Chapter 3
A Few Days Later
Arcland — Workshop Hall
Well then, let’s begin the directors’ workshop.
I’m not a fan of stiff formality, so let’s keep things casual from here on.
So then, shall we have our other guest instructor join us right away?
—Hey there. Can you hear my voice?
We hear you fine, Tom.
And so is that wild bedhead of yours, right up on the screen.
Alright. Then no problem!
(It’s only natural for world-renowned directors to interact like that, but...…)
(…These two seem really close.)
Oh, right. This workshop will be pretty mixed with both Japanese and English.
We’ll interpret any really technical terms, but think of this as practice for working abroad one day so do your best to follow along.
You can use your phone or laptop’s translation function if you need to. Tom’s doing the same too.
Hello everyone. I couldn’t make it to Japan due to my work, but I’ve really been looking forward to this workshop.
We’re the instructors, but I’m sure there’s a lot we’ll be learning from you too.
Let’s make this a meaningful experience for all of us.
*sounds of everyone clapping*
Alright, let’s go over the workshop task starting now.
The task for the directing course is: “Create a show from scratch.”
Imagine you’re creating a brand-new show that will be performed on Arcland’s stage.
…If it’s staged at Arcland, it has to meet a world-class standard—
…It means we have to deliver both mass appeal and top-tier artistic quality.
We want to see your own originality, so no direct adaptations from existing plays or films.
An homage is fine, though.
Also, please recruit actors from your fellow workshop participants.
(…...I see. So in my case, I’ll probably be asking Tsukasa and the others to help.)
Aim for around one hour for the runtime.
Complete it in a month, then we’ll have a showing and critique session.
Arcland specifically asked us to train you thoroughly so try not to get too discouraged.
...…Somehow that smile just makes it scarier…
Well, harsh feedback will help us learn more.
Let’s give it our best.
That wraps up the task details. I look forward to seeing something great from you all.
So, I’d say that’s it for today— but…...
Might as well, right? Let’s test your skills a bit before diving into the main project.
A quick test, you say.....?
Don’t worry, everyone. Think of it as a simple homework to get to know your fellow workshop members.
So, I’d like you to create a short show that also serves as your self-introduction by next time.
A self-intro show…...?
If you’re a director, you should let your directing speak for you, don’t you think?
The theme is “Rain.” Plan it like you’d perform a three-minute show in the arcade by Arcland’s entrance.
Just keep in mind it’ll really be done in this room, so adjust accordingly.
You’ll work with one actor. To keep things fair, we’ll pick the actor for you this time.
And your actor will be Genbu Asahi, someone you’re all very familiar with.
.............!
(I see. With Asahi-san, he can handle any role, so our directing skills will stand out clearly.)
(It’s perfect for the instructors to gauge our true abilities.)
Make sure your script and direction plan are done before our next session.
—Don’t disappoint me, okay?
*Scene change*
This must be the arcade they want us to use for our show.
Performing at the entrance arcade means the audience won’t be limited to any one age group…
I should make it blend with Arcland’s vibe and boost everyone’s excitement for what’s ahead.
(…...But to have Tom see my work— it’s like something out of a dream.)
(A show that doubles as a self-introduction..… It won’t be easy, but I’ll try my best.)
Since it’s Arcland, magic or fantasy elements would be a good match.
And maybe I should add something personal to me as part of the intro.
That’s it. I’ll use an idea from when I used to do guerrilla shows—
1 Week Later
<Oh, come on! Why does it have to rain every time something important happens to me!?>
<If this keeps up, my wedding with the princess’ll be a mess!>
<—Oh? You’ve gotten quite soaked, I see.>
<If you’d like, why not rest at my place? I’ve got some warm soup too.>
(....…How intriguing.)
(Since we all have the same theme and limits, each director’s style really stands out. It’s a real learning experience.)
(And above all—)
You should pack more “meaning” into that last line.
At the moment, it sounds like regular conversation. Think of wording that leaves a mark.
Yes, sir.
I liked how daring the structure was.
It really kept the audience interested.
I’d say so too. But you’re depending on props a bit too much here and there—
…….......
(Their pointers, built on incredible experience and thorough analysis— this is like a goldmine of knowledge.)
(Honestly, just listening to this alone is worth being here.)
—You’re up last, Kamishiro-kun.
Yes.
...…I’m counting on you, Asahi-san.
Got it.
<—Hey, have you ever seen one?>
<What, you ask? A rare flower that blooms only on rainy days!>
<Someone said they saw one around here, so I came looking.>
—A botanist who wanders into a theme park looking for a flower that only blooms on rainy days.
So the idea is to share a special rainy-day experience with the audience along the way.
Yes.
Overall, it’s warm in tone— it looks like something both kids and adults can enjoy.
Say, I might be off here, but… did you ever watch “The Voice of the Honeybee”?
…....Yes, I did.
The way you visualized umbrellas as countless flowers in the rain was so memorable.
Ah, I knew it!
Incredible. The footage for that production is so old, it’s not really available to the public these days.
(I thought I’d avoided any direct homage in front of him, but…...)
(But of course, it got across regardless.)
……
—That’s it from me.
Sakaki-san, how about you?
…...Yes, well.
I’d say it’s nicely put together. Your technique and objectivity are way beyond what I’d expect from a high schooler.
…....He’s something else.
Yeah. Has Sakaki-san ever praised someone like that before...…?
(No. This is…...)
—But that’s all to it, really.
I’m a fan of family-friendly works myself. They might seem simple, but they can be so layered.
But your script and staging aren’t any of that.
You really know how to make something so boring, Kamishiro-kun.