EXPECT to see a lot more actors treading the boards in Xuhui District.

Sixteen theaters will be built within the Dream Center, a new cultural and recreational hub, by the end of next year to address the shortage of venues in central Shanghai, officials said yesterday. They will serve as venues for dramatic productions, concerts and other performances.

Six large venues, including a 2,500-seat, multi-function theater and an 1,800-seat interactive concert hall, will be built along with 10 small venues along the Huangpu River.