but you see... the thing is, it is very difficult for certain people to break into the world of music theatre!!! I know a lot of young people who would love an oppertunity like this, but these chances don't come along for them very often. A lot of aspiring actors, musicians and dancers have never had the oppertunity to perform professionally due to family circumstances- their parents simply cannot afford to send them to an acting academy! Their only option is to do amateur work and hopefully win a scholarship later on to some prestigious acting school. This business is very biassed and I think a certain 'snobbery' has formed amonst the 'professionals' of the perfomance industries! This is the exact reason why producers are turning to normal, down-to-earth people to fill their roles; they bring a sense of realism and work incredibly hard and count themselves extremely lucky! My daughter wants to be a professional ballet dancer and the only way she could ever do that is if my husband and myself send her to an academy. My eldest son is at a performing arts school but I am seriously thinking of pulling him out. The arrogance and the egos at his school are phenomonal and I don't think it is the right atmoshpere for him. I work with young people who don't have the oppertunitites my children have and I would just like to make the point that the chance to play Maria in a West End theatre is not to be sniffed at. Many 'professionals' would love to do this. If you are afraid of the embarassment that an 'amateur' performer will beat you to the role then I am afraid you are in the wrong business. If I were you, I'd go for it though! Grasp at every oppertunity, don't be stuck about it! I wish you the best of luck if you do decide to go for it! Czarla Blakesly ps. just because someone has an equity card, broadcasted for their local radio and bought a membership on this site it DOES NOT make them a professional. A professional is someone who enjoys the work they do, commits to it 100 and above all has the proper attitude!