But what if you're not sure which area of the performing arts you want to specialise in? Some disciplines such as musical theatre require high levels of talent and ability in acting, dancing and singing. Soome technical positions will require people to know something about management. However, even if you're not sure what you want to do, you probably have a good idea about what you don't want to do! Explore your options and learn about training in areas you think you would give best effort toward.

Learning to adapt the way you think when things don't go to plan will also prove useful throughout your training and career. People in the performing arts industry have many reasons to feel negative or give up when the going gets tough. Yet the number of successful, positive people in the industry proves setbacks can be overcome. Mixing with people who share and support your ambition will help the way you think - but don't abandon old friends and family, as they will probably turn out to be your biggest source of help and encouragement throughout your training and career.

Many people who achieve success in the performing arts - and in any other industry, for that matter - have something in common: their belief in themselves. Many of us believe we are capable of great things only when we see evidence of our ability to achieve them. Likewise, when we don't succeed, we usually become negative toward what we tried to do. If someone else has achieved success with something, then it can be done. It's interesting that one of our greatest fears is failure and one of the greatest causes of failure is fear. Fear is destructive; therefore it is important we cure it in its early stages and the best way to overcome fear is to face it! The difference between success and failure often lies with our level of self-belief. As the saying goes, 'do what you fear most and your fear will disappear'.

It's also true to say that a perception exists outside the performance industry that people who have been successful in the industry have made it purely by luck. 'He was in the right place at the right time' or 'she was just lucky, that's all' are two of many comments that often get made. However, if you take the time to learn about anyone who has achieved outstanding success in the performing arts you will discover their success actually had very little to do with luck. They got to where they are as a result of working very hard, with high levels of technique, application and networking. They believed in themselves and their abilities, and did not give up. Invariably, they were successful and you will be also if you follow precisely the same formula.

Knowing what you want to do and believing you can do it is one half of the recipe. The other half involves taking action. The first step involves creating a realistic plan. Once you've decided which area(s) of the performing arts you are going to pursue, you need to look at the best and most practical way of getting yourself on the first rung of the ladder. This must involve where you are going to train and what you are going to train in. Success will not come by pitching a tent across from a film studio in the hope that a famous film director spots you. Taking action has to involve sensible and practical use of valuable time. Whether you are planning on a career as a performer, manager or technician though, chances are that the course you choose or the route you take needs to contain a large amount of practical or vocational training.

Your realistic plan must involve finding a credible organisation offering courses or programmes in whichever area(s) of the performing arts you want to be successful within. You must then determine if you have the necessary qualifications to get accepted. Not every training provider demands that these are performing arts-related - it could actually be to your advantage later in your career if you have skills and knowledge in other areas and, to this end, some courses offer the option of combined studies. If you're keen to enrol on a BA (Hons) course, then you are going to require A-levels (usually two or three good passes), BTEC National Diploma or AVCE with a reasonably high grade profile or equivalent qualifications. There are also Foundation degrees, designed to be studied part-time whilst you are working, but also available in a full-time mode. Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are available in a wide range of subjects and are mainly vocational in nature. Entry requirements for an HND course are generally lower than those needed for degrees. There are also alternative routes such as Modern Apprenticeships and NVQ courses to consider, which can be combined with invaluable work experience.

For performance courses, auditions will also invariably play a part in getting on a course of any level, and you should take the time to be as prepared as you possibly can be for these. At some institutions there will be a fee for attending the audition and, depending on where they are held, you may have to travel - so there are some practical issues you will need to deal with. How auditions are held will vary from place to place too, so be prepared for a bit of a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. Just remember to view the audition as a valuable learning experience, listen to any feedback given to you and use it to improve your audition technique.

How will you know when you are a successful performer, manager or technician? That depends upon how clearly defined your original goal was. If, as an actor, dancer or singer, your definition of success is to have a leading role in a West End production or a major blockbuster and you achieve it, you could think yourself successful. Or success may come in the form of passing your knowledge and skills on to others as a teacher or within the community. But where does success end? At what point can anyone say they have reached the highest level of ambition? The answer is never. Success is a journey, not a destiny. Having clearly defined your goal, believed in your ability and completed your training, how far you go is entirely up to you. To progress to levels you have dreamed of in the performing arts - and beyond - will require you to improve and advance with each passing day. Don't allow complacency to slip in. No matter how successful anyone is at anything, there is always room for improvement.

Successful people will tell you there simply are not enough hours in a day. You will have to muster faith and determination to continue to succeed but will have learned that, with effort, reward is never far away!