Workshop stages boost to theater management

The 9th International Master Workshop on Theaters and Theater Company Management was held in Beijing on Oct 18 and 19.

With the theme "Innovative Development of Stage Management in China", the event co-organized by the China Association of Performing Arts and China Drama Art Institute took place at the Central Academy of Drama, gathering experts, scholars and theater companies. Keynote speeches, expert dialogues and roundtable discussions were held, aimed at collecting diverse perspectives and insights and driving the continuous innovation and development of stage management practices.

Guest speaker Liu Yan, co-president of Mahua FunAge, a leading comedy production company in China, shared her ideas about stage management and careers in theater. She said during the past 21 years, the company has expanded its territory from content production and filmmaking to reality shows and talent management. Over 10,000 productions were staged nationwide in 2023. She noted that with the rising demand for theaters, stage management professionals are needed.

Gill Allen, a researcher at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, one of the world's leading conservatories and drama schools in the United Kingdom, shared stage management standards in the UK and introduced the role of theater stage managers.

Li Qian, director of the theater management department of the Central Academy of Drama, talked about the current trends and challenges in stage management in China. She also reviewed the background of China's stage management teaching system.