Record number of Chinese youth vying for spots in acting schools

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The Shanghai Theatre Academy is considered one of the cradles for potential film stars in China. Many young up-and-coming artists dream of a place in the prestigious school, but places are limited. Over the next two weeks, more than 45,000 students will compete for just 500 spots. Competition is fierce as you might imagine.

Despite the heavy rain, nearly 8,000 students turned up at one of the country's leading acting schools on day one of this year's national entrance examinations at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. They all share the same dream: To become an actor or an actress.

Applicants line up in heavy rain at Shanghai Theatre Academy to participate in exams, February 15, 2019. /VCG Photo

One of the applicants shared his experience in preparing for the exam. "We get up every day at 6 o'clock to practice our morning routine. Again and again, we go through our dance choreography and self-made materials. We wouldn't go to sleep until 12 o'clock every night."

Shanghai Theatre Academy isn't the only one of its kind – there are two more in Beijing. These wannabe actors want to register for as many auditions as they can.

Young people wait in heavy rain to take exams, February 15, 2019. /VCG Photo

The parents seem to be just as keen. One of them said that she'll be heading to the capital right after this examination with her daughter. "As a parent, I feel increasing competition and pressure. All these kids, they love acting. My kid loves it, and I'm just being supportive. As for how far she can go, and whether she can pass the test or not, it's better to keep calm about it and just do our best."

Being accepted is indeed a long shot. All things being equal, there's a one in 200 chance of qualifying for the Shanghai school. But the dreamers said they're not concerned about the odds. "Maybe I'm not the best, but I want to be the one who has tried his best."

Youngsters smile at the camera at Shanghai Theatre Academy, February 15, 2019. /VCG Photo

Because of the country's booming entertainment industry, it seems that more and more Chinese youth have grand ambitions to make it big one way or another.