Independent streak

Xiao Ke's idea of launching the theater training program comes from his passion for theater.

Born in Beijing, Xiao Ke was trained in classical music. He started learning the piano at 12, and formed his first band at age 19. He has worked in the music business ever since.

The singer-songwriter's eponymous album was released in 1996, and he is best known for folk and pop songs. He has also written songs for pop stars, including Because of Love for pop diva Faye Wong and Hong Kong singer Eason Chan. One of his most famous songs is Beijing Welcomes You, which was played to mark the 100-day countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

His involvement in theater began in 2007 when he was invited to write the score and sing in the musical drama, How Much Love Can Be Messed Up. With encouragement from the director, Xiao Ke ended up playing the lead role of Lin Yibai, a heartbroken 30-something bachelor.

The drama turned out to be a huge success, and also made Xiao Ke a big fan of theater. The experience gave him a new enthusiasm for music and the performing arts.

Twelve years ago, he launched Xiao Ke Theater, which has staged more than 10 Chinese musicals, all written by him.

Xiao Ke said he has been lucky enough to have many popular songs. But in some instances, such as commercial projects and collaborative projects, he has had to compromise his artistic vision.

"I've always loved theater, and musicals in particular. With the money I gained from my music career I launched the theater, which I wanted it to be a place for my independent songwriting," he said. "It's pure love and no compromising."

Xiao Ke can still remember the awkwardness and exhilaration of his first acting experience. He was asked by the director to do some intimate interactions with an actress whom he had met for the first time.

"I stood on the stage, unsure of where to place my hands as I prepared to perform an intimate scene with the actress beside me," he recalled.

"My movements were rigid and clumsy. My eyes darted away from hers, avoiding eye contact."

He said it took him nine hours to perfect what the director wanted, and the learning experience was exciting, as if he had become an entirely new person.

"I opened up myself and embraced the moments of being onstage as an actor. I want those 100 people in the theater training program to feel the same way, whether they become the final winners or not," Xiao Ke said.