When Spectators Become Performers

Two amateur actors on stage with a professional performer from the China National Theatre for Children on Sunday, December 29, 2019.[Photo: China Plus]

A dozen frequent theatregoers recently took to the stage in a show that touched on themes including diligence, courage, wisdom, self-confidence, innovation, and environmental protection.

The amateur performers were selected from kindergartens and primary schools in Beijing as part of the latest efforts of the China National Theatre for Children to promote drama education.

The spectators-turned-performers will be given the task of speaking with other children about the charms of drama at the annual China Children's Theatre Festival.

The five local primary schools with the largest number of performers will become centers for theater arts. They will be given professional assistance for their drama classes by the children's theatre.

The children's data program, "When Spectators Become Performers", was launched in 2016. It provides a platform that has enabled over 4,000 school children to take to the stage.