Yokohama Student Theatre Festival 2020 is about to begin! [Ticket giveaway available!]
The "Kanagawa University Theatre Festival," which was held in 2014 at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Multipurpose Hall, will be revived as the "Yokohama Student Theatre Festival 2020" (hereinafter referred to as the Student Theatre Festival).
We spoke with Masaka Masa, the general producer of OKAMI Planning, who launched the festival with the passionate desire to provide a place where the younger generation, who will shape the future, can gather, interact, and inspire each other.
What inspired you to organize the student theater festival?
April 2020. Faced with the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus, the freshman welcome performance of Mikazuki-za (Yokohama National University), the theater company I belonged to during my student days, was forced to be canceled. It was unthinkable that after so much time spent planning and rehearsing, it would end without anyone being able to see it. I felt something close to anger at the thought that everything the younger generation had built up had vanished in an instant.
It was a time when we should have been running nonstop, but we were faced with a situation that forced us to stop. How could we overcome this? In the midst of all this, we were fortunate enough to learn about a project called "Magical Theater in Art Hall." There was no guarantee that we would gather participating groups, but I remember writing the proposal with the strong feeling and momentum that "we have to provide them with a venue."
I heard you participated in the Kanagawa University Theatre Festival in 2014.
Yes. It was when I was a sophomore in college. Interacting with other universities and broadening my audience was a good experience, but the biggest takeaway was meeting many adults, including fellow creators of my generation with different values and staff involved in the production. For me, who had only known the narrow world of university and had become arrogant, this was a shocking encounter (laughs). Creating things solely by one's own standards may have its advantages, but it also has many drawbacks. I believe that creating a space where younger students can gain such insights is the role I should play now.
Please tell us about your enthusiasm for the student theater festival.
I believe that the student theater festival only has value if it continues. It's truly wonderful that we have a new "base" like the Kanagawa Art Hall. We want to pass on what our seniors taught us at the Youth Center to the younger generation. We approach this with a strong sense of mission.
We'll put on a show that will make you think, "Wow, there are so many interesting people in Kanagawa Prefecture!", so please come and see it!
A brief interview with the participants!
After retiring from our university club in our third year, we were planning to start our own theater company when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and all activities came to a halt. For us, who were at a loss, the Student Theater Festival was like a spider's thread descending from heaven. We're nervous about our first competition against other groups, but we know we just have to give it our all.
Shinji Akiyama (Irodori Theatre Company)
I wanted to do theater again with my fellow members of the theater club, whose activities had come to a halt and who had retired from the club. If we didn't start a new group here, we'd be doomed. That's why I decided to participate. I'm grateful for this opportunity.
Yusei Hikita (Irodori Theatre Company)
I heard that Kensuke Yokouchi would be participating as a judge, so I decided to participate on short notice. This is a chance for him to see what I've learned at Magcal Performing Arts Academy. I'll do my best!
Kazuma Torii (Theater Company Amanogawa Shrine)
《Introduction of Participating Organizations》
Dry Well Planning
"A Closed Room ~To Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'~"
Most importantly, don't get COVID-19! Don't overexert yourself because of COVID-19!
Since this is a student theater festival, we will not forget that we are receiving protection and financial support from others, and we will perform to the best of our ability. When we get home, we will wash our hands, gargle, and help out! Thank you always, Mom!
Meiji Gakuin University Drama Club
"How to make breakfast"
The theme of this work, "How to Make a Morning," is "love." That being said, it's not a grand story. It's a story about "love" that is close to everyone, within reach. Looking at the current situation, I think it's easy to feel negative. I hope that this will bring a little warmth and gentleness to our viewers.
Himajin Kikaku
"rain."
A poignant yet tender story depicting the bond between a brother and sister who are all alone together. A small, elite group of just two actors will take on this challenge, running around the art hall stage. This is our first time participating in a theater festival, and we hope to create a lively and exciting event together with the other groups!
Amanogawa Shrine Theatre Company
"Until the Curtain Call Ends"
I am very grateful for this environment where I can connect with people of the same generation through the medium of theater and learn from and inspire each other.
We see participating in this festival as a way for us to confirm where we stand right now.
How can one express oneself in an unfamiliar space like a concert hall, given the limitations it imposes?
How can we adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of live performance in today's world?
If I were to put it into words, there would be no end to it.
In any case, the curtain rises and falls in a theater.
What kind of "possibilities," rather than "miracles," can we show during the time the curtain is up?
To make this short time wonderful, the Amanogawa Shrine Theatre Company will take on the challenge!
The most exciting part of the play
"A Germ-Inducing Play: The Actress's Murder in the Interlude Purgatory "
A theatrical performance composed solely of free-thinking ideas unbound by conventional wisdom.
Politics, commerce, authority, art
—Only the place furthest from all of them
"The most exciting place in theater."
Theater company irodori
"Itebare" (Frozen and clear)
Our motto is "creating works that add color to everyday life," and we formed this group mainly from members of the Mikazuki-za theater troupe at Yokohama National University. We aim to expand our activities in pursuit of things that everyone can find enjoyable.
This Yokohama Student Theatre Festival will be our first performance, our inaugural show.
We are still inexperienced, but we will do our best to do what we can with the resources we have now, in the current circumstances.
Yokohama Student Theatre Festival 2020
[Date and time / Participating groups]
■February 22, 2021 (Monday) 17:00~
The Hottest Place for Theater / Kareiido Planning / Meiji Gakuin University Drama Club
■February 23, 2021 (Tuesday/Holiday) 15:00~
Amanogawa Shrine Theatre Company / Himajin Planning / Irodori Theatre Company
[Venue] Kanagawa Art Hall
[Tickets] (2-day pass) General admission: 6,000 yen, Student discount: 4,500 yen (1-day pass) General admission: 3,500 yen, Student discount: 2,500 yen (Streaming ticket) 2,000 yen
[Theater reservation form] https://ticket.corich.jp/apply/110918/
[Streaming reservation form] https://twitcasting.tv/yokohamastf/shop
[Review Committee]
・Judging Committee Chairman: Kensuke Yokouchi (Gekidan Tobiraza)
Judges: Takayuki Terado (Noah's Toy Box), Masashi Masaka (OKAMI Planning)
[Award]
- Yokohama Student Theatre Award: Selected through deliberation by the judges.
- Audience Award: The group that receives the most votes from the audience (voting rights are given to all theater ticket purchasers, and the winner is determined by the number of votes received).
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The application period for this giveaway has ended. Thank you for your many entries.
[Gift Application Details]
We are giving away tickets to the "Yokohama Student Theatre Festival 2020" held at Kanagawa Art Hall to one pair of two people (a total of two pairs, four people) for each of the performances listed below. Please select one date and time you would like to attend and apply.
■Monday, February 22nd, 17:00 - 1 group of 2 people
■February 23rd (Tue, public holiday) 15:00~ 1 group of 2 people
[How to apply]
If you would like to receive a free viewing ticket, please apply using the application form below. We look forward to receiving your applications.
[Application Deadline]
Until 23:59 on Sunday, February 14, 2021
[Lottery and Winner Announcement]
Winners will be notified by email, so please check your spam settings. The email will be from the Magcul.net administrative office (info.magcul@gmail.com).
Winners will be notified via the email address mentioned above. On the day of the performance, please present your winning notification email at the reception desk of Kanagawa Art Hall. A staff member will then give you your ticket.
*The personal information you provide will not be used for any purpose other than the lottery.
[Measures to combat COVID-19]
- A space of at least 25 cm will be maintained between adjacent seats, and the total number of seats will be limited to below the capacity designated by the theater.
- A distance of at least 2 meters will be maintained between the front row of the audience seating and the acting area (the space where the actors perform).
- There will be no performances in which performers approach the audience or engage in conversation with them.
The theater's ventilation system will be operated at full capacity at all times. In addition, doors and windows will be opened between each performance to ensure sufficient ventilation.
・A splash guard will be installed at the reception desk.
We will implement digital brochures and web-based questionnaires, and will no longer distribute paper materials.
We strictly prohibit any meetings with performers or staff.
We respectfully decline any gifts, including celebratory flowers, presents, or letters.
■Requests to our visitors
◎We regret that we cannot allow anyone who falls under any of the following categories to enter.
・Those who are feeling unwell (fever, cough, sore throat, general malaise, joint pain, loss of taste or smell, etc.)
If a family member or close acquaintance living with you is suspected of being infected
- If you were present at or may have been present at the location where a cluster of infections occurred.
- If you have traveled to a country or region that has been designated by the government as having entry restrictions or requiring a post-entry observation period within the past 14 days, or if you have had close contact with a resident of such a country or region.
◎Important points and requests regarding reservations and purchases
・Personal information registered when making a reservation or purchase will be strictly managed, and in the unlikely event that an infection is discovered among the performers, staff, or audience members who attended the performance at the theater, we will share the information in accordance with requests from the public health center, etc.
◎Requests for visitors
• Masks are required at all times inside the theater. (Even if wearing a face shield, a mask must be worn in addition.)
We will conduct temperature checks upon entry, and we will refuse entry to anyone with a fever of 37.5°C or higher (or more than 1°C above their normal temperature) or other symptoms of illness such as a cold.
Hand sanitizer is available at the theater entrance and in various other locations. Please cooperate by frequently sanitizing or washing your hands.
• Reception and venue opening are scheduled for 40 minutes before the performance begins. To help reduce congestion, please arrive early.
If queuing is required, please follow the instructions of the staff and maintain sufficient distance from the people in front of and behind you.
Please observe cough etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Also, please refrain from talking inside the theater.
・We will no longer be accepting luggage for storage. Please refrain from bringing large luggage that cannot be placed in your seat.
We respectfully decline any gifts, including congratulatory flowers, letters, or other presents.
• Ventilation may reduce the effectiveness of the air conditioning. Please wear clothing that allows you to easily adjust to the temperature, such as a jacket or cardigan.
If you feel unwell during the performance, please inform a nearby staff member immediately.
After the performance ends, please follow the instructions of the staff and exit in order.
We strictly prohibit any meetings with performers or staff.
