Open House

[flowerofsendai]

[ACTION]

[With the theater season officially open, the Divine Theater has little else do with the summer but prepare for next season's jam-packed schedule. However, preparation doesn't really bring in money, so, as they do every summer, the Divine Theater has opened its doors to summer classes! There is even word that those students who excel might even be considered for staff next season!

The first class is free in the hopes that they will bring in new students, in the hopes that people will sign up for more. The offerings are rather diverse.

Acting classes, both beginning and advanced; music lessons for singers and instrumentalists; conducting classes; beginning and advanced sewing and costume design; makeup; theater tech and lighting; beginning and advanced dance classes; stage fighting and choreography, just to name a few. There's a little bit of something for everyone here. The front desk ladies have even taken it upon themselves to start their very own beginner accounting class. It's cute, you should check it out

For those working around the theater, it was a busy time--maybe even more than when they were putting on productions. Cleaning to do, classes to help out with, and, of course, making sure any students don't go down secret hallways labeled "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" that totally aren't hiding their super secret base of operations nope nothing here to see folks.

Are you teaching? Attending? Helping out? Maybe just curious?]

Comments

[incousinswithyou]

[one last step and...there. She'll hold onto that stillness for a moment, just Haruka and her, and then she's letting go and facing the rest of the class again.]

Go through the steps a few times, and then we'll set it to music.

[let's hope some of you were paying attention to their feet, and not the sparkles.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka leaves the instructions at that, preferring to observe her students. Sticking a hand in her pocket, she looks out around the room. Good. Everybody is trying to figure it out on their own.

She approaches Maki and Chie; what the heck. If she's going to be the instructor, she may as well do instructor-like things. ] How's it going?

[cutiepanther]

It's not as easy as you two make it seem. [ Maki almost sounds like she's being a little tough on her instructors, or at least she thinks she is, even while she manages to compliment the two of them. ]

You two must have been practicing for a long time, there's no way beginners like us could catch on so quickly.

[incousinswithyou]

[Michiru just smiles, not taking her eyes off of another pair she's supervising.]

Well, I was hoping my high expectations weren't unfounded.

[besides, it's the most basic step. Not that Michiru is going to mention that.]

[actsmagnificent]

We could test them.

[ Excuse her, Chie. Haruka is going to cut in here, smooth as can be, and dance with Maki instead, to assess how the girl's doing at this (admittedly basic) step for herself. See, Maki. She'll even let you lead. Isn't she a considerate teacher? ]

Michiru? [ A nod. Music, please. ]

[cutiepanther]

I think it's a little too soon for a te--! [ Maki isn't paying attention, just speaking back to her teacher, looking at her feet. Very quickly though she realizes that Chie's feet are gone, and they are replaced by someone else. She quickly looks up to see Haruka with her hands on Maki, her own face turning red for some reason. ]

A-Are you s-sure about this??

[incousinswithyou]

[Michiru will hide her amusement and turn on the music. Record player. Whatever.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ And there's a nice lilting beat to follow, Maki. Doesn't that make this easier?

Well, that and the light pressure of Haruka's hands on your back and against your palm. One, two...over, back.... ]

Relax. Don't forget to spread your legs. [ Wedge shape, remember? So the audience can see your torso as you dance. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki tries to take the lead, as best she can, but it's a little difficult seeing how she's barely able to focus with Haruka's hands on her. She has to take more than a few deep breaths to keep herself from freaking out, her ears twitching a little beneath that winter hat she has on. ]

R-Right, I understand.. [ She quickly looks down at her feet, trying to follow instructions, then back up to Haruka. If there's one thing she knows about though it's music. As soon as she calms down a little, Maki can start to pick up on the rhythm and tempo of the music, following along with it perhaps a little better than a beginner might. ]

got michiru's permission to skip

[actsmagnificent]

[ ....See, she's got it. This is a simple step. Haruka walks her through it, their bodies swaying lightly to the music - exaggeration is also important for performing onstage - and tries to hold the other girl's gaze with her own. Eyes up. Confidence. Good.

...Or, well, for a first pass. You've definitely got the rhythm, though: she could see the change in Maki once they added music. Suddenly it no longer seems so odd that you've met Michiru. Haruka smiles and takes a wild (if educated) guess. ] What instrument do you play?

alright~!

[cutiepanther]

[ Before, dancing with Chie had Chie mostly worried about being found out, that the girl might notice something about her. But now with the music in her ears, she can forget her insecurities, looking up at Haruka, her feet starting to move on their own. She's inexperienced, but the confidence that comes with hearing the music makes it a little easier for her.

Of course eventually when she realizes just how long Haruka's been holding her gaze, she has to turn away to look at something else, blushing in about the most obvious way ever. ]

Um...I play the piano and sing..

[actsmagnificent]

[ Another pianist. Haruka won't volunteer that that's her instrument, but she keeps smiling anyway. She only dabbles, really. Michiru's the musician. ] You've got a natural sense for rhythm. We could use you onstage, or in the pit.

[ She throws in that second one since they really shouldn't bring civilians into the theater more than necessary; there's too much Secret Mission Stuff going on. But it's a shame to just let talent walk out the door, too. If she's talking to Michiru, Maki must be quite talented. ]

[cutiepanther]

Huh?? Are you asking me to audition here? [ Besides the way her heart seems to be beating so much faster the more Haruka looks at her, she's blindsided by that compliment. She knows she's good at piano and singing, but she never expected someone who actually works at the theater to invite her to try to join. ]

I-I never really thought about being on stage before... [ But the way her eyes seem to shine, and her mouth turn up in a smile, she likes the idea, even if she can't openly admit it. ]

[actsmagnificent]

[ ....Hah. Good reaction. The music is slowing, but Haruka keeps her hands right where they are. This conversation isn't over yet. ] You don't have to decide today. Take your time.

[ She squeezes Maki's hand. ] We'll be waiting.

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki's eyes look down at Haruka's hands on her, wondering why she isn't taking them away, but doesn't say anything just yet. She's just thinking of actually performing on a stage, singing and dancing...it actually makes her excited, especially when a professional tells her she has what it takes. ]

I-I'll keep it in mind. [ Even as Maki tries not to sound excited for the opportunity, it's clear that she is. ]

[actsmagnificent]

Good girl. [ That about does it for their music, so Haruka gives Maki one last, lingering smile - hope to see you again one-on-one soon - and turns back to the class, clapping her hands. ] All right, did nobody trip?

[ Maybe she shouldn't jinx the students like that. But Maki's quite the interesting young lady. Haruka's mood has improved considerably. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki winces a little at the 'good girl' comment, but doesn't respond to it. She's definitely not used to hearing things like that, outside of her Papa. Still, she can seem to stop from blushing as Haruka gives her that last smile, finally moving away from her. She's just stunned for the moment, unsure of what to say or do now.

All she really can do is tug her hat down a little more, trying to pretend that nothing happened. ]