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Record turnout for acting courses in China
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Theater academies in China have seen a big increase in the number of students seeking admission to the acting department.
Last week, a record 8,000 students from all over the country showed up for the first round of exams in the acting category at the Shanghai Theater Academy. The exams concluded on Friday.
The applicants were tested for recitation, impromptu performances, singing and gymnastics. But only 68 students made the grade and were provisionally admitted to the two majors — Film and TV Acting and Musical Acting. They, however, will still need good scores in the national college entrance exams in June to be admitted to the courses.
The Central Academy of Drama in Beijing also saw a big turnout. A total of 11,441 candidates appeared for the exams but only one in every 229 applicants will make it.
Since December, students have been traveling to Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shanghai for the acting course exams. They have applied to several art colleges to boost their chances.
‘Migratory Birds’
It is such a busy and hard season for them that some Netizens have started calling them “Migratory Birds.” The exams usually last for months.
For some exams, the students wait for hours in long queues but only get a few minutes to impress the judges. They also have to be careful and protect their throat.
Sandy Chen, a student from Jiangsu Province, said that she sleeps only for a few hours every day. Even on trains, she can’t afford to waste her time. To stay slim, she is careful of her diet too.
Meanwhile, Chen’s mother, surnamed Wang, was anxiously waiting outside in chilly wind and rain. Two months ago, she applied for leave from work to be with her daughter.
“We know there is only a slim chance of success but it is her dream,” Wang said. “Caring for her on the trips is the only way I can help.”
Several art training centers have sprung up across the country following the huge demand for arts schools. Many of the centers claim that they provide professional training by well-known teachers. The fees that the centers charge vary from 20,000 to 40,000 yuan (US$3,000-6,000) per month.
It is estimated that there are several hundred centers all over the country. Almost all of them are exam-oriented, targeting students seeking entry to China’s top-notch theater academies.
Experts, however, warn that excessive training can ruin the creativity of the students. To explore their true potential, the Shanghai Theater Academy made big changes to this year’s exams.
Liu Zhixin, the director of the academy’s admission office, said the final round of examination lasted four days. The judges spent a lot of time listening to the students about their life experiences, emotions and real personalities.
“Such things cannot be trained or duplicated,” said Liu.
Officials from the academy also said that students with comprehensive abilities, global vision and good cultural backgrounds usually go farther than those with just a pretty face.
In 2014, Liao Fan won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival for his portrayal of a detective in “Black Coal, Thin Ice.” Liao was the first Chinese to win the award.
Earlier this week, Wang Jingchun, Liao’s classmate at the Shanghai Theater Academy, picked up an acting award at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival for the epic drama “So Long, My Son.” Wang plays the role of a father who loses his son. Chinese actress Yong Mei also walked away with the Best Actress award.
Professor Shi Chuan, a film expert at the Shanghai Theater Academy, said both Liao and Wang don’t have eye-catching appearance but they impressed in their roles, even doing away with the stereotypical acting style.
“I have seen many students whose acting is similar and routine,” Shi said. “Even their appearance, style of dressing and expressions are the same. It makes it hard for us to choose.”
Shi said that actors should never repeat roles and style of acting; they must always have something new to offer because acting is an artistic expression. Diversified and creative actors can help in the development of domestic film and TV industries.
Insiders say the route to success is thorny and full of risk. Students should be prepared for all kinds of challenges.
Even if they make it to the schools, barely three or four of them achieve success and fame. Driven by the high returns from idol dramas and variety shows, many actors exaggerate their talent and fame, which is very likely to turn them into “meteors.”
According to Ren Zhonglun, chairman of Shanghai Film Group Corporation, there is no shortcut for fame.
“Young people will learn that promotion and good appearance are not a guarantee for success,” said Ren.
“They should work very hard to improve their understanding about life and people. They should never stop reading and observing, and they should always preserve their curiosity and enthusiasm for the art.”
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