Title: The Charm of Musical Theatre Performance

Speaker: Huang Kai

Time: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 14:00

Venue: Sunrise Concert Hall, Xueyuan Road Campus

Registration:

Students: Please click the link below to register via the Boya platform (https://bykc.buaa.edu.cn).

Faculty and Staff: Please scan the QR code to register.

Abstract:

This lecture offers a systematic exploration of the unique charm of musical theatre performance.

First, it traces the historical evolution of musical theatre performance from the Golden Age of Broadway to contemporary diverse integration, and examines the localized development of Chinese musical theatre.

Second, the lecture delves into the core characteristics of musical theatre performance: the trinity of singing, dancing, and acting. It explores how actors combine these three elements in character portrayal, as well as the techniques for creating "momentary authenticity" in stage storytelling.

Finally, drawing on thirty years of experience in musical theatre education at the Beijing Dance Academy, the lecture shares philosophies and pathways for nurturing performance talent. It discusses how to cultivate versatile talent with artistic sensibility, professional skills, and creative ability.

The lecture provides an integrated theoretical and practical artistic journey for musical theatre lovers, learners and practitioners.

About the Speaker:

Huang Kai is Dean, Professor and Master's Supervisor of the Musical Theatre Department at Beijing Dance Academy, and a National Class-A Director. He is Executive Deputy Director of the Creation Committee of the China Musical Association, a member of the Directing Art Committee and the Theatre Education Committee of the China Theatre Association, and a Council Member of the Beijing Theatre Association as well as a member of its Theatre Education Committee.

As a recipient of the China's Golden Lion Drama Award for Best Director, he has directed more than 30 plays including I Am Not Li Bai, Mr. Zhuang, and I'm Not a Bodyguard. His notable musical theatre works include Wang Er's Long March, Nie Xiaoqian and Ning Caichen, and The Destruction of Opium at Humen. His productions have received the Five-One Project Award of CPC Publicity Department, the National Excellent Small Theatre Drama Award, and the Hong Kong Drama Golden Bauhinia Medal. He has also been honored with the Best Director Award at the First Beijing University Student Drama Festival and the Best Newcomer Award at the 8th Beijing College Student Film Festival.

Huang Kai is among the first group of artists selected for the "Capital's Outstanding Young and Mid-Aged Literary and Art Talents Pool." He is also recognized as one of the "40 Directors Honored for 40 Years of Chinese Small Theatre." His works have been invited to the Avignon Theatre Festival in France, the Korea Theatre Festival, and other international events.

Editor: Liu Tingting