China's comedy brand Mahua FunAge premiered its first original sketch comedy show, The Whole Comedy, in Hengqin recently. The event also marked the launch of a new cross-border talent program, jointly initiated with the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), aimed at nurturing the next generation of arts professionals.
Mahua FunAge is one of China's leading comedy brands, renowned for its stage plays and films, and has trained many well-known comedians in China. This performance marked the first official commercial debut of trainees from Mahua FunAge's Hengqin Sketch Comedy Training Camp.
The program combines academic training with real-stage experience, integrating arts and technology while fostering talent mobility between Hengqin and Macao.
The two-month program is split into two phases:
Month 1: Foundation Bootcamp, led by MUST, focuses on core modules such as film production, performance management, and AI-driven art innovation. The university leverages its international platform and art faculty to introduce students to the cutting edge of creative technology.
Month 2: Industry Bootcamp, managed by Mahua FunAge, gives participants experience in real productions. Students rotate through actual jobs in script development, theatre operations, marketing, and IP management, working alongside seasoned industry mentors.
Outstanding participants will have the opportunity to perform at events like the Macao International Comedy Festival and join Mahua FunAge.
Organizers plan to run the program two to three times per year, aiming to produce over 100 trained professionals annually and establish a training-to-employment pathway for youth.
Reporter: Dai Bosi
Photo: Hengqin Online
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
