THE National Qingdao Economic & Technological Development Zone signed contracts with Shanghai Theater Academy on March 8 to open a branch of the university in the area. It will be known as Qingdao Shanghai Theater Academy.

    It will start enrollment in autumn 2012, and will have about 1,200 students in three to five years.

    The new school will help the city’s industrial development and improve art education, making the Fenghuangdao area an island of movie and art.

    The Art School of the Qingdao Drama Theater was also established March 8. As a professional training center for actors and actresses, the school will give up to one year of professional drama training to people aged between 7 and 16. Courses include acting, singing, posture and line reading.

    Wang Ke, president of the theater, said they would invite experienced artists to teach at the school.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Li Wei)