While the economic sector is taking it on the chin amid the global financial crisis, the cultural industry of China is experiencing robust growth. And in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin small theater venues are becoming BIG attractions.

The Celebrity Tea House is located on the Traditional Culture Street of Tianjin. With a seating capacity of some two hundred, the venue has been running at full capacity. Most patrons are fans of Xiangsheng, a traditional comedy show similar to Crosstalk. The show has attracted both local residents and tourists.

While the economic sector is taking it on the chin amid the global financial crisis, the cultural industry of China is experiencing robust growth.

In Beijing, the Penghao Theater is located in a traditional style courtyard. Since its opening about a half-year ago, the venue has established a solid fan base with its repertoire of classic stage plays. People have to book a seat weeks in advance to reserve one of the approximately eighty seats.

In Shanghai, children accompanied by parents have been swarming to a small theater for shows by the Shanghai Puppet Troupe. The ongoing show is Tutu the Big Ear, an adaptation of a popular TV cartoon series.

According to theater operators, small venues of about 300 seats are increasingly popular amid current market conditions. They also say individual shows usually run at least 20 performances to maximize their profits. And some small theaters are seeking to tap into their growing popularity by opening chain venues in second-tier cities.