Okay, let's begin practicing for the show.

Actually, before we do...

I should probably introduce myself again. My name is Nene Kusanagi. I'm the leader of both this show and this cast, and I'm looking forward to working with all of you.

Same here!

Hehe. This is so exciting♪

I'm a little worried about acting... I've never done it before in my life.

That's okay!

We just gotta help each other out and do our best together!

So, for today's agenda...

First, we'll go over the story, and then decide roles. After that, time permitting, we'll try to squeeze in a quick table read.

The director and actors from the troupe I'm in will be assisting me with deciding your roles. So, can you guys introduce yourselves?

Hi! I'm Emu Otori!

I really want this show to make everyone smile, and I look forward to working with all of you!

My name is Rui Kamishiro. I'm a third-year at Kamiyama High School. It's my pleasure to be here.

My name is Tsukasa Tenma, and I too am a third-year at Kamiyama High School! That's Tenma, written as “soaring pegasus”—

We don't have much time, so can we skip that part?

What?! But you told us to introduce ourselves!

However, I understand we must use our limited time to its best advantage...

In any case, let's all do our best to make this show a spectacular one! I look forward to working with all of you!

Alright, let's start going over the story.

This story's titled “A Dream On A Melody”.

The protagonist is named Lulu, and she lives in the biggest mansion in town.

Lulu is a sheltered girl, who doesn't know much about the world outside her mansion. But one day, she hears someone singing from the window, and decides to sneak out into town.

That's where she meets our cast of musicians, who help her see the beauty of music.

The beauty of music...

The musicians teach Lulu how to sing, and she begins sneaking into town without the butler's permission to go sing and hear the others perform.

As time goes on, she becomes friends with the other musicians, and she starts dreaming of becoming a musician who can make everyone smile.

Hey, that's a cool development!

Anyway, things are fun for a while...

But one day, the butler catches her sneaking out of the mansion...

And Lulu is forced to return to her old, confined life.

What?! That's terrible...

Pretty standard development, but I'd like to hear how things unfold from here...

Then...

The musicians all gather outside of her mansion and begin singing. Through their performances, they tell each other how they feel about her and this situation.

They fill Lulu with so much courage that she decides to tell everyone in the mansion about her dream...

The story ends with her setting out into the world to become a musician.

That's so beautiful.

Alright, now that we've had a chance to go over the story, let's start deciding roles.

Okay!

Normally, roles are given out based on a individual's style and acting abilities.

However, that's going to be difficult this time around. Most of you have no acting experience, after all.

So, for this show, I thought that we could try assigning you all roles which match your personalities.

Roles which match us?

Yes, since that should make it much easier for all of you to follow your characters' feelings and ways of thinking.

So, we'll need you all to introduce yourselves, and tell us about your feelings regarding singing.

Our feelings regarding singing...?

Yes, because this story involves instilling joy, inspiring bravery and encouraging others to move forward through the power of singing.

So, knowing how you personally feel about singing should make it easier for us to assign roles to all of you.

I see...

Alright, let's go in order.

I'm sorry, Hoshino, but would you mind introducing yourself first?

Oh... O-Okay!

Umm... My name is Ichika Hoshino. I'm a second-year at Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy.

I'm currently the vocalist for our band...

My goal is to sing and perform in a way which allows me to reach the hearts of many different people.

I'm also hoping that my singing will bring others together and help them forge strong bonds.

That's what I want to do.

Just like my hero.

(So straightforward. That answer does suit her well...)

My turn next!

I'm An Shiraishi, and I'm a second-year at Kamiyama High School! My goal is to sing and stand on top of the world!

The world!

That's an excellent goal!

My partner, teammates and I are gonna accomplish that by pushing each other to keep getting better!

That's what it means for me to sing!

Hehe! That goal suits you so well, An!

As for me, my goal is to become a super idol who can spread hope to tons of people!

I plan on doing so by pushing myself to become a better dancer and conversationalist!

And singing obviously means a lot to me, since it's my best tool for spreading hope to everyone!

Hehe...

You've certainly made your honesty and determination clear.

Look how much Airi's sparkling!

(They all come from different genres, but they're all passionate about what they do.)

(They should help make this show a success.)

Okay, next... Would you mind introducing yourself?

Yes, I'm...!

Okay, I believe that's everyone.

So, Nene, would you mind finishing us off? What does it mean for you to sing?

Wait, me?

Yes. You're a part of this cast, aren't you?

Yeah, but...

My plan was just to fill whatever role was left over. Do I really need to?

Are you sure?

Since we're here, I kinda want to hear what your feelings are regarding singing, Kusanagi!

Me too. Also, don't say you're just gonna play whatever's left. You should also play the role that suits you the best.

Hear that?

A-Alright, fine...

Umm...

My goal is to become a world-class musical actress.

And I want to make as many people as I can smile through my singing.

A world-class musical actress? That's so cool...!

Does that mean you wanna sing on Broadway?

Oh... I know it's a really lofty goal, considering where I currently am as a singer...!

Wait, really?

Huh...?

I don't think that's lofty at all, Kusanagi.

I mean, you're such an amazing singer!

Yeah.

I think your dream is wonderful, and it suits you really well.

Oh...

Thanks...

I know it's a big dream, but my goal is to make it come true no matter what.

Now, let's start deciding roles based on what you've all shared.

Starting with the show's most vital role.

I'd like to begin by choosing who is going to play our protagonist...

Oh, I nominate Kusanagi to play her!

What...?!

You're the perfect pick, based on what you just told us!

Yeah, you and she do seem to sync up pretty well, in terms of having the courage to chase after such big dreams.

I agree with them!

Plus, it'll be nice having a veteran leading the way, you know?

I also vote for you!

U-Uhh...

Right.

Based on what you said, Nene, I also believe you should play her.

However, you're also busy as a member of the planning committee, so juggling both roles won't be easy.

Which is why I'm going to leave it up to you. Keep in mind that we have a few other suitable candidates.

...

(Yeah, juggling both duties isn't going to be easy. Both are big responsibilities...)

(But...)

I'll do it.

Really?!

Yeah. You all have faith in me, and I want to answer that trust.

(And it's true, I did feel some kinship with her, with the way my friends gave me the push I needed to start really going after my dream...)

I promise to do my absolute best, with all of you beside me.

Okay, Nene will be playing our protagonist.

Now, let's decide the other roles as well.

Starting with the first musician our heroine meets...

Considering that this is the first time on stage for many of you, you're projecting your voices incredibly well! I'd like for you all to bring the same energy next time!

Okay!

Alright, we're just about out of time.

That concludes today's practice. Thank you all for coming.

Thank you!

I'm exhausted!

Wow, acting's so hard...

Really? I thought you did a great job of playing your character, An.

She is the musician who gets Lulu to feel passionate about music, after all.

You two were also perfect, Airi, Ichika!

I loved how you played the musician who inspires courage in her, and the musician who shows her how fun music is!

Hehe. Who would've guessed that we'd all be playing musicians? It's a big responsibility, but let's all do our best!

As actors and friends, we're going to give you all the support we can, Kusanagi!

Oh...

Thank you. I really appreciate it!