On 4 December 2024, the second-year undergraduate students of Class 1 from the Acting Department at Shanghai Theatre Academy were treated to an esteemed art lesson. Renowned director, actor, producer and screenwriter, Mr Xu Zheng, a PT expert for the Acting Department and an alumnus, was invited back to his alma mater to deliver an inspiring and practical acting guidance class. During this session, students showcased 12 meticulously prepared drama segments, which were rich in themes and diverse in styles. The performances featured romantic love scenes, intense conflicts and intricate emotional analysis, spanning various styles of classical and modern drama. Mr Xu provided specific and in-depth guidance based on these segments, helping students to understand the various methods of acting on a deeper level through practical application.
Mr Xu emphasized from an overall perspective that students should have a sense of the work itself. He focused on three aspects: rhythm, detail and focal point, providing comprehensive analysis and suggestions for the students' performances. First, he highlighted the necessity for actors to grasp the rhythm of the piece comprehensively, ensuring each scene engages the audience's attention consistently. Actors must precisely control the rhythm, achieving a balance that leads the audience deeper into the plot through changes in tempo, immersing them completely. Secondly, regarding the handling of details, Mr Xu noted that actors should immerse themselves entirely in their roles, merging with the character and paying attention to every detail. This detailed approach creates a powerful artistic impact. From stage setup and body language to dialogue delivery, everything must be meticulously executed to perfectly present the character. Lastly, Mr Xu stressed the importance of focus, reminding students to maintain clear visual gaze orientation on stage, ensuring the audience remains centered on the core emotions and conflicts of the performance.
During the evaluation of the 12 segments, Mr Xu provided specific improvement suggestions based on the characteristics of each piece. He offered targeted analyses for each segment, helping students to further enhance their attention to detail and emotional expression.
Mr Xu's guidance session offered students a rare learning opportunity. Through this class, students not only improved their acting skills, but also gained new insights into artistic understanding and aesthetic pursuits. The deep educational interaction with the artist allowed students to learn from a working artist's creative thinking and experiences, and helped them to gain a clearer understanding of the core elements in artistic creation. It has also laid a solid foundation for their entry into the industry and onto the stage. The Acting Department of Shanghai Theatre Academy will continue to uphold a rigorous teaching attitude and innovative teaching concepts, providing students with higher quality educational resources and practical opportunities. This will promote their comprehensive development in professional skills and artistic cultivation, striving to nurture more acting talents with innovative spirit and industry vision.
