Education

Students battle for star status

By Wang Wei (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-22 07:56

A woman smiles as she stands in a massive queue of acting hopefuls waiting for their chance to interview at the Beijing Film Academy. The prestigious college received almost 20,000 applications by Feb 14 this year. Zou Hong / China Daily

Even though the path to fame in China is paved with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, there is still a growing number of hopefuls in Beijing who are ready to take their chances for a fleeting moment of stardom.

This phenomenon is most evident in the number of applicants to the Beijing Film Academy, which this year reached 19,768 by Feb 14.

That figure, comprised of students who journeyed to the capital from across the country, was an increase of 6,010 from the previous year alone.

Very few will be admitted to the academy, with some popular majors seeing an elimination rate as high as 99 percent. Acting is by far the most competitive major - it garnered 4,392 applicants for just 30 places.

Those applying for acting majors will spend roughly a month undertaking three rounds of interviews. Appearance, voice, line reading ability and performance skills will all be tested, according to the university's press officer, surnamed Lu, who added that while show business might largely be about beauty, applicants are not permitted to wear makeup during interviews.

The result of the first round of interviews was released Monday.

Wang Nan, 19, from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has been successful so far. With a face that seems cast for celebrity status, Wang said she was excited and surprised to pass the first round despite having spent her whole life preparing - she has attended a dancing school since she was young and aspires to be a star like Zhang Ziyi or Sun Li.

"Sun Li was a dancer who later became an actress," she said. "I understand it's very difficult to become famous in this competitive industry, but I am passionate and I would regret not trying."

Wang is determined to make her career in acting. In addition to the Beijing Film Academy, she has also applied to four art colleges, including Communication University of China and Shanghai Film Art Academy.

Unlike Wang, who set her goal to become an actress at a very early age, many applicants pursue the direction after bringing home an average set of exam results.

Liu Cheng, 19, from Gansu province, developed an interest in acting in May last year despite lacking a background in art-related subjects. His mother is his biggest fan.

"Initially I didn't want him to work in show business," said Li Yan, Liu's mother. "But art colleges have lower academic requirements and if they can provide a university qualification, then why not?"

In general, art colleges have a lower threshold for academic requirements. In Beijing for example, students need to achieve at least 400 points out of 750 on their university entrance exam to enter a regular university, although 300 is often enough for an art college after passing the interview.

To prepare her son for his interview, Li has funded performance, dance and music classes over the last six months - costing about 40,000 yuan.

"I am willing to do anything, so long as he gets in," she said.

The prospect of earning enormous salaries is obviously a factor for the many hopefuls, but educators are advising applicants not to be blinded by the promise of fame.

Wang Jinsong, vice-president of the acting college at Beijing Film Academy, said thousands of students apply to him but less than 1,000 are suitable.

"If you really love acting, there are more than 400 colleges and institutions that offer the major," he said. "If your only purpose is to become famous, then the Beijing Film Academy is the wrong place to go."

Wang also warned applicants to stop caring so much about their appearance.

"It's a career that requires a comprehensive range of qualities and talents," he said.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/22/2011)