Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC) has hosted 158 small theater performances this year, including stand-up comedies and situational dramas, marking a 12 percent increase over the previous year and attracting nearly 30,000 audience members.

Differing from traditional large theaters with grand stages, small theaters emphasize intimate audience interaction. The stage and seating are integrated, creating an immersive experience where the audience is enveloped in the storyline during the performance.

Performers of the thrilling comedy SWITCH. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The thrilling comedy SWITCH has staged 20 shows since its debut in Wuhan on May 30, drawing over 2,000 ticket holders, with nearly every show sold out. Audience members have enthusiastically expressed, "We hope to see more of these engaging and skillful small theater performances!"

To bring SWITCH to Wuhan, Hubei Lianying Chuangyi Cultural Media Co and the production team conducted multiple on-site surveys, ultimately deciding to establish the first 200-square-meter immersive performance theater in OVC.

Zheng Pengfei, general manager of Lianying Chuangyi's performing arts division, explained that the choice of OVC was due to its nurturing environment for small theater growth. "OVC has a high population of university students who are more receptive to new experiences, making them the target audience for small theater. Additionally, the abundance of resources from universities in OVC serves as a vital talent pool for small theater performers."

A stand-up comedy is staged. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

According to Zheng, Lianying Chuangyi will introduce new immersive productions in OVC to meet the increasing demand for small-scale performances among residents.

OVC has cultivated a diverse performing arts ecosystem encompassing large concerts, musicals, small situational dramas, and stand-up comedies. From January to May, the zone hosted 450 commercial performances, including 10 large-scale, star-studded concerts, attracting nearly 180,000 attendees.