These days, it's tougher than ever to try and get into the Performing Arts business, and even harder to become an actual performer. In the dog-eat-dog world of theatre, you often need to work from an early age to be worthy of performing on the stage.
However, in light of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new ITV show, in which he searches for a Jesus for his national tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar', is all the hard work that other performers put in becoming pointless?
Some performers go through years of vigourous training just to become a member of the 'ensemble', when people who enter competitions like these are suddenly thrown into the limelight.
It seems these days you either need exceptional talent or exceptional money to be able to 'make it'. You either have to be able to afford the exceptional fees of the drama schools or be talented enough to gain a lucky break.
So, for ordinary people who can't afford drama schools and aren't lucky enough to be exceptionally talented, what can they expect from the Performing Arts industry? The answer is: Disappointment. It's a tough reality, and it's unfortunate.
When asked if they feel there are pressures for young actors, a student said "There is a pressure to look your best and be really different or to have a typical look and that [casting directors] are looking for both of these, instead of someone in the middle." They also feel that attending drama school is better as "the schools have a reputation" and give you a boost into the industry as there "can be a bias towards those who attended a drama school as opposed to a University student."
There is so much unknown talent that never gets unsurfaced because they haven't been given the same opportunities that some privileged people have, so have to sacrifice their dream and enter a mediocre job.
With all this lingering over young hopeful's heads, is this possibility of disappointment pushing people away from the industry?
As a drama student, I find that the low chances of getting into the industry are making me much more determined to get on stage. The competitive edge of the industry pushes me to better myself and be better than the competition.
It has never been the easiest industry to enter in to. Even in the early days of Theatre, it has proved difficult. Yes, in Greek theatre, it was Townsmen who would perform in the Ancient Greek Amphitheatre, but from then onward, women weren't even allowed inside, let alone allowed to perform. The struggle for performers is one that has been around since the origins and will remain for years to come.
Though, with so many different shows and opportunities out there for people to perform, why is it so hard to get into the industry? Could it be the constant funding cuts to the arts? Or could it be that reputation is everything in this business? In order to get anywhere, you need to know the right people and tread the right path.
With that in mind, let me leave you with something to think about. If in order to get somewhere in 'show business' you need to know the right people, should people who don't know anyone give up?
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