Where inner children take stage

"Unlike grand theaters or opera houses, which can feel distant and inaccessible to those without acting experience, our theater is open to everyone," she said. "We want people to feel they can take a step closer and become part of the action on stage."

"Everyone has the potential to stand here," she added.

Zhang truly enjoys her time on stage as a trainer. "Most of the time I'm physically tired, but the experience is spiritually nourishing," she said. "I feel that each time I do this work, I'm planting seeds — and more people can draw strength from what they experience on stage."

Chen Biwen, another trainer at Galli Theater, has observed a growing number of young people stepping onto the stage, each arriving with their own expectations and motivations — some wanting to express emotions, others hoping to improve themselves.

"We are not working only with people who are mentally 'ill'," she said. "We are open to everyone."

The stage gives participants an opportunity to rehearse situations they may find difficult to face in real life. For instance, some people want to confess their feelings to someone but don't know how.

"In real life, there is no chance to practice," Zhang said. "But on stage, you can try again and again, and learn how to handle real-life situations in a psychologically healthy way."

The workshops also address issues that have become increasingly common in modern urban life — anxiety, uncertainty, and the difficulty of making decisions shaped by relationships and life choices.

"For my generation, especially those of us who grew up in big cities, there are simply too many options," said Hong Yixin, a participant.

"That can be confusing," she added. "When everything feels possible, and we must take responsibility for every step we make, it somehow becomes even harder."