On 17 October 2024, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the "Tomorrow's Host - 7th Shanghai University Student Host Newcomer Competition" concluded successfully at the Shanghai Education Television Station studio. Students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy's College of Film shone brightly in the competition, showcasing their outstanding professional skills and youthful vigor. Bai Xinxin, a student from the 2022 class majoring in Broadcasting and Hosting Arts, won the championship ("Best New Host Award"), while Nie Xinling, a student from the 2023 class in the same major, won the silver award ("Outstanding New Host Award"). Additionally, Chen Huilin, also from the 2023 class, received the "New Host Award." Their excellent performances earned high praise from both the judges and the audience.
The competition, which began in June 2024, was guided by the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles and co-organized by the Shanghai Television Artists Association, Shanghai Education Television Station, Shanghai Online Audio-Visual Industry Association, and Shanghai Broadcasting and Television Production Industry Association. It attracted students from 24 universities, including Fudan University, Tongji University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and East China Normal University. After rigorous preliminary and semi-final rounds, 26 contestants advanced to the finals.
During the semi-finals and finals, the students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy demonstrated solid professional skills and innovative spirit. Bai Xinxin and Nie Xinling, as lead reciters, opened the competition with an emotional recitation, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the event. In the subsequent "I am in Shanghai" segment, the contestants showcased their quick-witted response, fluent expression, and unique insights into Shanghai's urban culture, reflecting the responsibilities and commitments of the youth in the new era.
The judging panel consisted of several authoritative experts in the industry, including Sun Xiangtong, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of Shanghai Open University; Wang Yong, Dean of the Shanghai University Music School; and hosts from Shanghai Media Group, Cao Kefan and He Jie. They provided strict evaluations of the contestants' performances and offered valuable feedback and suggestions, emphasizing that an excellent host must possess not only strong language skills but also deep cultural knowledge and an international perspective.
This competition thoroughly assessed the contestants' overall qualities and on-the-spot adaptability. Bai Xinxin and Nie Xinling's excellent and stable performances brought honor to the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Behind these honors is the full support and hard work of the teachers from the academy's hosting department. From the selection and training before the competition to every detail of the semi-finals and finals, the teachers dedicated their efforts to clearing all obstacles for the students and helping them take the stage in their best condition.
The stage of "Tomorrow's Host" has witnessed the dreams and efforts of the students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and it also heralds their bright future in the field of hosting. We look forward to more young talents growing continuously on this platform, bravely shouldering the mission of cultural communication in the new era, telling China's stories well, and contributing to the country's international communication efforts.
