Recently, drama seems to be "hot" in Macau with many performing activities being organized by the government departments.

However, it is impossible to have higher training in drama in Macau since there is no local college or universities which offer such a programme. 

That is one of the reasons many people in Macau have to go abroad to study drama.

"Macau lacks professionals in the field of drama and I will be back to Macau to promote drama activities after my study," said Jose Ku Ieng Un, a Macau resident who is now studying drama in Singapore.

Few people understand his decision to study drama since there are limited job opportunities for people with such a degree. 

"I feel that drama helps changing my character, my way of thinking and also widens my vision, and that's why I decided to study drama," Ku explained.

Luckily, Ku has got a one-year scholarship from the Macau Government, which will help him finance the study in Singapore.

Kenneth Yip Ka Man is another Macau resident who is now studying drama in the Hong Kong Conservatory.

Yip said that it was hard for him at first to make the decision whether to study drama or not.

"During the first year in Hong Kong, I found that my classmates were really enthusiastic in this field and their aspiration made me think that I've got the right choice," Yip added.

But many drama lovers cannot afford to study abroad. "I also want to further my studies in drama but there is no such programme provided in Macau and it is hard for me to afford the tuition fee in a foreign country," said Rachel Chu, a secondary school student who has been taking courses organized by the Macau Conservatory.

Currently the Macau Conservatory is the only school in Macau that provides training in drama, music and dance. However it is not a formal college and provides only temporary workshops for people who are interested in this field.

"I really hope that the Macau Conservatory will become the 13th college or university in Macau in the coming future to provide more varieties for Macau students!" Chu said.