Foundation Years

The troupe's first official public performance in 2008 was a key milestone for Pingpengcao.

In its first five years, the troupe survived mainly by doing a few school outreach shows each year. The members' average age also stayed high, and some outsiders even made hurtful comments, saying the members were "old, fat, and ugly." Director Kuozi realized that if the troupe only kept doing outreach shows, it would be hard to grow. They needed public performances to raise their level and to help members see what they were truly capable of. So she worked hard to secure three ticketed shows. Because audiences had to pay to enter, their reactions and word of mouth became the most honest test. The three shows were successful. They not only laid the foundation for the troupe's future development, but also helped the troupe clearly define its focus: performances for children and families.

As the demand for public performances grew, the troupe gradually moved from a "volunteer-based" group to a more professional way of working. Some members who joined mainly for fun stepped away when the workload and training became more intensive. At the same time, the troupe attracted teachers and students who were more passionate about theatre and had strong potential, so the team began to renew and grow.

In terms of scriptwriting, the troupe has worked with the same director since it was founded, and the director often also served as the playwright. After 2008, the troupe slowly started to develop original, self-written works, though directors still usually led and organized the writing process. Director Kuozi also admitted that the many administrative and management tasks of running a troupe made it hard for her to spend long periods of time focusing only on creative writing.