Xiao Ke said the quota of 100 spots was quickly filled, which surprised him. While the theatrical world is seen as the domain of the young and passionate, the applicants varied from middle-aged aspirants, to full-time mothers, professionals and everyday workers, who decided to take the "plunge into the unknown world of acting", he said.

"For many, the thought of performing onstage may seem a distant fantasy — an ambition postponed due to life's practicalities. However, I wanted to give this a try, and provide an opportunity for people, especially ordinary people, who may otherwise never stand and perform on a stage," Xiao Ke said.

Yu said for most novices the thought of performing in front of people can be daunting. "Yet, I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try," he said, adding his wife encouraged him to try out for the program after he saw it promoted on social media.

He leads a performance company and has spent most of his working life in meeting rooms and at negotiating tables.

Yu applied for the Beijing Film Academy when he was 18, but failed the final exam.

However, he still harbored a desire to perform, despite the additional obligations of being a husband, father and son.

"When my wife, who is a theater director, encouraged me to attend the theater class, I hesitated. After all, I wasn't used to being vulnerable or, frankly, looking foolish in front of others," he said.

Overcoming fears

The opening class began with a warm-up intended to take the students out of their comfort zones. The animal exercise, designed to loosen the body and build trust within the group, made Yu extremely nervous.

At first, Yu, who regularly takes the train from Tianjin to Beijing to take part in the program, stood frozen.