Teaching theater in Shenzhen

My journey in China began in 2014, with teaching posts in Shanghai and Guangzhou. But it wasn’t until 2022, after years of moving between cities, that I decided to put down roots in Shenzhen — a modern, green, and thoughtfully designed place.

Having visited the city several times before relocating, I was drawn not only to its balance of urban order and natural beauty but also its cultural pockets — the creative spirit of OCT-LOFT and the relaxed, community feel of Shekou.

I joined the Shenzhen College of International Education, where I was impressed by the school’s dedicated theater facilities, including a well-equipped stage, drama studios, and costume resources. There, I began directing student musicals and noticed a strong enthusiasm for Western theater among my students.

To me, theater education goes beyond rehearsals and classroom exercises. I've found that many students expect drama to function like academic subjects. But real growth, I believe, comes from intrinsic motivation — the willingness to participate, create, and perform outside of structured class time.

Cultural nuances have surfaced in my teaching as well. In one instance, a student hesitated to use facial expressions during a performance, explaining that it felt insincere to be overly emotive. I saw this not as resistance but as a reflection of deeper cultural attitudes and a chance to open a dialogue about theatrical expression and audience connection.