Since its inception, more than 10,000 applicants have submitted entries to the competition. Among them, more than 700 artists have staged 179 original works at the West Warehouse Theatre. Many past participants have gone on to work in Chinese and international theater as directors, actors, playwrights and producers.

The Outdoor Carnival section is also open for applications, which invites domestic and international troupes to present outdoor performances.

Open-air venues throughout the town will host a variety of genres, including traditional performing arts, music, dance, puppetry, multimedia art and physical theater.

The application deadline is Sept 12, and selected acts will be announced on Sept 22. The festival provides logistical support for participating artists.

With the theme "Swirling Up", the 12th Wuzhen Theatre Festival will take place from Oct 16 to 26.