It's no secret that Shanghai has a gluttonous amount of artistic venues full of song, art and acting. It is a talented city, full of budding thespians and aspiring artists. But with all the different artistic organizations competing for audiences and ticket sales, some of the smaller theatres and performance groups can easily get lost in the mix. But you, as a Shanghai audience member, can prevent that from happening by checking out some of the best, although sometimes forgotten, theatres and troupes in the city.

 

The Shanghai Actors Association
For those of you who like to follow a particular actor or even carry dreams of becoming an actor yourself, be sure to keep an eye on The Shanghai Actors Association. In conjunction with the Constellation [Talent] Agency, the SAA helps people who are interested in acting find a network to promote their particular brand of art. They regularly host events open to everyone working or volunteering in a wide range of artistic endeavors – not just stage performance. Started by Karl Dominik Ignaczak, a locally-based theater and television actor, the SAA is known for showcasing some of the brightest talent in the city. Take a look at their website (www.saa.1star1.cn) for more information about their individual actors and how to get involved.

Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center
Although fairly young, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center has an impressive pedigree. The SDAC actually came about through a merger of two of Shanghai's most respected theatre troupes: The Shanghai People's Art Theatre, which was founded in 1950 and gained a reputation for using both modern and traditional dramatic elements within their plays; and The Shanghai Youth Drama Troupe, founded in 1957 and originally part of the Experimental Drama Troupe of the Shanghai Drama Academy. Originally founded by famous Chinese actors Xiong Foxi, Huang Zuolin and Xia Yan, these two troupes formed the SDAC in 1995 (www.chinaculture.org). Over the last fifteen years, the SDAC has performed more than 100 plays, led several national and international tours, and participated in various international festivals such as the Experimental Theater Festival in Egypt and the Checkhov International Theater Festival in Russia. The SDAC is actually the organization that hosts the University Students' Dramatic Festival, going on since 2004, and the popular Asian Contemporary Theatre Festival, going on since 2005. The talent they draw and their obvious dedication to this city make them an organization worth watching.

East West Theater
For those who like their theatre a bit more community-oriented, look no further than the first English speaking troupe in Shanghai, East West Theater. While they certainly employ both professional Chinese and international actors, EWT is widely known for the amateur events they hold in partnership with the Shanghai Actors Association, such as standup comedy, improvisation and dramatic monologues (www.eastwesttheater.com). It's a non-profit organization, so you can feel good about where your money is going when you buy tickets to their performances. Keep an eye out for their latest productions, which typically occur every three to four months. Lest you think that stage theatre is all Shakespeare, be assured that you'll find a range of material here, from musicals to comedies to, yes, Shakespeare.

Shanghai Repertory Theatre

The former producer for East West Theater, Rosita L. Janbakhsh, branched off on her own (due to “creative and artistic differences”) in December of last year to create one of Shanghai's newest theatre troupes, Shanghai Repertory Theatre. The troupe travels from theatre to theatre, putting on performances that range from the classic (Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol”) to the creepy (the excellent “The Woman in Black”). Most of the creative team are also former members of the East West Theater, so don't be surprised if you see some familiar names. If you're looking to get the most updated information on performance schedules, venues, etc., check out the Ke Center, which acts as the official venue for SRT.

Shanghai Dramatic Arts CenterView In Map
Add: 288 Anfu Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市288 安福路
Telephone: (021) 6217-2426 (ticket hotline)

Ke CenterView In Map
Add: 613-B Kaixuan Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市凯旋路613号,近延安西路
Telephone: (021) 6131-3080 

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Keywords: shanghai theatre troupes shanghai theatre shanghai performance groups