Theater plays key role in dramatic tradition

"All the 15 actors are experienced professionals. It took two years to prepare this class, and those who have been enrolled will continue the tradition of the theater," Feng said.

Because of the viral outbreak, the training courses have been moved to online classes now.

In April next year, a new theater will open, increasing the number of venues under the umbrella of the Beijing People's Art Theater from three to four.

"It means that when the four venues are all staging plays on the same night, we will need about 80 actors. But now the theater has just 100 actors. Some of its best actors, including Pu Cunxin and Yang Lixin, have retired or will do so in a few years. These new actors will dominate the stage one day," Feng said.

One of the students at the training class is Cao Lei, 43, who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama Music Department in 2003 and has played roles in TV dramas and movies.

"I put all my acting experience aside to join the training class," Cao Lei said. "There's a creative energy here, along with a sensibility, style and discipline."

Classmate Deng Li regretted not applying to the Beijing People's Art Theater after she graduated in 2003.

"Though I have gained much acting experience during the past 10 years, I still feel empty inside. I want to fulfill a dream here," Deng said.

"Our first lesson was given by 92-yearold actor Lan Tianye, who spoke for two hours without a break. He loves the theater and acting, which is very inspiring."