Its predecessor was Shanghai Municipal Experimental Theatre School cofounded by the famous educator Gu Yuxiu (顾毓琇).

[1] Its alumni include popular actresses Luo Yunxi, Xing Fei, Li Qin, Dilraba Dilmurat, Wang Churan, Hu Ge, Lin Gengxin, Zhang Binbin and Ding Yuxi.

On December 1, 1945, the Shanghai Municipal Experimental Drama School (Chinese: 上海市立实验戏剧学校) was established, with Gu Zhongyi (Chinese: 顾仲彝) as the first principal, and in October 1949, the Shanghai Municipal Experimental Drama School was renamed the Shanghai Municipal Drama College.

[2] In 1952, the national institutions of higher learning to implement departmental adjustment, Shandong University, Department of Fine Arts, Drama Division, Shanghai Xingzhi Art School Drama Group merged into the formal establishment of the school, renamed the Central Academy of Drama, East China Branch.

[3] In 1956, formally known as the Shanghai Theatre Academy, became the school under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Culture.