The Young Theatre Artist’s Competition is a major component of the Wuzhen Festival. 12 creative groups will be chosen to come to Wuzhen to perform a newly created work on a topic designated by the Festival. The jury will be comprised of luminaries and masters of the art, and on the final day of the Festival will choose a Best Play, which comes with a cash prize of RMB200,000(US＄32260) and a Special Prize to the most outstanding artist, which comes with a cash prize of RMB60,000(US＄9678).

The purpose of the competition is part of the vision of the Festival Directors, to establish a platform for the development of original theater works among promising young artists. The platform is for passionate and potential young playwrights and performers to present themselves, learn from world drama masters and broaden their horizons.

This year the Young Theatre Artist’s Competition of Wuzhen Theatre Festival is regretfully only open to Chinese applicants aged 35 and under or presenting their first theatrical work. In future years it is hoped to be open to young theatre artists from all over the world.