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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Nic Chien on trans man representation in theater: I'm hoping to open up more opportunities

Nic Chien on trans man representation in theater: I'm hoping to open up more opportunities

Published Jan 22, 2026 07:35 am
After his acclaimed portrayal of Jack in "Into the Woods," Nic Chien — the son of award-winning theater actress Lea Salonga — is set to take on the role of Moritz Stiefel in the upcoming musical, "Spring Awakening."
Nic Chien (Instagram)
Nic Chien (Instagram)

The Tony Award–winning musical traces the emotional and chaotic path of adolescence, where conformity is encouraged, and questions are discouraged.

Delving into enduring themes of mental health, sexuality, coming of age, and family dynamics, the show's strength is its timeless resonance, striking a deep chord with audiences of all generations.

During the press conference of "Spring Awakening," held at the Privato Hotel in Quezon City on Jan. 20, Nic shared how important it is for him to have transman representation in the theater community.
"I'm hoping to open up more opportunities. I remember when I was young, I would see something. I would never go to that place. Because of who I am and what my gender is. But I hope roles like this help open up people's perspectives and opportunities.
"Because there are so many talented people and even trans people, and I just hope that I can be a role model to them," the 19-year-old actor said.
Aside from the importance of representation, Nic also mentioned how he personally relates to his character Moritz.
"I relate a lot to Moritz. I mean, in high school, I don't think I was very popular, and I saw myself as kinda weird. I'm actually excited for the other kids who were, you know, really weird and misunderstood in school, and who, overall, were just growing up relating to him. So, yeah, I really see that part of myself with Moritz and just like his overall wanting to do well," Nic said.
All-out support from Lea
After coming out as trans masculine at 14, Nic shared a milestone of his journey when he posted a photo of himself undergoing a top surgery last September 2025.
Marking the celebration of Transgender Awareness Week, Nic mentioned in his post that the "brutal" healing process was worth it. According to Nic, he was not expecting that his post would go viral online.
"I did not expect it to make the news. The way it felt when I saw ABS-CBN posting about it. It felt like, for me, as if I removed my braces and the whole country freaked out about it. That's how it felt for me. However, I do understand the impact that it does have, and that is why I did it, because I know that it's more taboo and not really a thing here for even trans men to come out and to have top surgery or even to have testosterone. So, you know, I'm trying to push for that kind of care," Nic said.
Nic also mentioned that his mom, Lea, was supportive all along his transition.
"She is all for it. My mom cares that I'm living happily and that I am living who I really am, and who I believe I really am. And that is what is important for her, and that is what is important for me.
"And she'd much rather have me be happy and something, you know, we'll see. We'll have to discover as we go on and stuff. Instead of me being depressed and not comfortable, you know, because that's the job of your parents. They should want the best for you at the end of the day," Nic also said.
A mix of Philippine theater stalwarts and rising stars is set to breathe new life into "Spring Awakening" 20 years after its Broadway premiere.
First Lady of Philippine Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and multi-awarded artist Ana Abad Santos will share the role of Adult Woman. Meanwhile, King of Philippine Musical Theater Audie Gemora will step into the role of Adult Man.
Taking the stage alongside theater luminaries are Nacho Tambunting and Alex Diaz, who share the role of Melchior Gabor; Nic Chien and Omar Uddin, who alternate as Moritz Stiefel; and Sheena Belarmino, who will play Wendla Bergmann.
Directed by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, the artistic team of Spring Awakening also includes Ejay Yatco as musical director, Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, and Missy Maramara as intimacy director.
Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, D Cortezano as lighting designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, Salve Villarosa as dramaturg, Aron Roca as sound designer, Sheik Completado as technical director, and Jaydee Jasa as hair and makeup designer.
"Spring Awakening" is the inaugural show of The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. The show will run from Feb. 13 until March 22, 2026. Tickets are now available on Ticket2Me (tinyurl.com/SandboxSpring2026).
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