” Whether a quarterback or CEO, there are common traits leaders share that make a team or company “want” to follow them towards success. What is the secret component? Is it confidence? Honesty? Decisiveness?
Time and again, Shen has found that innovation and creative thinking are the qualities that create inspiration. He will share examples of how he channeled creativity in problem solving to inspire others to also think in a new direction and achieve successful results. Shen draws on his days in college where he held over 15 executive/officer positions and served as president of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, to his current position orchestrating over 60 writers and artists as managing editor and co-creator of Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, currently in its 3rd printing.
Acting
A working actor for 13 years, Parry Shen shares the lessons and techniques he’s garnered throughout his career and uses performance clips of himself and colleagues to illustrate both “good” and “bad” acting. Shen will have scripts at the end of his lecture for participants to apply the lessons of what they’ve been taught and offers direction for adjustments following their performance. An experienced acting instructor, Shen has taught at the MAH program at The State University of New York at Buffalo and at The University of Southern California.
The Business of Show Business
Applying his “safety” degrees in marketing and public relations/advertising to his acting career, Parry Shen has been lauded for his ability to fill in the gap that even the most prestigious acting schools leave uncovered. These schools’ matriculated actors know how to break down a script, but with approximately 90% of the actors in the union being unemployed at any one time and only 13% able to make over $16,000 to qualify for insurance benefits, it begs the very question: “What do I do when I don’t have the job yet?”
Shen will reveal the marketing and self-promotion techniques available in a 2.0 world, including how to write your own press releases, itemize tax-deductible expenses, and format a resume. Other questions answered in this seminar include: Which headshots are the most effective? How do I find an agent? How do I break down residuals?
There is no ethereal “Sit by the phone and it will come” nonsense in Shen’s valuable presentation. This is the “nuts and bolts” from a 13-year acting veteran on how to remain proactive and follow the mantra: “It’s what you do when you’re not working that makes your career.”
Videos
#CrazyRichAsianscasting - PARRY SHEN
Books
News
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