isleofavalon | [closed mingle] acting in theatre is only for the irrecoverably diseased

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a3!: izumi tachibana

[closed mingle] acting in theatre is only for the irrecoverably diseased

🧙 WHO: Kaika Theatre members & the various people I've invited to come along
⚔️️ WHAT: Rehearsals!
🕒 WHEN: Beginning of July
🗺️ WHERE: Kaika Theatre
⚠️ WARNINGS: Nothing, probably?

The first step to any new play — beyond Tsuzuru actually writing it, of course — is rehearsal. Izumi gets in early, eyes bright and the script curled tight to her chest, a smile on her face. She loves this time in theatre. True, the actual nights of the show and the approval of the audience is important and excellent, but that first day where everyone is stretching their muscles and exploring the concepts laid before them is its own kind of wonderful.

And today's edition is a little bit special, because she's spoken to several people recently about giving theatre a go. Agreed to let them check out rehearsals to get a better understanding of the kinds of things done before a show goes on stage. That's kind of exciting in a different way. They have eyes to impress, but not in the way they would strive to impress Yuzo. These are people who need to see the same wonder and joy which has Izumi's steps light and her mind already running through the myriad of things which need doing between now and the day the curtain rises.

But for the moment, she needs to open the curtains in the rehearsal space and move things into position — a tedious job made much easier by her fear gorta's help (and he does, of course, get a bag of curry chips for his efforts) before people start filtering in. From there, it's the usual stretches and vocal warm up before Izumi claps her hands and places her script on a table behind her.

"Okay. Good work, everyone. We're going to start with etudes today. I want you all to partner up and pick a setting from the list—" a pause, while Izumi uses some light magic to write a numbered list of settings for people to use. "—and improvise."

1. On board a ship.
2. Icy weather.
3. Zombie apocalypse.
4. Talent show.
5. A sudden reunion.
6. Caught in the rain.
7. Hidden treasure.
8. Animals.
9. Supermarket.
10. Costumes.
11. Formal event.
12. Spies.
13. A chase.
14. At a festival.
15. Alien invasion.
16. A precious locket.
17. Doorway.
18. A missing phone.
19. Charm point.
20. Waiters.

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[ Like Izumi (because they're two peas in a pod. two uncontrollable theater nerds with passion in spades), Tsumugi can't help but be excited for today's rehearsals. Not just for the start of a new play, but also for the opportunity to show others in such an intimate way the wonders of acting. He'd never pressure anyone, of course, but he hopes this curiosity they had to even show up is enough of a seed to nurture so that they, too, can eventually bloom on stage.

With his etude partner, Tsumugi starts their scene with something incredibly open-ended. He doesn't have a direction in mind, nor does he want to restrict his partner, so he figures this would be best.

He starts from the other side of the room, with a prop umbrella open and leaning against his shoulder. He's slouched over slightly, and unable to keep his hands still on the handle. It's obvious he's upset about something, but the "what" is a mystery.

But then he looks up, and flinches when he makes eye contact with his partner. At first, he bites his lip and looks away... but then he puts on a smile (it's very forced) and approaches, offering the umbrella to them. ] H- here. You look like you need this more than I do. [ A beat, then his eyes widen slightly. ] Wait. Do I... know you?

[ Once rehearsals wrap up, he sticks around to mingle with his fellow actors. But he also makes sure to approach the newcomers and ask a simple and honest question: ] What did you think?

[ It's not unusual for Tsumugi and Izumi to be among the last to leave the theater. Maybe a little more-so since Moondrop opened its doors, but every time he sets foot in Kaika he stays as long as possible, finding excuses to talk with his fellow actors or to simply be in the space.

Today, it's helping Izumi put away the props they'd grabbed for the etudes. They've been talking about rehearsals, of course - the performances that stuck with them, the people who agreed to join the Company - but, after a lull in the conversation, he changes the topic. ]

Can I ask you something? It's a little bit selfish, though...

( She's always grateful for the help when anyone offers it, and of course, the conversation. Inviting people into rehearsals was something different, but she thinks, she hopes it paid off. Maybe they've opened a few eyes to the wonders of plays and theatre, given the new names on the roster. )

Hm? ( Ask her something? She puts the prop she's holding in the nearest box and turns her head to where Tsumugi is. ) Sure. How can I help?

Um... [ It's not even that serious - and it's not like he thinks Izumi would say no! - but he finds himself nervous all the same. Maybe it's because of what it means for someone as hopelessly devoted to theater as he is to ask this in the first place?

Deep breaths, Tsumugi. This is your best friend you're talking to. ] Would it be alright for Kazu-kun and I to take some time off? Not right now, but... after his birthday. [ It's almost a month off, but that month will pass in the blink of an eye. ] I'm still figuring out the details, but I wanted to surprise him with a trip.

Edited (forgot some words lmao) 2022-07-13 03:42 (UTC)

( Time always does. And Izumi, true to herself as always, listens to his request and hms, before nodding, a smile on her face. )

Of course you can. We can organise rehearsals to compensate.

( Work on some other scenes, sort out staging and props. There's lots to be done which Tsumugi and Kazunari don't have to be there for. It's important to take breaks! Important to live life and breathe sometimes, even for people like Tsumugi and Kazunari. )

Where are you taking him?

[ Tsumugi returns that smile with one of his own, warm, cheeks pink. ] I was thinking somewhere near the bay! I've been looking to see if I could rent a beach house, or something similar...

I think he'd like those "vibes". [ Said like someone who's been living with a guy who throws in slang what feels like every sentence for close to a year now. He's learning! Kinda!! ] The idea would be to leave on the 2nd, and spend a few days out there.

( Tsumugi saying vibes. Well there's proof concrete that Kazunari's... maybe rubbing off on him isn't quite the right term here.

(Or maybe it's perfect).

A quick moment to reach over and grab her planner — she's still a little bit analogue in a digital age, it's true — and scribble Tsumugi & Kazunari absent from rehearsals over the date. )

I think he'd love that. ( And, oh. She has an idea. ) While you're gone, we can organise a party for him. That way we can all celebrate together, too.

( Eternal social butterfly, Kazunari Miyoshi, deserves many celebrations. )

That's a great idea! I'm sure he'd love that, too. [ Let Kazunari have a day where he calls the shots, and then let him get swept up by the love and appreciation of his friends and boyfriend. It's perfect for the one who spends so much time and energy hyping up others.

(says the one who also spends a lot of time and energy on others around him.

and to prove that point,) ] I also wanted to ask- you've been on trips with Summer Troupe before, right? What were those like?

( Kaika is a home of love and appreciation for each member! Izumi wonders if it's just part of being so involved in theatre. You have to care for others if you base your career around something that's designed to make others feel and smile. )

Yeah. We went to a training camp for Water Me! ( Outside of training... ) We cooked a lot of curry, and summer troupe bonded over bath time.

( By sending her REALLY WEIRD text messages, but never mind that! )

Oh! And before we left, we lit fireworks.

( She smiles, recalling the end of that trip. It was a hard road there, and they'd more than earned the fun of that evening.

But the funniest part of all of it, that still has her giggling as she thinks about it, was... )

Tenma-kun didn't know what to do with himself.

[ Of course curry was involved... that bit he might not take with him (sorry, izumi), but the rest is quite informative.

Except that last bit. But it brings a smile to his face as he tries to hold back his own giggles. ] I can only imagine... [ Sorry, Tenma. ] But I bet it was a lot of fun.

[ And then softer, more wistful: ] I wonder if he's missing that right now.

[ Which, if she connects the dots, is exactly why he asked that particular question. ]

( The giggles settle down, Tsumugi's wistful mood spreading to Izumi. )

I think we all miss something about home, right?

[Izumi is a.. uh, Very Convincing arguer, and while agreeing to take up acting on the spot was too much Rinea couldn't say no to coming to visit the theatre during one of its rehearsals. So here she is! She hangs around the edges of the light's reach at first, more comfortable in the audience chamber and unsure of how much to announce her presence. It doesn't last too long, though, for Izumi would surely have none of it. Up front she goes!]

a. etudes
[When she agreed to visit, Rinea had assumed she was simply going to observe. When Izumi announces the improv session and everyone starts grouping up, though... well, it becomes eminently clear that's not the case!!!!!!! Rinea's gaze darts back and forth between izumi's shining lgiht magic list and her soon-to-be scene partner.]

Eh-- me as well? [Her eyes are huge. AWAWA. PANIC]

b. mid-rehearsal

[Rinea is sitting at the end of an audience row near the front-and-center, watching the goings-on with sparkling eyes. Even when Izumi calls for a break and everyone wanders off in different directions to cool off, she looks just as sparkly.

If you're an actor and come nearby, she'll hand off one of the water bottles stashed at the front of the row with a radiant smile.]

You looked so very natural up there!

Of course. ( Izumi really is, uh, hard to deter when she gets an idea, unfortunately for all of us. And the idea of hiring new talent? Well that idea is always in her mind at all hours. ) It's a fun way to try out acting.

( And a very important skill for plays, but maybe she'll keep that under her hat for now. ) Would you like to do it together?

Well, it would be unbecoming to refuse after you've so graciously invited me... [Clearly reasoning to herself.] Very well!

[Rinea turns to look at the list of prompts, tilting her head as she ponders them.. though one in particular catches her eye.]

What is an "alien invasion"? [After seeing enough death mages she knows what a "zombie" is by now, but not "aliens."]

Edited (i though about the word "alien" so hard i forgot the rest of my tag) 2022-07-09 17:03 (UTC)

... Oh!

( Izumi completely didn't consider the idea that some might not know what aliens were. )

Aliens are visitors from other planets. ... I guess you could say we're also aliens to Avalon.

( Well, SHE'S NOT WRONG... )

We are? [WELL, SORT OF.] But we're not invading, are we? So for the prompt, I suppose it's more like, um... Hmm...

[Rinea's understanding of the prompt is wildly skewed. We are fucked.]

You there! [Rinea does her best impression of a bandit, which is... Uh, i'm not sure? She squats a little, skirt spreading across her knees; her face shapes into a grin that's supposed to look intimidating but mostly looks like ">:3". Her hands come up like she's going to grab Izumi. ] Stop what you're doing! I've come from another dimension to-- to...

[pause. What do alien invaders want? Can they use currency of another dimension?]

... take your resources for my own!

( Look, part of improv is rolling with the punches, and this is certainly a punch. Izumi knows better than to laugh at someone's attempt to act, after all, she's been awkward at it only until recently herself, and instead tries to come up with a role to respond to this.

She settles on looking unimpressed, lifting her clipboard over her shoulder as though it were some sort of weapon. )

Aa? You think you can challenge me, alien scum? Bring it on.

( Is her attitude a little influenced by the delinquent troupe of Mankai? Yes. )

[ Tsumugi's making absolutely no effort to hide how delighted he is to see Rinea among their guests today. It's in his smile, warm and wide, as he looks to her. ]

Yes! I think it'd be a lot of fun. And I'd really love the chance to act with you. [ But despite his excitement, he's mindful of that panic. ] Are you okay with that?

[At least a familiar face is reassuring. And Tsumugi's is very familiar! (Gosh, he sure is happy about this?????? She's never seen him act, and he's usually quite relaxed in the gardening store... this is a bit of a new energy.)]

Yes, if you will have me. And, um... [Shy...] I'm sure you wouldn't of course, but... you won't laugh, will you? If my acting is poor?

[ Oh, she will see how energized he gets soon enough. ]

Of course I won't. Everyone has to start somewhere. And besides, I'm sure you'll do just fine. [ But it'd still be best to choose a prompt where she can really relax and have fun. So... ] How about we choose "talent show"?

Of course! You're interested, right? Why not give it a go and see if you're really comfortable with it.

[Following a script is one thing, but improv? Totally it's own thing to happen; and if it ever came up during a performance, good to have it in practice. He's also of the opinion there could be more ladies in the theater, but that's just him...]

Pick whichever one you wanna try.

Well, I... I suppose you're right. [This boy is so sunshiney, it's a little hard for her to protest any further.] Then, how about...

[Uwaah... she knows the most about "formal events," but would that be cheating???? She should pick something else! How about, uh... Uhhh....]

How do you feel about "on board a ship"? [She'd never left Rigel's shores, so that might be neat! (Getting yoinked to Avalon doesn't count.)]

[He's positively beaming - it's difficult to fight that personality.]

[Whatever she feels would work best, he's not about to turn down whatever she picks out.]

Oooh, "on board a ship"! Good choice! [Though, he probably would've said that for any scene she picked out (even if he'd have no idea where to start with alien invasion considering...).]

[Zidane 🤝 Rinea
what the fuck is an alien

At least the effusive cheer is encouraging. Rinea steels herself, standing as tall as she can.]

All right! Then...

[A mortifying pause as she realizes she has to actually start. Her cheeks are bright pink. She turns around to compose herself.

When she turns back to Zidane, fists clenched, she look as determined as she can manage.]

A, A-- Any sign of the pursuing pirates, Captain? Have we l-lost them?

[... Well, about that.]

[He grins. Looks like his encouragement worked. Though, she gets a little embarrassed trying to start a scene, Zidane just waits, tail swaying behind him. Oh ho, much more determined now!]

Look like it, but don't let yer guard down. Aye, I expect 'em to keep houndin' us til we near port given our cargo.

Right, our-- cargo! [This is the part where she makes up what the cargo is right??? Oh god. What cargo could pirates want? Uhhh fuck uhhhhh]

The oranges! [THE MOST RIGELIAN RESPONSE POSSIBLE] I'll do anything to-- ensure they reach the market in time, Sir! The country is counting on us to provide this important ingredient!

[... Oranges. Well, okay, he can work with that.]

And we'll see that this ingredient gets there come Hell or high waters! I'll see those pirates sent to the depths and the kraken's maw should their vessel draw near!

Yes, sir! We must prioritize the holy ambrosia over the villains' scurvy!

["Write what you know," i guess??? go off queen]

Speaking of high waters... [Rinea makes a show of peering out over the distance.] ...do you see those storm clouds?

[Holy ambrosia, hmmm... He nods and stares out at - well, nothing, but he can pretend there are storm clouds]

I do. Best get ready to be ridin' on through.

[ Acting's not her specialty - unless you count Mamorin, but even that role's continuing to grow with her - but she's still determined to do her best! Especially after being scouted by Izumi!

And especially when she already knows, if they'll have her, she'll join the Company. Her days might already be filled with new friends and responsibilities, but that's not enough to erase the homesickness. She misses Fortuna Entertainment - her comrades, her friends - and wants to fill that void as much as possible. And while there's no such thing as Performa here, everyone she sees is so radiant on the stage.

When it's her turn for etude practice, she's a bit nervous. But she bows to her partner regardless. ] I- I'll do my best! [ ... But that best might include looking to someone else for guidance when she's stuck on what to do next in the middle of the scene, just as she did with Eleonora and Itsuki.

She's also just around in general, taking moments when the focus isn't on her to sigh with relief, hoping with all her heart that she's putting the right foot forward. ]

Mamori-chan!

( It's a break after all the etudes when Izumi catches the young girl, a little tired and definitely in need of the water she's sipping, but glowing with happiness in the way only a theatre junkie can. )

Are you enjoying yourself?

[ While not on the same level of theater junkie ~~a wild thing for me, nilla, to type~~, Mamori's beaming when she catches Izumi's gaze. ]

Yes! I'm having a lot of fun. [ She then bows slightly. ] Thank you for inviting me here, Izumi-san.

( ~~Not yet. Give Izumi time.~~ )

Hehe. You're welcome! ( She's always glad to hear someone's enjoying their exposure to Kaika theatre. ) Which scenes have been your favourite so far?

Hm... [ She thinks seriously about this. They've all been a delight in their own ways! But... ] I thought your scene with Rinea-san was a lot of fun!

[ :) ]

( It... sure was a thing. That happened. Izumi's surprise gives way to a warm laugh. )

It was a lot of fun to perform too. Rinea-san makes a cute alien.

Do you want to try something like that after your break?

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[closed mingle] acting in theatre is only for the irrecoverably diseased

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for izumi.

smooch

i only saw "smooch" at first and not the comm so i thought they were gonna bestie kiss at the booths

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a-ish?

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