Discovering Qinqiang Opera backstage at Yisu Grand Theater

For most people in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, Qinqiang Opera is a daily "must", with audiences eager to see performances at Yisu Grand Theater in Xi'an, the provincial capital.

The Yisu Art Troupe, the oldest opera group still performing in China, has staged Qinqiang Opera since being established in 1912.

In recent years, the troupe has explored new ways to rejuvenate the traditional art form, recruiting young Qinqiang opera performers with the best potential.

The Yisu Art Troupe's rehearsal room is a hive of activity.

Every day at 8 am, students begin their basic skills training. Starting with singing practice, 19 young hopefuls exercise by kicking their legs and performing somersaults, before running around a field.

Let's take a look at what happened in the rehearsal room of the Yisu Art Troupe before an original Qinqiang opera production took to the stage.