From June 20 to 21, 2026, the SHCC Musical Department held its annual showcase at the Sunshine Theatre, Changning District Children's Palace, with Musical Classes 1A and 1B delivering captivating performances of English-language musicals tailored to their respective levels.

🌿 Class 1B — Welcome to the Jungle

As the introductory musical class, Class 1B is composed primarily of Grade 3 students. After a year of foundational training in vocals, dance, and dialogue, the young performers brought to life the 25-minute classic, Welcome to the Jungle. For many, this was their very first experience with a full production — stepping beyond isolated skill drills into the integrated world of character building, stage presence, and ensemble storytelling. It marked a true debut transformation on stage.

👑 Class 1A — The Emperor's New Clothes

Class 1A, the foundational musical class, features students in Grades 4 and 5. This year, they tackled the 45-minute English musical The Emperor's New Clothes. The core challenge lay in bridging cultural and historical gaps to authentically portray each character's distinct personality. Through dramatic singing, physical expression, group choreography, and situational dialogue, the students learned to breathe life into vivid roles. The experience significantly deepened their appreciation for musical theatre as a comprehensive art form, elevating both their stagecraft and artistic understanding.

🌈 Musical Class 2 — The Wizard of Oz

On June 27–28, Musical Class 2 took the stage at the Huangpu District Youth Science & Technology Activity Center Theatre, delivering a stunning performance of the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz. Composed mainly of middle school students with demanding academic schedules, the class demonstrated remarkable dedication by committing to weekly rehearsals throughout the year. Beyond honing their singing, dancing, and acting abilities, the students grew in teamwork — learning to communicate, support one another, and achieve something greater together.

✨ A Long Journey, Not a Sprint

Musical theatre is never a race to the finish — it is a journey of steady growth and patient accumulation. As the young performers mature, each new role and each new story becomes a window into different lives and perspectives. Through the arts, they learn to think, to empathize, and to grow — one stage at a time.