On the downside.....

All performers endure intense competition for roles and long periods of unemployment.

We know great actors that have been in major British and Hollywood films, performed at major theatre across the UK and have worked lots on TV. They're currently back doing data entry for temp agencies. Performing is unlike most other careers as there isn't a steady rise in promotion, you can hit the big time tomorrow, and be back where you were again in a week. Your ability is irrelevant.

EVERYONE thinks they can make it. EVERYONE secretly thinks they're different. EVERYONE finds this out the long way.

Drama schools are a great way to learn about the profession, but they're not the only way in. Universities also offer a great education. The benefits of a drama school are that you get to train practically in a subject 5 days a week. The benefits of a university education are that you have a more rounded view of all aspects of the industry, this could help your employment chances further down the line.

Its not what you know. Its not about who you know. Though both can help tremedously.

Drama schools audition thousands each year. The largest courses have only a maximum of 50 places, and the smallest can be as low as 12.

There are more women performers than men.

A typical open call for a musical theatre audition starts with a dance audition. If you're a great singer, great actress but can't dance, how do you hope to get through that first round ?

Preparation + Perspiration + Luck = Possible success. There's no point getting the opportunity to audition if you can't deliver.

There are two types of actors who continue in this business, those that work hard, and those with talent who work hard.

Drama school courses are 5 days a week and can start as early as 8.30am and end as late as 6pm. Then after that you may be expected to do technical work for the school or perform. Drama school is NOT the easy option.

Earnings are erratic. You can get an advert and earn £20,000 in three days, then spend the next three years out of work.

Less than 8% of all the actors in the UK earn over £12,000 a year.

On the upside....

Working in the arts gives you the opportunity to really make a difference. You have control over people's attention for two hours and you can use that to talk about any subject you feel passionate about.

Performers and artists are some of the most intelligent people you'll meet. They're intuitive, supportive and friendly. They have to be, the working environment means you can meet someone for the first time, then three minutes later you're expected to be able to talk like you've been married for years.

To a performer, there's no feeling quite like walking on stage at the Globe, performing in the West End, at the RSC or seeing yourself on a big cinema screen, trust us we know.

Training in the arts is a great way to build confidence.

There aren't many jobs where you can be flown first class to Spain, be given £200 a day to spend on what you like, sit around most of the day, work for about an hour in total, then fly home to find £25,000 in your bank account. Performing in adverts is one of them.

Training in the arts is also a great way to learn other useful skills which could help you in your profession. Directing, playwriting, screenwriting, lighting design, stage design, choreographer, teacher, lecturer, sound designer, stage manager, technician, costume design, casting director, agent, theatre/film critic, etc, etc.

Performing is a great way to keep yourself in shape. Mentally and physically. You have to be physically fit, supple, strong with plenty of stamina. You have to be vocally free and supported. Mentally you have to be open, playful and curious. If there's one way to keep yourself young forever, this is it.