Global Youth Chinese Elites Project of Theater Director, a project co-organized by the Central Academy of Drama and Guilin Festival, was announced on April 23.

Aimed at supporting young talents interested in theatrical productions, the project has attracted 305 applicants, who have submitted 351 theatrical works since the project was launched on Dec 19.

According to the organizers, the project opened to theater directors aged under 40 and 14 percent of the applicants are non-Chinese residents, making it a global event.

There are professional theater directors and amateurs as well as students from art schools, such as the Central Academy of Drama, Columbia University and Russian State Institute of Performing Arts.

The first round of competition gathered nearly 30 experts, who chose 88 theatrical works from the applicants. The works cover a diversity of styles and displayed the vibrancy of young theater talents.

The second round of the competition will start in May. Winners will be supported to turn their ideas into stage productions, which will be premiered during the Guilin Festival in 2023.