Timeline
Since its founding in 2003, Pingpengcao Theatre Troupe (formerly Taiwan Pingpengcao Theatre) has grown step by step in Changhua. Its development can be summarized as follows:
Development Path
1
Dream Begins and Difficult Foundations
2003–2007
Founding Background: In the autumn of 2003, five friends shared their dream of theatre in a temporary office of the Changhua County Government for the Changhua Flora Exposition. They decided to start a theatre group that belonged to the people of Changhua.
Early Challenges: In the beginning, the troupe had very little funding. Some members left, salaries could not always be paid, and there was no fixed rehearsal space.
Educational Promotion: The troupe performed theme-based plays in schools about child protection, anti-drug education, and traffic safety. These campus tours, supported by charity foundations and government departments, became important support for the troupe's early growth.
2
Professional Transformation and Brand Building
2008–2012
Moving Toward Public Performances: In 2008, the troupe actively introduced itself to the public and held its first open performance at Puxin Park. Later, a performance at Yuanlin Performing Arts Hall attracted an audience of over 1,000 people.
Artistic Recognition: In 2009, the troupe held its first ticketed performance and was featured in a TV news interview. In 2010, it was selected for the "Outstanding Performing Arts Team of Changhua County" for the first time (selected eight times in total to date).
Expanding Beyond Changhua: Starting in 2011, the troupe began performing around Taiwan and received support from a Ministry of Culture program that connects performing arts groups with audiences.
3
Local Roots and Diverse Expansion
2013–2018
Brand Positioning: In 2013, the troupe changed its name to "Pingpengcao Children's Theatre," focusing mainly on children and families.
Touring Goal: In 2014, it completed a touring performance project in all 26 townships of Changhua County.
Organizational Growth: In 2015, the Changhua Performing Arts Development Association was established. The troupe also hired full-time administrative staff and began developing into a mid-sized theatre group.
4
Independent Space and Comprehensive Talent Development
2019–Present
Facility Upgrade: In 2019, the troupe invested its own funds and loans to build a small theatre and rehearsal rooms. It became one of the few modern theatre groups in Taiwan that independently operates its own arts space.
Diverse Projects: The troupe actively promotes youth arts training, cultural experience programs, and Taiwanese language projects, combining theatre with local language, community, history, and culture.
Rebranding: In 2025, the troupe changed its name back to "Pingpengcao Theatre," showing its broader focus on children's theatre, youth theatre, and community theatre.
Cumulative Achievements
As of 2024
- Total productions: 111
- Number of performances: 1,307
- Audience: Over 680,000 people
- Current scale: 3 full-time staff and more than 10 core members
Source: Compiled from information provided by the director of Pingpengcao Theatre.