The school, founded by noted Chinese performing artists, such as Mei Lanfang, Hao Shouchen and Ma Lianliang, has trained nearly 5,000 professional performers who have specialized in Beijing (Peking) Opera, local operas, drama, film-making, singing and dancing, ballet, acrobatics, puppet shows, and computer music.

Li Ruihuan, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureauof the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC National Committee, congratulated the school on its 50th anniversary and said its ex-pupils and proteges are performing around the world.

Wei Jianxing, also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, encouraged the school to redouble efforts for a new contribution to the art by advancing culture and blossoming the socialist art cause.

(People?s Daily June 10, 2002)