With small-scale dramas popular in Shanghai for years, it has been the habit of many a Shanghai white-collar worker to enjoy a theatrical experience from time to time. With their popularity tied to intimate theatres, more independent drama studios are now appearing in the city as more audience members-turned-actors seek to get their own dreams delivered on stage.

The crowds of people seen outside Shanghai Grand Theatre in the evening wait to see if they can get better seats. There, in an intimate theater, a modern play, "A Dangerous Relationship," is being staged. 　　

Schemes and love, greed and conscience, such conflicting elements make up the absurd, however thought-provoking story at the center of this drama. Miss Sun a frequent theatergoer seems to have enjoyed the play very much. 　　

“When I choose which play to see, its story is the deciding fact. This one is really good because it touches upon the life of ordinary people.” 　　

Miss Sun also says she especially likes small-scale productions as intimate theatres make her feel like she is a part of the play. In addition, the lack of distance between the stage and the audience also puts the actors’ skills to the test. 　　

The challenge of up-close performances is exactly the reason why both professional actors and amateurs are so attracted to small-scale dramas. 　

In “A Dangerous Relationship,” the audience sees a familiar face, Xiaohe, a local TV host. Her acting dream has finally become a reality after having missed several chances of playing in other dramas. Her words reveal her obvious indulgence in theater. 　　

“Though you are not playing yourself in a drama, you can always relate your life to the life of your character. And in a small-stage drama, you must magnify these emotions—emotions you are familiar with. I truly fully enjoy myself while performing.”

Actually, cooperation across different fields on Shanghai’s drama scene is common. The once sensational drama “Sentinels under Neon Lights” has gathered over 10 non-professional actors who are famous TV hosts, dancers and opera singers. The fame of these local celebrities assures a boom at the box office, while, at the same time, the aspiring amateurs are able to fulfill their dreams. 　　

Also, the stage might not be as far away for ordinary people as they might imagine. Xiaoliang, from Shanghai, had an enviable job in a foreign enterprise. But an experimental drama “Mary Malian” changed everything. After seeing the drama, Xiaoliang talked to the director, who then offered him a chance to perform. Now, the Shanghai resident has even given up his job to be a full-time amateur actor. 　　

In a loft downtown, Xiaoliang and his fellow actors are busy rehearsing a new play, an experimental and avant-garde work in which no scenario is provided and actors improvise their movements according to the music. 　　

“Almost all the actors in the play are amateurs. Some are working in companies and others have quit their jobs just like me. Without a job, I can devote all my time to stage performance.” 　　

As I witness these performing enthusiasts dance and sweat in a sweltering loft with no air-conditioning, I realize that aspiring actors have plenty of places to express their passion, be it on a big stage, a small one or even no stage at all.