Theatre Workshop in line for top award

(XJTLU, China – 10^th June, 2009) Leaders from the Jiangsu Province Education Bureau visited Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) to determine the Theatre Workshop’s merit for a top Jiangsu clubs award.

 The Theatre Workshop, like most amateur theatre clubs, was born out of the dedication and enthusiasm of a few individuals little under 2years ago, however has rose to incredible heights since. What started off in dusty backrooms with actors rehearsing from ripped scripts, has transformed into a 100+ strong company with a complex organisational structure and a substantial budget.

 The leaders were impressed with the actions and organisation of the club, particularly as everything from meetings to performance is done exclusively in English. Every student at XJTLU can join or create their own club, which has led to a dynamic student atmosphere that enables and encourages students to realise their desires, both academically and socially.

 Having won numerous plaudits, and performed to audiences in Suzhou and Nanjing, the Theatre Workshop continues to grow and bloom. Last year they came 2^nd in a Jiangsu Province College Students’ Stage Performance Activity, competing with over 50 universities and colleges, and performing the only English language play of the competition.

 Dramatic music and light effects, English-Chinese projected translation, and a strong desire has propelled the club to perform ambitious plays, including William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Their latest triumph, Romeo and Juliet, was attended by English Language Centre (ELC) tutor Andy Synder. He said; “I was very impressed. They had learnt their lines very well, and held an excellent standard of English.”

 Qijian Xie, Team Leader for Student Affairs Office, delivered a presentation reporting the student environment and extra-curricular activities that flourish at XJTLU. Steve Jeaco, Director of the ELC, mentioned a number of successful ELC clubs which enjoy support from ELC staff, such as the student magazine SurfZone and the Debating Society. The representatives were also given a small tour of the University and a presentation outlining XJTLU’s vision and mission by Dr. Li, Centre Director for Development and External Affairs.

 For more information about club activities at XJTLU, please visit http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/campus-life/federation-of-student-associations