Under the stage lights a group of aspiring dancers chat about showbiz and one girl says she doesn’t want to hear Broadway is dying because she just got here.

Another replies that nobody gets into the business to play it safe before the lights dim and the chorus sings What I Did for Love.

This snapshot of the dress rehearsal for A Chorus Line at Epsom’s Laine Theatre Arts last week, when I visited, throws light on the hopes and dreams of the students themselves.

In fact there is a bright future for many of those who graduate from the performing arts college, something demonstrated by the fact that four of the college’s former students currently have roles in the West End production of the musical.

Other alumni include Victoria Beckham, musical theatre actress Ruthie Henshall and actress Kerry Ellis, who also sings with Queen guitarist Brian May.

Actor Ben Richards, who has starred in police drama the Bill, and Sarah Hadland, from TV series Miranda, both studied at the college.

Last Wednesday students in leotards and tights learnt ballet upstairs while the dress rehearsal was held in the theatre below.

On the other side of East Street at the college's performing arts centre small groups were singing and tap dancing in different rooms.

"Welcome to showbiz land," said visiting consultant Tudor Davies as we entered an office with the students' headshots displayed on the wall.

Mr Davies, who has spent 50 years in musical theatre, TV and radio, said: "We pick them, we prepare them and we push them into the business.

"It’s not a stage school but an industrial place preparing students for long careers in the industry."

More than 200 students from 20 different countries currently study at Laine Theatre Arts, which was founded in 1974.

Student Tom Scanlon, 21, is getting ready to start rehearsals for circus musical Barnum which will be performed in a tent by Chichester Festival Theatre.

Mr Scanlon said a lot of people did not realise how punishing life as a performing arts student could be.

He said: "They think every day is like Fame, but really it’s nothing like that. It’s so much harder. It’s been hard but totally worth it."

Miss Laine said she founded Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom from nothing after joining a small college with a view to taking it over.

Miss Laine, who had a career as a dancer, singer and actress herself, said: "It’s my passion and I think that passion passes on.

"We are very well known in the West End for the type of young artist we produce which is professional in every sense of the word."

Laine Theatre Arts charges £13,250 a year plus VAT for its diploma course and £8,000 including VAT for its foundation course.

The college also trains children and recently launched dance classes for adults, which include ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre.