After completing a course lasting nearly two months, the young participants have taken their first steps on a journey to discover the beauty of spoken drama.
The Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre held the graduation ceremony for its school stage performance skills course on July 31. Following 12 lessons led by the theatre's actors, the 24 children in the inaugural class brought charming characters to life in two short plays, ‘The Story of the Three Little Pigs’ and ‘The Legend of Saint Giong.’
Over the course of the programme, the children gradually became accustomed to the atmosphere of live performances and the experience of being on stage. They also learned that every theatrical production requires the close collaboration of an entire creative team — including the playwright, director, set designer, composer, stage crew, and costume and props designers — and that actors are at the heart of the creative process.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, actor and director Tuyet Mai said that although the course was relatively short, the children had acquired many of the essential skills required of stage performers. They had the opportunity to apply everything they had learned in their final performance.
"What makes me most proud is that they succeeded. I hope they will always believe in themselves and continue striving towards their goals. If they persevere, they can achieve their dreams," Director Tuyet Mai said.
Ha Quoc Cuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre, said the children taking part in the programme were like "little stars" in the city's theatrical landscape. The organisers hoped the course would provide a meaningful creative outlet, encouraging children to spend less time on electronic devices while becoming acquainted with professional acting skills.
Although the inaugural programme was a short-term initiative made possible through the voluntary contributions of the theatre's directors and actors, the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theatre is now planning to establish more comprehensive training courses in the future.
According to Nguyen Xuan Mai, Deputy Head of the Department of Pupils and Students under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, many of the children were initially shy and hesitant about speaking in front of others when the course began. They were also unfamiliar with concepts such as physical expression, stage improvisation, and controlling their voice, facial expressions, and breathing. However, after weeks of dedicated practice, they have gained the confidence to step onto the stage, immerse themselves in their roles, and convey stories and genuine emotions to the audience.
