All his world's a stage

Co-founded by actor Deng Chao and scriptwriter Yu Baimei (center), the theater is set to promote original Chinese productions, especially comedies.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"During the past decade, we often discussed the dream and tried to map out a plan," says Yu. "We have done six comedy productions since we founded our studio in 2009. All the plays have toured the country and sold out fast, which gave us confidence to open Super Theater.

"We have signed a 10-year rental contract. We hope to open more theaters, not just in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but also in second- and third-tier cities, to allow theater lovers to watch plays and even join our studio."

They also have a deal with the Central Academy of Drama's stage-set design department, which will allow young students and graduates to test their ideas in Super Theater.

Deng says that before he studied at the Central Academy of Drama, he wasn't so much into acting.

Born and raised in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, Deng fell in love with acting after he performed in a drama, Che Guevara, while studying at the Central Academy of Drama.

It was Deng's first role, though he did not even appear on the stage - he just read a few lines in a voice-over.

From that simple start, acting became his goal.

Yu says: "Deng and I share a passion for theater. For example, we enjoy the darkness in the theater and we get excited after the curtain is raised. Though we make movies and do other projects, we still care about delivering laughs through dramas."