Laowai ready to get into the act, too

Beijing's acting schools attract an increasing number of foreign applicants who have ambitions to realize their dreams in China. Chang Xiaoran from Canada.

Beijing's acting schools attract an increasing number of foreign applicants who have ambitions to realize their dreams in China. Peter Wang from the United States.

Living in China all her life, the 17-year-old American says she loved theater and China.

She is in the 12th grade in Hong Kong, and came to Beijing for the exams.

"The world is talking about China. I just wanted to experience learning acting here," Thayer says.

"There's no plan B. If I fail the tests, I have to figure it out after all things finish," she adds, looking toward her father, who flew to Beijing to support her.

However, Chinese-Japanese Kiyomi Fujimoto says she will try again next year if she fails.

The 19-year-old was born in Japan and studies dance in the US. She had spent a few years living in Beijing when she was a little girl.

"I can speak Japanese, Chinese and English. It helps add to my charm in the Chinese film industry," Fujimoto says.

To better prepare for the threshold exam, she took part in a 20-day training course to practice impromptu performing and singing.

"I also applied to film institutions in the US, but I really want to be an actress in China," she says.

The idea of learning acting at the Beijing Film Academy is ingrained in Peter Wang from Philadelphia.

The 18-year-old Chinese-American has already had some acting experiences in Chinese films and TV series. He also says he will try again if he fails this year.

"It's not easy for Asian faces like me to crack the door to Hollywood. But in China, there will be more chances," the young man says.

Wang learned martial arts for years and likes kung fu movies, but he prefers the acting arts.

"The Americans only know Chinese stars for their kung fu. I hope I can change their stereotype of Chinese actors one day," he says.

dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn