On the morning of 22 May, the Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation of the 8th ATEC Asian Theatre Schools Festival 2026 took place at the Thrust Stage Theatre on the Changping Campus of the Central Academy of Drama. Representatives from ATEC member institutions, along with the Central Academy of Drama's leadership, faculty, and students, were present at the event. The closing ceremony was hosted by Zhong Hanling, a 2nd-Year postgraduate of Broadcasting and Anchoring, and Zhang Zhihan, a Class 3rd-Year undergraduate of Musical Theatre.

The closing ceremony featured remarks by Mr Huang Ying, Chair of the Jury,  First-Grade Director, Associate Professor at the Department of Directing, Beijing Film Academy. In his remarks, he highlighted students' remarkable four-day performances of Shaw's plays: Back to Methuselah—a proverbially challenging "marathon play"—was reinterpreted through East-West cultural dialogue in China over a century after its creation; SurpassMan reexamined man and superman from a feminist lens, exploring vitality philosophy; Major Barbara distilled its profound original essence into a compelling one-hour narrative. Through Candida, we had a renewed glimpse into Shaw's visionary take on intimate relationships a century ago. Four creative adaptations of Pygmalion demonstrated how multicultural aesthetics transcend time, sparking the magic of cultural exchange through classic reinvention. Mr Huang Ying emphasised that the Jury, with their passion for theatre, engaged in open discussions and multiple rounds of voting. "This was not merely an awards evaluation," he said, "but a profound professional dialogue."

Following the speeches, five students from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts performed a medley of Cantonese songs. When Cantonese classics like The Red Sun, Thousands of Songs, and Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies played, the audience sang along, filling the venue with joy and energy.

Following this was the awards ceremony. Mr Wang Yongqing, Jury Member, Professor at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, China, announced the Best Acting Awards winners. Mr Giorgi Sultanishvili, Performing Arts Instructor, Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film Georgia State University, Georgia, and Ms Ariunjoloo Myagmardorj, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture, Mongolia, presented the awards to the recipients.

‘Best Acting Awards’ winners are:

Rim Gyeol, Chung-Ang University, ROK

Nguyen Thi Minh Tra, Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, Vietnam

Kim Na-Hyeon, Chung-Ang University, ROK

Zhang Mengge, Shanghai Theatre Academy, China

Zhou Jiaxin, Shanghai Theatre Academy, China

‌Park Jung Eun, Chungwoon University, ROK

Yang Yue, The Central Academy of Drama, China

Ice Chung, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, China

‌Isabelle Jabbour, University of New Mexico, USA

Soo Yong Xin, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, Singapore

After the awards presentation, students from the College of Fine Arts, University of New Mexico, the USA, staged the movement-based sketch‌ Coyote: A Trickster Tale. With dynamic, impassioned physicality and sharply rhythmic stage arrangement, the actors vividly brought interpersonal dynamics to life, letting the audience soak in the unadulterated magic of physical theatre.

After the performances came the presentation of the Outstanding Play Awards. Mr Mark Parker, Dean Emeritus of the Schools of Music & Theatre, Oklahoma City University, the USA, announced the winners, and Mr Baungtae Son, Festival Director, Busan International Performing Arts Festival, ROK, presented the awards to the recipients.

'Outstanding Play Awards' winners are:

BACK TO METHUSELAH, by The Central Academy of Drama, China

PYGMALION, by Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, Vietnam

Following the awards presentation, Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, Vietnam, and the Central Academy of Drama, China, presented distinct cultural performances. Students from the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, dressed in Ao Dai—Vietnam's iconic traditional garment—presented the song Hello Vietnam and an elegant traditional dance. Their gentle movements and melodious music highlighted the distinct charm of Vietnamese culture.

The Central Academy of Drama staged the cross-genre fusion piece Command & Ripples. Mu Jia, a doctoral candidate of Peking Opera, performed an iconic excerpt from Mu Guiying Takes Command with bold, forceful vocals, and Wang Yuyan, a postgraduate of Acting, drew thunderous applause for her intensely dynamic modern dance.

Finally, Mr HUANG Ying, Chair of the Jury, announced this year's Best Play winner. Candida by Chung-Ang University, ROK, secured the award for its thoughtful script interpretation, standout performances, and fully realised staging. Mr FAN Xufeng, Party Secretary of the Central Academy of Drama, presented the award to the recipient.

‘’Best Play Award’ winner:

CANDIDA, by Chung-Ang University, ROK

At the conclusion of the closing ceremony, Mr Xu Yongsheng, Director-General of ATEC and President of the Central Academy of Drama, took the stage to declare the festival officially closed.

Amid cheers and joyful group photo sessions, the Closing Ceremony & Awards Ceremony of the 8th ATEC Asian Theatre Schools Festival 2026 concluded. Theatre brings light into life, and the arts unite the world. The five-day event may have been brief, but the understanding and friendship it sparked will endure forever.