Chen Kun: 'We are trying to build a school that values idealism'

Q: What kind of attitude do you think actors should have?

A: After students graduate they may become popular actors. They may perform on stage only, or change their profession, just like us when we graduated from film schools. Either way, they'll be happy as long as they have adjusted their attitude toward acting after doing this one-year or nine-month course.

The approach to running a school is completely different from that of running a talent agency, so this topic is very difficult to discuss in an industrial setting. Neither Xun nor I consider ourselves the best actors in the industry. We learned acting 20 years ago, and things have changed over the years. We have maintained a level of sincerity in our attitude, but we do need to reconsider how to improve our acting.

Q: Is it a consensus among the teachers that a good attitude is fundamental to acting?

A: That's something I demand. As actors we need to maintain our reverence for acting and for ourselves. This is why we are trying to build a school that values idealism. When each teacher finishes a lecture, students stand up and make a deep bow, as they did in private schools in ancient China. The Dome Studio wants to protect not only the students, but also these teachers of acting, offering them an enjoyable teaching experience.

This place is built entirely out of our love for acting, where the students genuinely and respectfully want to learn. I think a good attitude in acting means that when someone gets an acting opportunity, they are going to consider whether they can bring the character to life. As I have often told the students, their respect for others and the profession will be rewarded.

(China Daily 12/29/2018 page15)