PhD in Acting and Directing Studies

Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) in Shanghai is a leading public institution with a nearly seventy-year tradition in dramatic arts education. Known for rigorous training in acting, directing, stage design and dramatic literature, STA has shaped many prominent performers and creative professionals. Its reputation rests on a balance of classical techniques and contemporary practice, making it an attractive choice for international students who want focused, professional training in performance and production.

STA operates across three campuses and brings together departments and colleges that cover acting, directing, stage and screen design, Chinese opera, dance and television arts. The Academy offers undergraduate and graduate programs, a doctoral track in theatre studies and pre-college professional schools. Facilities include professional theatres, black box studios, film and television practice studios and specialized classrooms that support hands-on learning and collaborative productions.

International exchange is a hallmark of STA, with partnerships and joint projects spanning North America, Europe and Asia. Students benefit from exchange performances, short-term study programs and international festivals that expand professional networks and creative perspectives. With a vibrant campus life in one of China’s most dynamic cultural cities, STA provides a focused, practice-driven environment for students aiming to pursue performing arts careers or advanced research in theatre and media.

The PhD in Acting and Directing Studies at Shanghai Theatre Academy is for students who want a PhD degree. It helps students learn about acting and directing in Chinese.

This program teaches students about acting, directing, and performance skills through hands-on work and research projects.

Graduates can become Theatre Directors, Actors, or Drama Teachers, and work in theatres, film studios, or schools in China.