The College of Foreign Language Theatre (CFL Theatre) fundraising event continues to receive support based on several advantages of CFL Theatre like it functions as a place that sparks students’ interest in drama, introduces future career options, and allows memories to be created. It is also a place where students can afford renting fees for rehearsals. But more funds are still needed to reach the NT$ 3 million goals to afford professional training fees, recruitment fees, and remodel old decorations.
Most students describe CFL Theatre as “a place like home” since it is the first theater that opens their gates to the world of drama. The home-like sentiment is relevant with the fact that many performances and drama classes in CFL take place at the theater. According to the English Department secretary, Julie Lee said, “‘CFL Theatre for Life (十年理圖,終生劇場), the fundraising event slogan indicates that the fundraising plan will last ten years, and also suggests those who have joined the CFL Theatre activities in any form are considered as a part of a big family.”
There’s a big chance that most of the students will have their performance debut right in the CFL Theatre, which may stimulate their passion for drama in the future. Stan Lai, an alumnus and renowned theater director, once said that CFL Theatre is the place that enlightened his passion for art and drama. Other than Lai, a senior of the English Department, Young Tsai, also claimed that it was because of his experience in the 2019 Annual Play that he started to fall in love with theater. “I’ve always liked stories, and I also enjoy creating them. However, I’ve never had a chance to try theatrical performances,” Tsai recalls. “Although the 2019 Annual Play was canceled due to COVID-19, it was this experience that encouraged me into taking the role of Oliver in the 2021 Senior Play.” The actor also mentioned that because of the opportunity to explore the world of drama inside the CFL Theatre, he would like to pursue a career in the media industry.
The equipment and props in the CFL Theatre. Photo by CFL Theatre.
Compared to Arens Multi-functional Conference Centre or other venues, the CFL Theatre is more affordable for students. “If CFL Theatre doesn’t exist, students will be forced to rent rehearsal spaces outside the school, not only does this circumstance bring great inconvenience, but rehearsals would also become an economic burden,” Tsai said. Moreover, the light, audio, stage props in the theater are all designed for practicing and learning, “I think the equipment designs in the CFL Theatre is relatively simple and easier to operate,” said Chloe Wu.
CFL Theatre also keeps lots of students’ memories. Ranita Wu, an English Department student who had experience working as a lighting crew said, “students in the College of Foreign Language must participate in a play production at least once in university as a life experience since you will not experience the same sense of group work if you won’t work in the theatrical or media industry after graduation.” Ranita Wu appeals to the importance of experience working as a crew in the CFL Theatre with her memories during junior year. “Though not every memory in the crew is wonderful, these precious but unique experiences will only happen in college. Because of the CFL Theatre’s small and cozy atmosphere, it became a safe place for foreign language students to rehearse or cultivate their aesthetics. Over time, they feel comfortable with using the CFL Theatre. This is something other theaters can’t provide because we can’t afford long-term rehearsal fees, so the existence of CFL Theatre is important to everyone.”
“The fund could be used for renewing the equipment and space, starting a diverse selection of courses, and paying for experts, workshops, etc. to cultivate students’ insight towards drama as well as professional training,” said Lee. She repeated that the most significant and necessary goal is not only to help the theatre last long but also to let students acquire more professional education and inspire their creativity in the theatre.