ABOUT Me
I create art for healing, connecting and changing the world.
Art is a language that speaks human. Art connects people. Artists are healers, teachers and leaders. Art taught me to be me. Art helped me heal from my past wounds. And I want live in a world where everyone feels seen, heard and safe. Because when we feel seen, that's when real change can happen. That's why I keep creating.
As an artists, I started my training as a classical pianist at age of three, Akahira Music Academy in Japan. My passion turned to singing and musical theatre towards late teen. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 2003, I worked as an actor & singer in various productions, became a member of Screens Actors Guild.
After moving New York City in 2013, I started working with National Asian Artists Project founded by Broadway legend Baayork Lee. I've been selected as a finalist for Roger Sturtevant Musical Theatre Award from Actor's Equity Association. Performed with Lea Salonga at The Kennedy Center.
As a photographer, my work has been seen on Forbes, Time Magazine. Recent clients includes The Public Theatre, Kristen Hanggi (Tony Nominated Dir.), The Confined Arts. Working with many artists for their events and headshots. (See more)
Currently, I use my personal story and healing journey to bring awareness for diversity & inclusion, immigration story, women's rights, mental wellness. I advocate for creative industry, to create sustainable livelihood for artists, collaboration opportunities, and human rights. I've collaborated with Civic Hall, United Voices 4 Peace, Mondo NYC, Women in Music, Stronger with Music, as an artist, producer, and speaker.
"Artists are healers, teachers and leaders.
Art connects people.
Art speaks human."
- Yuko Kudo -
Yuko currently serves as
Board of Secretary for Prime Produce Apprentice Cooperative,
A member of Artistic Council for People's Theatre Project
G-100 Ecocivilisation Wing - Japan Country Chair
A member of
Think Tank for Theatrical Innovation
SAG-AFTRA
Project Highlights
Dear Asian Girls
"Just be you"
A Documentary Film about the life of three Asian Female Theatre artists of international backgrounds who moved to NYC to pursue their dream to be on the Broadway stage. This film is dedicated to all Artists and people with dreams who create their own path.
[Key Wins]
- A story written & told by WOC
- Amplify the voice of Asian Community, Immigrant Artists
- Offering equitable pay for all creative team
- 100% funded by community
[Cast]
Shino Frances, Irishrose Cinderella Mayo, Jessica Wu
[Key Creatives]
Director / Editor - Yuko Kudo
Post Production Manager - Michael Cutrone
Music Arrangement for Original Music "Just Be You" - Ko Tanaka
Executive Producer
Kyle Beckley Abourizk "Full out Creative"
Amanda Kelly Espritu "Creative Surrender Studio"
Yuko Kudo "Untapped Storytellers"
Producer -
Rachel Diana
Jerone Hsu
Untapped Storytellers
Renewed Appreciation for art and life
A documentary series that features the stories of artists in New York and their resilience.
[Key Wins]
- 2021 City Artists Corps Grant Recepient
- Winner Impact Doc Awards
- Amplify the voice of Artists, BIPOC, Women, LGBTQIA+
[Featured Artists]
Snö Bunta
Max MS & Prisma Blu / Circus Warehouse
Diane Phelan
Rodney & Yelena Ferrer
Demarcus McGaughey
Brandon Rumaker
Maggie Keenan-Bolger
[Creative Team]
Produced by Simple Alien
Executive Producer : Yuko Kudo
Cinematographer : Michael Cutrone
Editors: Ellis Stoneback and Michael Cutrone
"I came here to be Love"
I don't belong anywhere, so I belong everywhere
One-Human-musical show about being different, and why that’s ok, told through the lens of a person who’s still figuring that out.
[Key Wins]
- Innovation of Digital hybrid theatre during Covid-19 (Feb 2021)
- A story written & told by WOC
- Offering access to LIVE theatre experience by removing geographical, physical limitation
- Offering "Pay what you can or Free" ticketing model, to create access to LIVE theatre for those who are in financial needs
- Offering equitable pay for all creative team
- 100% funded by community
[Creative Team]
Produced, Written, Music, and Performed by Yuko Kudo
Digital Hybrid Experience made possible by
Kyle Beckley & Sandy Shelton // Co-Founders of Full Out Creative
Directed by Brandon Rumaker
Production Manager - Shino Frances
Set Designer - David Isaac Hecht
Pre-Recorded Video Cinematographer - Michael Cutrone
Poupelle of Chimney Town
Believe. Even when nobody else does.
A New Musical; Poupelle of Chimney Town is based on Bestselling Japanese Picture Book
[Key Wins]
- Innovation of Digital hybrid theatre during Covid-19 (Sep 2020)
- Offering access to theatre experience by removing geographical, physical limitation
- International Production Between Japan & New York
- Offering subtitle in English & Japanese
[Creative Team]
Original Book by Akihiro Nishino
Adaptation by Jessica Wu
Music by Ko Tanaka
Directed by Jessica Wu
Co-Directed by Daisuke Nakamura
Assistant Director & Translation by Yuko Kudo
Choreographed by Musa Hitomi
Edited by Michael Cutrone
Poupelle of Chimney Town is coming to Off Broadway in January 2024
"I Am" Series (2017-2019)
To heal & Connect through Arts and Hearts
We stand by our art and believe that no artists should struggle with their identity, artistry, emotionally, physically and financially.
[Key Wins]
- Supporting Artists community by offering performance platform, workshops and partnership.
[Creative Team]
Artistic Director - Yuko Kudo
Director of Creative Strategy - Brandon Rumaker
Director of Operation - Shino Frances