Please wait here. He will be with you shortly...
Thank you.
Apologies for the wait.
No, um...
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me like this.
So, what is it that you wish to discuss?
To put it bluntly, I have a favor to ask.
Would it be possible for us to do ambassadorial performances once more?
Ambassadorial performances?
Why this all of the sudden...?
They were a way for us to perform alongside different actors at various locations other than the Wonder Stage.
The show we did with the ArcLand troupe in particular allowed me to grow considerably as an actor.
So, I was hoping to figure out a way to perform somewhere besides the Wonder Stage from time to time.
I see. In order to grow as an actor...
Of course, I understand that many guests visit Phoenix Wonderland just to see us perform.
Which is why I wish to do everything I can for them.
And it wouldn't have to be ambassadorial performances. I am simply asking for more opportunities to do shows at different locations. How does that sound?
I believe this will not only help me achieve my goals, but also make the Wonder Stage an even more magnificent place than it already is.
I see.
What you say does make sense.
So, that means...
However, I'm afraid now is not the time for that.
What...?
As we discussed before, the goal of those ambassadorial performances was to boost Phoenix Wonderland's attendance figures. And your troupe made that a reality.
As a result, and as you said yourself, many of our guests now wish to see you perform specifically at the Wonder Stage.
So, we do not wish to disappoint them by having you perform elsewhere.
But...
Also, from our perspective as the park's operators, those ambassadorial performances were an investment that did not have profit in mind.
Everything from booking venues to putting schedules together costs money. More than I suspect you're imagining...
...
The performances succeeded in promoting Phoenix Wonderland, so there is no longer any need for you to perform elsewhere.
True...
(I understand where they're coming from.)
(And I am an employee of the park. Although having a part-time job that enables me to grow as an actor would be optimal for me....)
(I know they have a lot to deal with as the park's operators, and I'm not really in a position to be asking them to help me achieve my dream.)
(I know that. But I...)
It may be difficult right now, but an opportunity to do something like that again may arise in the future...
So, for now, please try to focus on performing at the Wonder Stage.
Understood...
I apologize for asking so much of you.
And I agree that it wouldn't be right to disappoint all the guests who are coming to the park to see us perform.
So, I'll give this some more thought.
To be perfectly honest, we do want to support you in any way we can...
Unfortunately, we're the park's operators, so it'd be unfair of us to give one employee special treatment.
...
As such, we can't always cater for your interests, regardless of how much we wish we could. When that happens...
You may be forced to make some tough decisions.
Some tough decisions...
I see...
Again, thank you for meeting with me. I know it's late. I'll see you at the stage.
Yes, of course. Take care.
I knew that we'd be having this conversation sooner or later... But not this soon.
I doubt there was much we could've done about that. I mean, the show he did with everyone from ArcLand really must've had a significant effect on him.
Which means... We can keep trying to buy time, but we probably won't be able to stop him. In time...
I suspect that he'll say he wants to leave the Wonder Stage.
Right...
For now, let's keep doing what we can. Ideally, we'll be able to come to some sort of mutual agreement.
However, if he decides to leave, even after we do everything in our power to convince him to stay, then...
Okay, that's enough warming up!
Let's take a quick break and get right back to it!
Okay!
Hehe. It feels like it's been so long since we spent so much time at the Wonder Stage like this!
Between our ambassadorial performances coming to a close and that series of shows we did during New Year's, we've been quite busy.
But that was super duper fun!
We got to do shows at the beach, the top of a mountain, a ski resort and the mall!
In hindsight, our schedule ended up being pretty hectic...
However, I was glad to see that we were able to put on such wonderful performances.
I agree...
And above all else, Lion Dance Robot seemed incredibly happy.
Yup yup!
It was so great to see our shows put smiles on all those people's faces!
Let's keep doing everything we can at the Wonder Stage to make as many people as we can smile☆
Yes, let's.
So, why don't we start discussing our next show?
Sorry, before we do...
Is something wrong?
The thing is...
I've been thinking about attending this acting workshop to hone my skills...
Of course, the Wonder Stage takes top priority, but I thought I should tell all of you.
A workshop...?!
Wait, hang on!
What's an acting workshop?!
They're interactive classes where you can learn by doing.
However, what you actually do depends on how it's taught. Care to share more details?
Over the course of a month, we'll cover the theory and practice of a number of skills including vocal projection, acting techniques for various situations and more.
It's being run by a famous director, and apparently we'll also be learning action sequences including stage combat. I'm sure it'll be very inspiring.
Whoa...!
That sounds super duper fun!
It sounds like the real deal...
What made you decide to do this?
I feel like I learn so much whenever I perform alongside people I don't normally perform with.
Our New Year's shows were no exception... However, my acting skills improved significantly after performing with everyone from ArcLand.
So, in order to give myself more opportunities to grow as an actor, I decided to look for ways to keep honing my craft.
That's so cool...!
So, where did you hear about this workshop? The internet?
No, I found many that caught my interest but couldn't decide which one to sign up for.
Also, I've been hoping to meet more people who are just as serious about acting. I actually asked Asahi about this since he probably knows a lot of people.
Yes, I see...
Asahi does seem like a person who'd give good advice.
Indeed. He actually went through this workshop and said that it was very educational. He was even kind enough to tell me that it was being held again.
So, I signed up for it straight away.
I see...
Does that mean Asahi's gonna be there too?
No, he said he already committed to performing in a very important show during that time. I'll be going alone this time around.
I'm not sure how I'll fare since it's going to be full of experienced actors... However, for the sake of my dream, I am ready to face this trial by fire that lies before me!
Trial by fire? I don't think you have to go that far...
But for the sake of your dream...
Yeah, I get how you feel...
I agree with what you're saying, Tsukasa. This is a wonderful opportunity that you should take full advantage of. Please, don't mind us.
Yeah, he's right!
Especially since you're gonna be a star in the future!
So, I'll be rooting for you!
Go Tsukasa! We believe in you☆
Yes, your encouragement is much appreciated!
By the way, when is this workshop taking place?
It's scheduled to start next week.
Wait, that soon?
Isn't that gonna conflict with our practice schedule?
As I said earlier, the Wonder Stage still takes priority. After all, a true star and troupe leader can handle both simultaneously.
That's fine, but...
Are you sure?
Practicing for both is likely going to take a hefty physical toll. If you ever feel too strained, please be sure to tell us.
Ah, no worries there.
I've been keeping in tip-top shape just for this sort of situation.
Oh, look at the time. It's already this late.
I'm sorry for taking up so much of our time. Let's regroup and get back to discussing our next show!
Right.
(Hehe...
Tsukasa seems so sparkly today. Just seeing that put a smile on my face.)
(And he's really doing everything he can to make his dream come true. I really hope he does end up becoming a star...!)
I know you can do it, Tsukasa♪