Around Westchester, the open mike scene is where most aspiring performers get their start and more established artists test out new material.

Many aspiring performers have worked with the group and moved on to these arenas as well.

Seven of the people in the class, including the four friends, actually have day jobs in the computer business, which is becoming an attractive alternative to waiting tables for many aspiring performers.

She worked across town from a young, aspiring performer named Maya Angelou.

Free mini-classes in such subjects as tap dancing, ballet, musical theater and chorus will be offered, and young aspiring performers may register for fall courses.

THE New York debut recital was once an accepted rite of passage for an aspiring young performer.

The friend also said Ferhani was not particularly religious, drank alcohol and was an aspiring hip-hop performer.

"She's tiny, under five feet tall," she said of her daughter, a deep-dimpled aspiring performer who sang "Over the Rainbow" for her La Guardia audition.

For smaller roles in a large musical theater production, mass auditions are held at which many inexperienced or aspiring performers, most without agents, show up.

For members of the group, the choir is a chance to gain professional experience and socialize with fellow aspiring performers.