There are many youth and amateur theatres throughout the UK which people can apply to join. These organisations can offer an invaluable insight into the working practices of a professional performer or stage manager and this is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for auditions and for drama school.

There’s nothing like the feeling a minute before you go up – lines learnt, lighting rigged, cues memorised, costume changes ready to go… Knowing you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do, and anything could go wrong. Knowing you’re totally reliant on everybody else in the company to remember their part, or make a good job of covering up if they don’t! Feeling sick with nerves. It’s a buzz – it’s hard to get that anywhere else. - Shola