Innovative Performance Research & Global Publications
Intercultural · Interdisciplinary · Award-winning
“This paper is simply brilliant - a treasure trove of practical insights. It feels like a meticulous record of technique in action. I struggled to fully grasp Actioning in class, but this article made everything clear. I highly recommend it to all actors and students studying Actioning.”
— Drama School Student
“Dr Shaoyuan Qi is the definition of a true practitioner-researcher, and every one of her articles is deeply rooted in the realities of performance. Her work offers valuable insights and practical advice. I highly recommend taking the time to engage deeply with her articles.”
— Y. Du, Director, Actor, and Acting Coach
“Dr Qi’s work has changed my view on academic research and its relevance to acting practice. In this paper, she addresses how some core concepts of Western acting techniques have been misunderstood or lost in translation when introduced to China, which has caused significant gaps in actor training. This paper answered many of the questions I’ve struggled with in my own performance. It’s an essential read for all actors.”
— S. Liu, Musical Theatre Actor
What We Do
We offer personalised research support and academic coaching for students, scholars, and professionals in performance studies. Whether you are a student striving to excel in your academic work or a professional aiming to publish in international journals, our services are tailored to meet your needs.
Led by Dr Shaoyuan Qi, who was awarded second prize at the 2nd International Theatre Academy Awards for her pioneering research ‘What Western Ideas Have We Diluted, Misunderstood and Missed in Intercultural Actor Training?’, we provide innovative, cutting-edge approaches that bridge Eastern and Western acting techniques, offering a deep intercultural perspective.
Dr Qi’s groundbreaking work, ‘Embodied Learning with Metaphors and Rich Picture-like Diagrams in Actor Training: An Articulated, Playful Approach to Teaching and Practice-led Research,’ has revolutionised performance research by incorporating Rich Pictures and metaphors into actor training. This interdisciplinary approach has opened new pathways for exploring actor training methods across different fields.
As a practitioner-researcher, Dr Qi is highly skilled in practice-led research, action research, and case studies, particularly in the field of intercultural performance. Her methods often incorporate interviews, cross-cultural analysis, and qualitative research, exploring the practical realities of performance. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive perspective that bridges Eastern and Western techniques, making her research deeply relevant to both academic and practical actor training contexts.
Recognised as a ‘Global Talent’ by the British Academy in Performance Studies, Dr Qi brings her award-winning expertise to guide you on your academic journey.
Our Services Include:
- Online Consultation: Virtual, one-on-one sessions to guide you through your academic or professional research.
- Research Paper Coaching: Get personalised advice on crafting and refining your research papers for international publication.
- Innovative Courses: Access advanced courses that focus on the latest developments in performance studies, including interdisciplinary research methods and intercultural actor training.
Take your research to the next level with our award-winning coaching services.
Book a session now and unlock your potential!
Book Now
Bringing World-Class Productions to New Audiences - Click here to explore our global production services!
Research Spotlight
2024. Embodied learning with metaphors and Rich Picture-like diagrams in actor training: an articulated, playful approach to teaching and practice-led research. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443927.2024.2369648
Translations
The following two books were introduced to the Chinese market as a two-volume set named ‘A Practical Action Bible for Actors: A Technique of British Actor Training.’ This set is designed to be a comprehensive resource for actors and acting coaches, bridging Western acting techniques with a Chinese-speaking audience. In addition to translating, her contributions include the Translator’s Preface, Afterword, and Annotations, which provide original insights to enhance the understanding of British actor training for Chinese practitioners. Click the images below to learn more.
Research Articles
👈 Examines the transmission and adaptation of Western acting techniques in intercultural actor training. The research critically engages with how these methodologies are received, adapted, and sometimes misconstrued in intercultural contexts, offering fresh insights based on extensive experience in both Western and Eastern actor training.
👉 Introduces the British Actioning technique, exploring its origins, development, and implications for contemporary actor training. This Chinese article provides a critical reflection and insightful analysis on the adaptation and impact of Actioning in current training practices.Click the images below to learn more.
Cover image © Drama: The Journal of the Central Academy of Drama
2021. Qi, Shaoyuan. ‘Actioning Is ‘Magic Stimuli’ in Rehearsal: The Revelation of British Actor Training to Actors and Acting Coaches.’ Drama (The Journal of the Central Academy of Drama)
Cover image © Drama: The Journal of the Central Academy of Drama
2024. Qi, Shaoyuan. ‘What Western Ideas Have We Diluted, Misunderstood and Missed in Intercultural Actor Training? - Observation, Practice and Reflection at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.’ Drama (The Journal of the Central Academy of Drama).