Taichung's vibrant performing arts scene continues to flourish, with five groups selected for the National Culture and Arts Foundation's “TaiwanTop Performing Arts Teams” and seven groups recognized as Taichung City Government's “Outstanding Performing Arts Groups” this year. In 2026, these groups will illuminate Taichung with exquisite performances, bringing refined theater productions, community-rooted activities in schools and neighborhoods, and vibrant arts festivals. Simultaneously, they will shine on the international stage, showcasing Taichung's exceptional performing arts talent to the world.

Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chen Chia-Chun, stated that Taichung hosts over 766 performing arts groups. The bureau provides dedicated support by developing diverse subsidy programs, arranging performance opportunities, and offering advisory services tailored to groups at different developmental stages. It encourages innovative works, community engagement, and international outreach to ensure stable operations and sustained growth for these groups. This year, “Eye Catching Circus(創造焦點),” “Taichung Chamber Choir(台中室內合唱團),” “Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe(九天民俗技藝團),” “ Shiu-Kim Taiwanese Opera Troupe(秀琴歌劇團),” and “Haox Hsiao Troupe(嚎哮排演)” were selected as TaiwanTop performing arts groups by the National Culture and Arts Foundation. Additionally, “MAD Theater(極至體能舞蹈團) ,” “Ars Association(藝術報國),” “Un iPercussion(不二擊聲音製造所),” “Taiwan Youth Wind Orchestra(臺灣青年管樂團),” “Yinalang Group(囝仔人),” “Hsin Yi Fang Taiwanese Opera Troupe(新藝芳歌劇團),” and “20% Experimental Theatre Group(20%實驗劇坊)" were selected as Taichung's Outstanding Performing Arts Groups.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted that contemporary circus troupe “Eye Catching Circus” performed their classic work #SINCE1994 at the globally renowned “Fringe World Festival” in Perth in February, winning the overall championship “Best Circus Performance Award” from over 50 participating acts, receiving high acclaim. The troupe is currently on its second leg of the tour, participating in the Adelaide Fringe festival in Australia, continuing to expand the international visibility of Taiwanese contemporary circus.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that the Taichung Chamber Choir was invited to Singapore in 2025 for its overseas premiere of Hakka Trilogy. Additionally, in 2026, the choir will present the bedtime story concert "Once Upon a Time" and launch "Reading Music 2: Shakespeare", interpreting Shakespeare poetry through diverse sounds. Furthermore, the “Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe,” renowned domestically and internationally for its unique processional theater, will continue its domestic tour of “Leader of the Parade《Khan-tsuí-tsn̄g》(《牽水(車藏)》)” this year and perform “Between Battlefield and Temple” at the Taichung National Theater in October.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that “Haox Hsiao Troupe” is renowned for its unconventional, slightly improvisational comedic style. In recent years, they created the Taiwanese rap musical “Tales of Success：the Return of a Prodigal Son,” weaving rap, hip-hop, and family emotions to humorously explore the multifaceted meaning of “success.” The production has toured extensively domestically to enthusiastic audience response. The production will return to the National Taichung Theater stage in August. Additionally, the “Hsin Yi Fang Taiwanese Opera Troupe” has been selected for 26 consecutive years. Their work has evolved toward refinement, striving to highlight the troupe's well-balanced cast of male and female leads and their exquisite singing and recitation. They were invited to perform in Singapore in February and will participate in the Baosheng Cultural Festival in May, showcasing their international vision and local creative strength.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau further explains that all seven outstanding Taichung performing arts groups possess distinct strengths and characteristics. First-time awardee “Yinalang Group” specializes in object theater and puppetry to create children's and family-oriented plays. In 2025, their warm and humorous production "Where Did the Fruit Go?" received high acclaim after 23 performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For more details on Taichung's performing arts groups and their upcoming performances, please visit the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau website (http://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw).