This is originated actually from China. Those succeeded opera artists chose children from poor family to teach them the art to continue their establishment and career. I remember we had a few very popular opera artists such as Hung Xian Lue, Ren Jian Fei, Bai Cher Xian, etc etc etc. Their popularity was unbelievable and the craziness of their fans were not anything less than today. Even Jacky Chan was grew up and trained in an opera group.