Interview Professor

Answer:　 Yes, in terms of students' learning in traditional opera courses, there are indeed many differences between the past and present. Here are some of the main differences:
(1)Teaching Method: In earlier traditional education, students typically followed a master from a young age, with an emphasis on oral transmission and spending time practicing on their own. However, modern education has introduced a series of structured curricula for traditional opera courses that combine theory with practical learning. Schools now utilize modern teaching tools and equipment to enhance the learning process.
(2)Curriculum Content: In earlier traditional education, its curriculum content primarily concentrated on basic skills training, such as singing, reading out, performing, and fighting, with a fixed learning structure. In contrast, modern curricula not only include foundational skill training but also cover diverse knowledge areas such as opera history, theory, and stage design. Additionally, they encourage innovation and interdisciplinary learning.
(3)Learning Environment: The learning environment in earlier traditional education was relatively simple, primarily taking place within theatrical troupes or theatres with limited resources. Modern opera schools, on the other hand, are equipped with professional facilities such as rehearsal rooms, theaters, and recording studios, providing more resources to support students' learning and creative endeavors.

Answer:　 Yes, current opera schools typically offer a diverse range of courses to enrich students' learning experiences and provide them with more development opportunities. Hence, the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts is a school that emphasizes a balanced focus on academic and artistic education. Examples of such courses include:
(1)Basic Academic Courses: Students are scheduled to take general subjects like Chinese, English, and Mathematics, which prepare them for further education.
(2)Language and Literature Courses: These courses cover classical literature, poetry, and opera and playwriting creation, helping students enhance their expressing skills and develop strong literary literacy.
(3)Music and Dance Courses: Beyond opera music, student can take other forms of music and dance to strengthen their artistic performance and creativity.
(4)Stage Technology Courses: Classes in lighting design, sound engineering, and stage design give students insight into opera performance planning.
(5)Modern Arts and Media Courses: Students can take modern drama, film, and television production courses, broadening their artistic horizons and improving their future employability.

Answer:　 Generally speaking, teachers use various methods to help students develop roles that suit them. First, we assess the student's physical traits, such as their figure and facial features, as well as their personality. Then, we observe whether the student can effectively express the character's personality and inner emotions during role-playing. Based on this, we determine which role is most appropriate for the student to develop and portray. Once the suitable role is identified, a tailored training plan is designed. As the student gains experience, teachers encourage them to innovate by adding their personal touch to the role, developing their own unique performance style. Additionally, we encourage students to try out different roles, which not only broaden their range of performance but also help them discover the performance style that suits them best.

Answer:　 Students must pass an assessment by their teachers before they are allowed to perform on stage. These assessments evaluate their professional skills, understanding of the role, and stage presence, ensuring they meet the following standards and criteria:
(1)Solid Fundamental Skills: Students must demonstrate proficiency in fundamental skills such as singing, reading out, performing, and fighting. These basic skills are the foundation of the opera performance, requiring extensive training and practice over time.
(2)Understanding of the Role: Students need to deeply understand their character's background, personality, and emotions, ensuring they can convincingly portray the inner world of the role.
(3)Stage Experience: Prior to formal performances, students are typically required to participated in multiple rehearsals and smaller performances to gain stage experience. This helps them adapt to the stage environment and enhances their stability and confidence during performances.
(4)Teamwork: Strong collaboration skills are essential, as students must work seamlessly with other performers, directors, and technical staff to ensure a smooth and cohesive performance.
(5)Psychological Quality: Students need to have good psychological quality, being able to stay calm and focused under pressure, and effectively handling any unexpected challenges during performances.

Answer:　 Currently, graduates from Performing Arts Colleges have a variety of career options and are suitable for joining different types of performance groups and related organizations. Some common career paths include:
(1)Professional Opera Troupes: Graduates can join professional opera troupes, taking on roles as actors, directors, scriptwriters, and more.
(2)Television Stations and Film Companies: Some graduates may work with television stations or film companies, contributing to the production and performance of opera-related TV dramas and films.
(3)Cultural Organizations and Arts Centers: Graduates can work in cultural organizations, art centers, or museums, focusing on opera education, curation, and cultural promotion.
(4)Educational Institutions: Some may choose to become opera instructors, teaching opera performance and theory in schools or training institutions.
(5)Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Graduates may engage in collaborative projects across different art forms, such as modern dance, musicals, stage plays, and more.
(6)Freelancers: Some graduates opt for freelance careers, participating in various opera performances, workshops, and art festivals, allowing them flexibility in shaping their careers.