According to Zheng Xin, head of the Culture Center of Xicheng District, it has been about 10 years since the center launched its theater club for amateur actors and actresses.

Of various ages and different occupations, those amateur performers gather at the center every week to receive training from professional actors and actresses as well as make original plays.

Last year, the center produced and staged an original Chinese play, titled Xicheng Dama, which follows the stories of retired women in Xicheng district, who volunteer to work for the community and serve as volunteers for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.