Chapter 1 - The Arcland Show Contest

With that, we've completed all our workshop sessions. You've all done fantastic work.

With the help of our guest instructors, this workshop has been incredibly intensive and meaningful.

It would be our greatest pleasure if this experience has enhanced your personal growth.

(.....So the Arcland workshop ends today.)

(Not only did I learn from world-class instructors who perform internationally, but I also received tremendous inspiration from all the ArcLand cast members.)

(There's a part of me that feels lonely knowing these days of giving everything I had are over, but—)

(Even so, I cannot allow myself to stagnate! I'll use everything I've learned here as fuel for further training!)

Now then... before we wrap up, there's one more thing.

We have an important announcement for all of you.

Hm...?

Important announcement?

We at Arcland will soon be hosting the "Arcland Show Contest."

Arcland... Show Contest?

There's a major new show in development here at ArcLand.

Under typical circumstances, new productions would center around our existing roster, however—

As I'm sure you know, we at Arcland, and THE CENTER THEATRE specifically, are committed to creating "a show that can unite the entire world".

(A show that unites the world.....)

What drew me to ArcLand was that it's basically a theme park built around the idea of creating fantastic shows for the world, but....

THE CENTER THEATRE takes it even further. They're thinking about doing "shows that unite the world".

Unite the world......?

Haha, it sounds pretty abstract when you say it out loud, right?

What I mean is—ArcLand is trying to create the kind of show that Tom showed me.

Some people out there, they're getting by, they're surviving somehow, but they've lost the ability to smile..... there are people stuck in situations like that.

THE CENTER THEATRE is planning to put on performances all around the world for people like that.

(—So this is what Asahi-san was talking about back then.)

(I think he told me they were working on establishing the base for that at the moment...)

To achieve this goal, the cooperation of many exceptional actors is absolutely essential.

And to gather said exceptional actors, we must first create a place where talented young people can grow.

Therefore—we've decided to recruit theater troupes from outside as well, creating that opportunity in the form of a contest.

(.....I see. That's very much ArcLand's way of thinking.)

(It's not merely about the business side, but about their mission—considering how to raise the bar for the whole industry. A contest as a long-term investment.)

The theater troupe that wins this contest will be granted the right to perform at THE CENTER THEATRE within ArcLand for two weeks.

A performance at THE CENTER THEATRE.....!?

(Despite being part of a theme park, THE CENTER THEATRE ranks as one of Japan's top major theaters.)

(I had the chance to stand on that stage during our training, but..... having an actual audience would transform the whole experience.)

(If we could perform our show there, the knowledge we'd gain would be absolutely massive.....!)

Additionally, the contest judges will consist of ArcLand's production team and—

We'll be joined by a special guest judge—Koryu Sakaki-san, who's here among us.

And there you have it. I hope we can keep this going together~

(Sakaki-san will be.....!)

Ah, almost forgot. Let me throw in one more thing.

You're all probably getting the hint, but strong performances in the contest might just open some doors for you, you know?

Open some doors? …..Like, maybe they open up into a full-on parade with everyone!?

No way, that's definitely not where this is going......

I mean, I'm always taking note of promising talents for myself, so~

It's not a process that happens overnight, but I could extend a small invitation to you. Something like, "Want to come perform in my overseas performance?"

Overseas performances.....!

(Which means—)

(This could become our gateway to soaring across the globe...!)

Anyway, do your best out there~

Further details about the contest will be announced tomorrow at noon on ArcLand's official website, so please check there.

Once again, thank you very much. We're rooting for all of your future success.

—You guys!

I know the workshop just ended, but there's something I want to discuss! You see—

About the contest, right?

Ugh! W-Well yes, but—

We're totally entering, right Tsukasa-kun!!??

Oh!? O-Of course we are!! As our first step toward conquering the world—

We absolutely cannot pass up this opportunity—correct?

.....St......Sto......

Stop finishing my sentences for me!!!!! You're stealing all my lines!!!!

Fufu, my bad.

I'm just like Tsukasa-kun. I'm so happy we got this opportunity that I got carried away.

Same here. This looks like the perfect opportunity to see where we stand right now.

And if things go right, we'll be one step closer to our dreams. We have to participate.

Yeah! I'd be super happy if I could learn about the behind-the-scenes of such a huge stage!

Let's win the contest and nyoom closer to our dreams together!

...Sheesh, not that I'm any better, but you're all so recklessly enthusiastic.....

However, that spirit is admirable! Your determination is already at full strength!

In that case, there's nothing more for me to say!

Wonderlands x Showtime, let's give it everything we've got to win this contest!!

Yeah!!