Broadway's Helen J. Shen (Tony-winning Maybe Happy Ending) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her whirlwind rise to theatre stardom during a thoughtful conversation about artistry, ambition, and staying human even when you're playing a robot.

This kind-hearted episode covers:

How classical piano training shaped her work ethic
The intersection of kindness, diligence, and authenticity
Navigating imposter syndrome with childlike joy
Tips for handling tech frustrations during rehearsals
The importance of community and supporting co-stars
Lessons from working with legendary leaders like Michael Arden and Meryl Streep
Insights into recording a Broadway cast album and its lasting impact
Broadway theatre ghost encounters and more!

HELEN J SHEN (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the entertainment industry. Helen currently stars in the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. For her performance, she received rave reviews and was recognized with the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre, the Theatre World Award, and nominations for a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Drama League Award. She recently wrapped filming the highly anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to be released this upcoming May. They previously starred in the musical The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. For her performance as JJ, Helen received a 2025 Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical. Helen also captivated audiences in the musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Their regional credits include starring in Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized in TIME100 Next, Variety’s 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the 2025 Gold House A100 List.

Follow Helen:

@helenjshen

⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠

⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Helen J. Shen on Leaving Maybe Happy Ending, Devil Wears Prada 2 & Broadway Ghosts