Type

Theatre

Location

Greater London

Content

GAO KAO is a new fringe theatre production exploring the psychological and emotional impact of China’s high-pressure education system.

Blending realism, physical theatre, surrealism, projection, and stylised movement, the play follows a final-year student navigating the increasingly violent and oppressive environment surrounding the Gao Kao — China’s national university entrance examination.

The piece examines themes of academic pressure, authority, obedience, youth mental health, identity, and survival within systems of competition and control.

The production contains emotionally intense material, including depictions of psychological distress, institutional pressure, physical conflict/stylised violence, and discussions surrounding suicide and mental health.

This is a highly performative and physically demanding piece with a strong ensemble dynamic and experimental theatrical style.

Dates

23rd Aug / 24th Aug

Apply By

17:00 - 23rd May 2026

Roles

Teacher

20 - 35

Roles Details

Title

Teacher

Content

A commanding and psychologically complex authority figure within the Gao Kao education system. The actor will multi-role several teachers and exam invigilators throughout the production, representing different forms of institutional pressure, discipline, and control.

The role requires strong vocal presence, emotional intensity, and the ability to shift between realism and stylised theatrical performance. Performers should be comfortable with heightened text, physical theatre elements, and choreographed/stylised conflict.

While the character can appear intimidating, the role is not written as purely villainous — the teachers themselves are also trapped within the system they enforce.

Stage combat training preferred!!

Salary

Fringe profit-share arrangement based on ticket sales

Age

20 - 35