Multiple choice system: Conan World

Akikawa Kyousuke's analysis of Misaki Itakura, the "writer and director,"

completely changed her view of him.

Misaki Itakura was pleasantly surprised to discover that her artist might have talents and potential that other regular artists didn't possess.

And she also realized that making a direct debut in the entertainment industry was the fastest way to get closer to her idol, Yoko Okino.

After all, Yoko Okino spends most of her time filming.

Excitedly, Misaki Itakura opened the company's file-sharing server and began searching for suitable audition information.

At the same time, she explained the process to Akikawa Kyousuke.

"There are usually three ways artists can get auditions.

The first is a direct invitation from the production company or director.

This is an exclusive opportunity for artists who have achieved good results or have been famous for a long time, so SKIP."

"The second is relying on the agent's connections and resources to get audition opportunities.

We don't have that either, so SKIP."

Akikawa Kyousuke: "..."

"The last option is selecting a role that suits you best from the available public audition information.

Our agency, Wonderful, has a high status in the industry, so many casting companies and directors send us audition requests.

It's like university campus recruitment. If you find a suitable position, you can directly book an audition."

After Misaki Itakura finished speaking, she realized that the artist in front of her might not have attended university at all.

"Ahem," she coughed awkwardly.

"In short, for us, who lack popularity and connections, this is the only way to get audition opportunities."

"So, will these types of auditions be for minor roles or works with low popularity?"

Akikawa Kyousuke raised a question at that moment.

"No, the company screens these audition requests.

If it's just a minor role, it won't appear on the company's internal audition list."

Misaki Itakura firmly denied it.

"Any audition request we see is at least for characters with some lines, roles with plot significance, and characters with a surname.

This is the advantage of being with Wonderful."

"Of course, if it's a significant role in a high-quality production with a good director, the casting process won't be done this way."

As Misaki Itakura explained, she continued to sift through the audition requests.

Suddenly, she froze when she saw the title of the top audition request.

"'The Lost Lady: The Voice of the Dead'?! This is a play where Ms. Yoko is the heroine!"

As a big fan of Yoko Okino, Misaki Itakura naturally knew that Yoko Okino was about to star as the heroine in this popular Japanese detective novel adaptation.

So when she saw that this work was still recruiting actors for auditions, she found it quite unbelievable.

This wasn't a typical film or television work.

The difficulty was generally higher.

Typically, a pure newcomer without actual acting experience would never get an opportunity in such a production.

Through her brief interaction with Akikawa Kyousuke, Misaki Itakura secretly hoped that he could bring more surprises.

With nervous excitement, she clicked on the audition request and carefully read through the script introduction, character details, and audition requirements.

Akikawa Kyousuke also noticed his manager's nervous behavior.

He didn't interrupt but quietly observed.

After a few minutes, Akikawa Kyousuke had a general understanding of the production.

This play tells the story of a detective tasked with investigating a series of recent murders in a strange city.

From the moment she arrived and began her investigation, she started receiving letters asking for help and identifying the killer.

What's bizarre is that the sender of each letter turned out to be the victim who had recently died.

And the letters were sent after their deaths.

Strangely, the victims' family members confirmed that the notes matched the victims' handwriting.

As the detective delves deeper, clues begin to emerge.

In the end, she solves the mystery of the strange letters written by the deceased and successfully captures the criminal.

The role required for this audition is the last victim in the story—a cheerful and outstanding middle school boy loved by everyone.

"This seems suitable," Akikawa Kyousuke spoke up when he noticed Misaki Itakura staring at the computer screen without saying a word.

"Mr. Akikawa, do you think you can play this role?"

Misaki Itakura asked, repeating his words.

"Yes, although there are some sci-fi elements, the setting and background are still close to real life. The character isn't detached from reality, so I should be able to portray him."

However, after hearing Akikawa Kyousuke's explanation, Misaki Itakura didn't look relieved.

Instead, she seemed even more nervous.

She looked like a gambler who had bet all her remaining wealth on a horse race.

Even though she knew the chances of success were slim, her expectations remained high.

"Um… sorry, Mr. Akikawa.

This isn't a movie or TV series.

It's a stage play," Misaki Itakura said with a deep voice.

"A stage play?"

"Yes, a stage play is like a drama. It requires actors to perform live on stage."

Misaki Itakura began explaining in a serious tone.

"The biggest difference between plays, movies, and TV shows is that actors must perform directly in front of the audience.

It must be a coherent and complete interpretation of the entire script.

Unlike filming movies, there's no chance for retakes. If something goes wrong during the performance, it could affect the other actors and ruin the entire production.

Moreover, plays aren't like movies that capture subtle facial expressions with high-definition cameras.

The performances are usually more exaggerated and animated.

Actors must ensure that even the audience sitting far away can see and feel their emotions and movements. This means their body language and facial expressions need to be more obvious and exaggerated.

Overall, for someone without acting experience, stage plays are a much higher level of difficulty compared to movies and TV shows."

"That's why I'm a bit worried about whether you're really qualified, Mr. Akikawa," Misaki Itakura said with difficulty.

At that moment, unseen by Akikawa Kyousuke, Misaki Itakura nervously twisted her fingers under the table.

As Akikawa Kyousuke's manager, she had to explain all the risks, pros, and cons to him.

She refrained from expressing her enthusiasm, fearing it might influence his judgment.

However, deep inside, Misaki Itakura was eager for him to participate in this production and have the chance to work alongside her idol, Yoko Okino.

Misaki Itakura held her breath nervously, and time seemed to stretch infinitely.

Suddenly, Akikawa Kyousuke's voice brought her back to reality.

"Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Hearing this, Misaki Itakura turned to look at him.

She didn't see hesitation or doubt on his face.

Instead, there was a clear expression of interest.

---

*(End of Chapter)*