Shanghai Theatre Academy

admin September 4, 2023

Introduction

The Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), located in Shanghai, China, is a renowned institution of higher education dedicated to the performing arts. Established in 1945, STA has become one of the leading theatre academies in China, offering a wide range of programs and courses in various disciplines such as acting, directing, and stage design. The university attracts talented students and distinguished faculty from around the nation and abroad. With its commitment to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange, STA has solidified its position as a key player in the local and international theatre and performing arts education landscape.

Founding History

The Shanghai Theatre Academy can trace its roots back to the establishment of the Shanghai School of Drama in 1945. The school aimed to provide specialized education and training in drama and theatre arts to support the cultural development of the region. Over the years, the institution underwent several changes and expansions, eventually becoming the Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1956. Throughout its history, the university has played a significant role in advancing theatre education, research, and artistic expression. It has produced numerous influential actors, directors, playwrights, and designers who have made significant contributions to the performing arts.

Departments

STA is renowned for its diverse range of departments and schools, covering various disciplines within the performing arts. Here are some notable departments within the university:

Department of Acting: The Department of Acting offers programs in disciplines such as traditional Chinese opera, contemporary drama, and musical theatre. It focuses on training students in performance skills, character development, and stage presence.
Department of Directing: This department specializes in directing education and research. It offers programs in disciplines such as stage directing, film directing, and theatre management. The department focuses on training students in directing techniques, artistic vision, and production management.
Department of Design and Production: This department offers programs in disciplines such as stage design, costume design, and lighting design. It focuses on training students in design principles, technical skills, and visual storytelling.
Department of Playwriting and Dramaturgy: This department specializes in playwriting and dramaturgy education and research. It offers programs in disciplines such as playwriting, script analysis, and theatre history. The department focuses on training students in storytelling techniques, script development, and dramatic structure.
Department of Theatre Studies: This department offers programs in theatre studies, critical analysis, and academic research. It focuses on training students in theatre history, dramatic theory, and cultural studies.

These departments represent just a fraction of the diverse academic offerings at STA. The university’s commitment to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange ensures students receive a comprehensive education in their chosen fields.

Courses Offered

STA offers a wide variety of courses across its various departments, providing students with ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop expertise in various disciplines within the performing arts. Here are some notable courses offered at STA:

Acting Techniques: This course focuses on the study of acting principles and techniques. Students learn about character analysis, physical expression, and vocal techniques. The course includes acting exercises, scene study, and theatrical performances to develop practical skills in acting.
Stage Directing: In this course, students delve into the study of stage directing principles and techniques. They learn about blocking, staging, and collaboration with actors. The course includes directing projects, script analysis, and scene rehearsals to develop practical skills in stage directing.
Design for Performance: This course focuses on the study of design principles and techniques for performance. Students learn about set design, costume design, and lighting design. The course includes design projects, visual research, and technical workshops to develop practical skills in design for performance.
Playwriting: In this course, students explore the principles and practices of playwriting. They learn about dramatic structure, character development, and dialogue writing. The course includes writing exercises, script workshops, and play readings to develop practical skills in playwriting.
Theatre History: This course focuses on the study of theatre history, including the development of theatre traditions and movements. Students learn about major playwrights, influential productions, and significant theatrical periods. The course includes research projects, historical analysis, and theatre visits to develop a comprehensive understanding of theatre history.

These courses represent just a fraction of the diverse curriculum available at STA. The university’s commitment to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange ensures students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in various performing arts disciplines.

Summary

The Shanghai Theatre Academy, with its commitment to artistic excellence, creative innovation, and cultural exchange, has established itself as a leading institution in the field of theatre and performing arts education. From its beginnings as the Shanghai School of Drama to its present-day status as a comprehensive university, STA has consistently demonstrated its dedication to advancing theatre education, research, and artistic expression. With a diverse range of departments and schools, the university offers a comprehensive academic program that prepares students for success in various performing arts disciplines. Students at STA have the opportunity to engage in innovative research, gain practical experience through performances and productions, and contribute to the artistic and cultural landscape. The university’s legacy of excellence and its commitment to education, research, and cultural exchange make it a truly exceptional institution in the local and international theatre and performing arts education landscape.

Universities in China