Actor-singer Telly Leung, 33, who has been on Broadway and television for 10 years, believes actors are educators, too.

So when he’s not performing, he’s teaching.

Now based at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, Leung was an artist-in-residence this fall at ‘Iolani School, teaching performing arts classes and conducting workshops. He also conducted a class in musical theater at the school last summer.

He is also part of a new generation of Asian actors eager to bring fresh theater to Broadway.

Leunghas been associated with the original musical "Allegiance: A New American Musical," for the past three years.

In it he will portray Young Sam Kimura opposite Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, the celebrated actress known for her portrayal of Kim in "Miss Saigon."

The two became friends while performing together in "Flower Drum Song." In "Allegiance," Salonga playsKeiko Kimura, Sam’s older sister, in a family conflicted by the anguish of World War II internment camps.

The painful historical chapter resonates with many Hawaii residents familiar with the wartime camps here and on the mainland.

Also starring in "Allegiance" is George Takei, the original Sulu in the iconic "Star Trek" franchise. He plays Old Sam Kimura, a war veteran who reconciles with his family after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

If "Allegiance" can’t make it to Broadway next year, Leung hopes London’s West End could emerge as the 2014 destination.

So he’s pledging his allegiance to the musical, declining other roles or commitments to be available if and when an opening is secure.

"We have the financing — $13 million," he said. "On Broadway the problem is real estate. Until a show closes and a theater becomes available, we can’t open. We’ve already staked out a claim (on a site), but we just have to wait. All the stars have to align."

Leungbelieves American and European audiences are ready for a historical musical like "Allegiance."

Leung’s parents fled Communist China, met and married in Hong Kong. He was named after actor Telly Savales of "Kojak" fame, a favorite TV show of his mother, who learned English at night school.

While attending New York’s Stuyvesant High School, "I always felt my brain was not balanced," he said.

"I couldn’t quite work on civics and chemistry and calculus, so I got involved in choir, after-school theater and musicals. These spoke to me. Theater kind of made me grow up as a whole child.

"It was magic because the theater was like family. Community, camaraderie — that kind of feeling."

Leung also studied acting, singing and dance at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh.

Because of his family’s immigrant roots and early life in New York’s Chinatown, he often felt he was a second-class citizen in what was his first country, America.

He said one of the reasons he is drawn to "Allegiance" is because it is an original work not based on a book, movie or previous production. The musical’s book is by Jay Kuo, Marc Acito and Lorenzo Thione. Stafford Arima is directing.

"It’s completely fresh from scratch with original music,loosely based on Japanese internment. … I am excited about putting my spin (on the character of Sammy) and my touch first, an opportunity that doesn’t often happen. But the stars have to align. I feel like this show was meant to be, for me to do it. I could get another job, but I’ll wait for this one."

One of the producers is Honolulu surgeon Mark Mugiishi, an ‘Iolani graduate and former basketball coach at the school. He was the conduit forLeung’s recent ‘Iolani residency.

Aside from major Broadway shows such as "Flower Drum Song," "Pacific Overtures" and "Miss Saigon," productions with Asian casts are rare. But Leung, who played Dalton Academy student Wes on Fox’s "Glee" during the 2010-2011 season, does not see race as an issue in his career.

"I have been cast on TV and on stage in nontraditional roles, like in ‘Rent’ and ‘Godspell.’ Personally, I’m lucky; so I can’t think of race as a hindrance — I think of it as my asset. I’m uniquely me; my job is to say, ‘Why not cast me?’ I’ve tried to instill this philosophy."

While playing teacher at ‘Iolani, Leung’s youthfulness allowed him to establish a quick rapport with students.

"When an audience (of students) come in, I give a ‘performance,’ and hopefully this inspires them and they will leave and change for the better by learning something. That’s the job of the artist, too — I learn when I teach," he said.

Chorus teacher John Alexander was impressed by Leung’s presence and style as a teacher and performer.

"Tellyis a remarkable man, incredibly talented as a performer but so eager and willing to inspire and guide the next generation of performers. I’m still a bit starstruck."

Students loved Leung, too.

"Telly was able to break an emotional barrier with me during my monologue," said senior Summer Scott, who attended one his workshops. "He is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met, and to have him teach at ‘Iolani was truly an unforgettable experience."

Said fellow senior Austyn Lee, "What was most inspiring was the amount of thoughtTellyput into each song, which made the music come alive and allowed him to communicate the messages of the songs in a meaningful manner."

While awaiting the call to duty for "Allegiance," Leungis taking brief high school teaching gigs and college coaching as part ofa new music program at Tisch in New York.

"Teaching makes me a better performer," said Leung. "But in the end I learn a lot, too."

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Read Wayne Harada’s "Show Biz" column on Sundays in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Today section and find his "Show and Tell Hawaii" blog at www.staradvertiser.com.