In a commercially minded city such as Hong Kong, where students often feel parental pressure to conform to certain career choices, the performing arts don't enjoy the highest of profiles. But the field does offer good and varied career prospects, according to Christi Lee, assistant corporate communications manager at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA).
The HKAPA was set up by the government in 1984 to foster training, education and research in the performing and related theatre and entertainment arts. Its premises, which contain some of Hong Kong's busiest performance venues, are on the Wan Chai waterfront.
'Graduates from the academy have a diversified career path,' Lee says. 'Apart from working as professionals in the field, some work on contracts with established companies in the industry, while others work on a freelance basis. Some graduates form independent production groups for specific performances. Some are engaged in education, in teaching and in community contexts, and others work in arts administration.'
The HKAPA provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies in the disciplines of dance, drama, film and television, music, theatre and entertainment arts, and Chinese traditional theatre. Students learn through practising the arts, rather than learning about them, and there are many opportunities for public performances and practical production work.
For instance, the School of Music helps organise students to perform at concerts at Government House, as extra players in professional orchestras, and as players of chamber or solo music at various public and private functions.
Dance students, especially those in their senior years, are frequently invited to participate in productions by local and visiting international professional dance companies.