Phoenix Wonderland
Phoenix Stage
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Cast Member A
Ah, as peppy as ever, I see.
Cast Member B
We'll be practicing in earnest starting today. I know it's not going to be easy, but let's all do our best.
Rui
(But there is also a hint of tension in the air. The atmosphere is just right for our first day of practice.)
Director
Alright, we'll begin practicing for our production of “The Happy Phoenix” starting today.
Cast Members
Right!
Director
In the morning, we'll begin by covering the basics. In the afternoon, you'll be performing your respective parts in a readthrough.
Director
Since the casting for Rio hasn't been decided yet, our candidates will be taking turns reading his lines. Please be sure to keep that in mind.
Director
I know it won't be easy having them swap for each scene, but try to remain focused and in character.
Tsukasa
(We'll be taking turns, eh...?
Five people are vying for this role, so none of us will be getting much time.)
Five people are vying for this role, so none of us will be getting much time.)
Tsukasa
(The director will surely be watching us during this time before the audition as well. I need to make sure my version of Rio really leaves an impression on him!)
Sakurako
I know you're focused on winning this role, but basic training comes first. We usually begin by stretching, running and doing some strength exercises.
Sakurako
We also play some teambuilding games from time to time, but we'll mainly be working out today.
Tsukasa
I should be able to handle all of that!
After all, I have more stamina and a louder voice than most people.
After all, I have more stamina and a louder voice than most people.
Sakurako
Remember what I said yesterday?
“We take things much more seriously than you may realize”...
“We take things much more seriously than you may realize”...
Cast Member A
Once we're done stretching, we'll be going for a ten-minute run!
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Sound Effect: Play
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Cast Member A
Alright, that should be enough warming up...
Cast Member A
Okay! Next, we'll be running ten kilometers. Everyone ready?
Sakurako
Oh? We need you to be able to handle this much. I mean, some shows have everyone running around for two hours straight.
Sakurako
By the way, after our run, we'll be doing strength training for an hour. Following that, we'll be working on our voices for an hour.
Sakurako
Yes, since it's every actor's duty to be fit. Be it dancing or pantomiming, your body needs to be able to do as it's told.
Rui
I know we only do up to two hours of exercising at most, Nene, but let's try to make the most of this opportunity and do our best here...
Cast Member A
Of course, we don't want you to get hurt or anything, so please don't hesitate to tell us if you think you're at your limit. Now, everyone, let's run!
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Tsukasa
(Grr...! No one from the Phoenix Stage seems to be slowing down at all. I suppose it's no wonder since they do this every day...)
Tsukasa
(After all, stamina is vital in terms of staying in character and remaining focused on stage...)
Tsukasa
(I've been building up my stamina as much as I could until now, but I should use this opportunity to take another big step forward...!)
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Cast Member B
Haha. A 10K right off the bat probably is a bit rough. But it's okay, just run at your own pace.
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Cast Member A
Okay, next...
A hundred squats. Make sure you maintain a good posture!
A hundred squats. Make sure you maintain a good posture!
Cast Member A
Hey, not bad. Your technique's really good. Alright, let's do three sets of these...!
Cast Member A
Yes, because having strong legs and hips has endless benefits! Especially when it comes to dancing and performing stunts!
Rui
I thought that I'd been doing enough as an actor until now, but I'm honestly struggling to keep up with them.
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Director
Take ten here.
After that, we'll begin our readthrough.
After that, we'll begin our readthrough.
Tsukasa
(That was just a morning training session and I already feel spent... Even Emu with her infinite stamina feels exhausted...)
Tsukasa
(And they do this every day...?
It's a good reminder of what the cast members of the Phoenix Stage are capable of...)
It's a good reminder of what the cast members of the Phoenix Stage are capable of...)
Cast Member A
Alright, now that we've had a break, let's jump into our readthrough! Those who've been assigned a role, please gather on stage!
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Director
As I mentioned this morning, we'll be spending the afternoon on our readthrough. You're free to add in some movement, but be prepared to go through the entire show from start to finish.
Director
As for Rio, well...
Why don't we go in order from left to right? Please jump in when it becomes your turn.
Why don't we go in order from left to right? Please jump in when it becomes your turn.
Director
Kobayashi, you'll take the scene where he meets the phoenix for the first time. From page twenty-four, we'll have...
Tsukasa
(So I'll be starting from page fifty, where Rio and the phoenix start to understand one another's feelings.)
Tsukasa
(It's a difficult scene, but I should be able to handle it. I've memorized every line and already know how I'm going to portray him...)
Director
Okay, let's start from page one... The scene where the phoenix appears for the first time before meeting Rio.
Director
Sakurako, are you ready?
Rui
Before saying a word, no less.
I'm quickly sensing the majestic aura of a phoenix emanating from her.
I'm quickly sensing the majestic aura of a phoenix emanating from her.
Tsukasa
(She put on magnificent performances during the contest and night show... But Seiryuin seems completely different now.)
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Tsukasa
(Now I see. I was too focused on her talent for singing before. On top of that, we had her play a minor part during the night show...)
Tsukasa
(She hasn't said a word.
If her presence is this strong now, what will she be like when she...)
If her presence is this strong now, what will she be like when she...)
Tsukasa
(The opening scene of this show involves the phoenix making her initial appearance while a chorus of other birds gossip about her in a cheerful song...)
Tsukasa
(Some show admiration for her and wish that they had her beauty, while others claim she's too snooty and that she has a heart of ice despite her flaming feathers.)
Tsukasa
(And then, after all this anticipation's been built up and the audience's curiosity is piqued...)
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Rui
(She's immersed herself into her character to the point that her voice is coming out different from normal.)
Sakurako
“Worst of all, I am unable to sleep the way I wish... And the way these trees shake is unbearable...”
Rui
(The way she moved her hand just now... It didn't seem like a hand. Rather, a wing batting away some leaves and branches...)
Sakurako
“But moving is also out of the question since a normal forest would end up burning away in my presence.”
Sakurako
“As such, I am only able to sleep in this magical wood. Could I be in a worse situation...?”
Tsukasa
(Is it the way she's moving...?
The subtle motions she's making as she recites her lines remind me of a bird...)
The subtle motions she's making as she recites her lines remind me of a bird...)
Sakurako
“That creature over there looks unfamiliar. So small and helpless... How repulsive.”
Cast Member A (As Rio)
“Huff... Huff...”
Cast Member A (As Rio)
“I've been walking for ages now...”
Cast Member A (As Rio)
“This is definitely the forest where the witch is supposed to live, but I'm never going to find a phoenix at this rate...”
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Rui
(This person isn't necessarily a bad actor. If anything, they're far better than average.)
Rui
(However, showing up next to Seiryuin results in their portrayal feeling unnatural...)
Rui
(In all likelihood...
This person is simply using all the tools at their disposal to play this boy.)
This person is simply using all the tools at their disposal to play this boy.)
Rui
(On the other hand, Seiryuin seems to have methodically approached her character by asking, “What do I need to do to play a phoenix properly?” There's quite a big chasm between them.)
Next Chapter: Ordeal