Ever considered yourself a star just waiting to be discovered? Do you hum the theme song from Fame every time a news camera passes you by? With Shanghai attracting international shows like Cirque Du Soleil's "Quidam," the idea of being a world famous performer based in Shanghai has never been more real. Before you rush out to don the Lycra and sign up for those trapeze lessons you've been dying for, stop to consider the blood, sweat and tears involved with this career path. Here, three Shanghai talents reveal what being a local performer is all about, and how it holds up against the glitz and glamour of other international shows. While they may seem worlds removed from internationally renowned acts like "Quidam," the reality couldn't be more different. All three have performed to packed houses and know the exhilaration of having people applauding and cheering for them and only them. So how do Shanghai performers measure up to the international standards? You be the judge.

Holly Liu

Retired Acrobat

If balancing a 3kg stack of wine glasses sounds incredible to you, then you've clearly never seen Holly Liu in action. Born and raised in Shanghai, this 32-year-old can manage this spectacular feat while spinning a hula hoop around her arms and tap dancing down a flight of stairs. Introduced to the sport by her parents (her father was a trapeze artist), her fearlessness won her a position as an acrobat. "I was brave. I didn't cry, no matter how hard the training or how much my teachers yelled at me." In her 13 year career as an acrobat she also managed to scare a few people. "One time, I was practicing a particular skill to strengthen my neck muscles [which involved hanging by a rope] and this guy thought I was trying to kill myself and panicked," she says. "Anyway, the poor fellow was really worried and started yelling at me. Then I started spinning and he thought it was really cool." Now an agent for acrobats, she organizes acts for names such as Christian Dior and BMW. Does she still get butterflies watching them perform? "I retired seven years ago and I still have dreams about performing. I'm still worried about dropping something or that the performance will be bad."

Hanson

Beijing Opera Performer

Beijing opera is a traditional part of Chinese culture, but have you ever thought about the people behind the mask? Hanson, 23, brings a young face to an old tradition, and this Beijing native is no stranger to hard work. As part of his gruelling schedule, he trains five hours a day, six days a week. Since young, Hanson was always interested in the opera. "I've always known that I wanted to be a part of this, and if that means being exhausted, then it's worth it." Elaborate stage shows and costume changes are all part of an average day for this energetic performer. And if you need make-up tips, he's the man to turn to: "I do all my own make-up before each show, but I get help with my robes." The best part of his job, he feels, is when he gets to act and learn new operas. However, "I hate it when accidents occur on stage; it's really embarrassing for me." Any other wishes? "Some groupies would be nice," he muses.

Lauren-Jane

Singer / Songwriter

From a young age, singer Lauren-Jane realized that she had a talent for songwriting and has spent all of her spare time developing it. After touring in the US, her home country, she ventured over to Shanghai for a six month adventure that has turned into a two-year-long love affair. "Before I started playing with [my band], I was performing solo," she says. "It's been such an amazing and fun time playing with them and seeing how they've helped bring my songs to life." Performing keeps her on her toes, especially when the audience throws her a curveball. "One time, a really handsome guy came up to me while I was singing a heartfelt song and asked me to marry him. I replied, 'Not tonight, honey, but thank you for the offer.'" To her, being a Shanghai performer means growth and creation. "I'm working to create an interest and awareness in this genre as there aren't as many original music artists here as there are in other parts of the world," she comments. "It's such an exciting time to be here and I'm eager to help cultivate the music industry in Shanghai."

So you think you've got what it takes?

Singers

Fancy yourself holding the mic? Grab some voice training at JZ School where top musicians will guide you through various styles of singing to help mould you into the next Avril Lavigne www.jz-school.cn.

Actors

Got the looks to be the next Brad Pitt but not the suave stage skills? Check out East West Theater's acting workshops where amateurs, professionals and kiddos alike can hone their acting talent (131-6242-5652).

Dancers

Give dancing a stab at Jazz du Funk. Whether your style is ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, tap or latin jazz, you'll quickly discover if your dancing is fit to expand beyond drunken nightclub stages www.jazzdufunk.com.

Performance Time

You've put in the time and are ready to perform, but where? Check out regular open mic nights at LOgO and 4Live or open stage nights at Oscar's and 789 where talented enthusiasts and well-meaning attempts are welcome