Magcal Performing Arts Academy, which trains musical actors. Interview with students at the results presentation “Bait Show <Magcal Academy 2016 Edition>”

Great growth in just one and a half years!
Interview with academy students taking lessons while attending high school

Magcal Performing Arts Academy has been steadily evolving in just one and a half years since its inauguration. We asked Mikako Yoshida, Ruka Shibata, and Moeto Kato, who take lessons while attending high school, about their personal growth and the appeal of the academy.

--Please tell us why you all joined this academy.

Yoshida : My first stage performance was in the production of ``Tsukaban Chushingura ~Daiganjijoshuuirihen~'' by Tobiza Theater Company, which is presided over by Kensuke Yokouchi, the head of the school. At that time, Mr. Yokouchi introduced me to Magcal Performing Arts Academy. Although I had little experience in acting, dancing, or singing, I took the plunge and applied.

Shibata : I decided to apply after hearing about the academy from a friend of mine at a theater company I used to participate in.

Kato : Before Magcal, I belonged to Atsugi Stage Academy. The person who was being taught there was Mr. Yokouchi. I graduated from this academy in the second year of junior high school, but I wanted to continue acting, so I applied to Magcal Performing Arts Academy.

--Magcal Performing Arts Academy is not a private training school, but is operated by Kanagawa Prefecture. For those of you who have actually taken the course, what do you find attractive about it?

Kato : It's a lot of charm (lol). I think this is the only place where you can receive guidance from top-notch instructors.

Shibata : I was taught a lot about acting from the basics, so I learned a lot.

Yoshida : The way you say your voice, the way you express your emotions... I have been taught from the beginning and I feel that I am growing every day.

--Rehearsals are held twice a week. Do you ever feel like something is missing?

Yoshida : It's very fulfilling. Since I have time to practice what I've been taught at home, I feel like I'm better able to learn the lessons twice a week.

Kato : It's not like I'm given a specific task to do, but when I'm taking lessons, I can think to myself, ``I'll do this by next time.''

--Are the lessons tough?

Yoshida : There's a loving sternness to it, but it's also with us in mind. I feel the kindness of all the instructors.

――What kind of improvements do you feel you have made through the approximately one and a half years of training?

Yoshida : I was able to break out of my inner shell. I'm the type of person who doesn't like standing in front of people. At first, I could only make a sound that sounded like a bird chirping (lol). However, as I practiced more and more, I was able to express myself and my voice became louder. I feel that my courage has grown and my heart has become stronger.

Kato : There are some songs that I have been practicing since last year, and now I am able to hit ranges that I would never have been able to hit back then. I think I've grown as well.

Shibata : Last year I worked so hard to memorize my lines that even on stage I was just saying them. But this year, the lines started coming out from within me. Tears naturally come out because there's a lot of emotion involved.

Kato : Certainly, everything was desperate last year. I wasn't able to give 120% of what I wanted to do. However, by continuing to take lessons for an additional year, I gained confidence and found myself more relaxed. I think I am able to act more confidently now than before.

Yoshida : I have been steadily accumulating lessons, but the only place I can show the results of my efforts is on stage. As a result, I feel that my desire to convey the message has become stronger.

――There will be an audition for the 2016 class in May, and we are looking forward to the main performance in August. Will you all continue with the academy?

Everyone : Yes!

--Is there any advice or appeal you would like to give to those considering joining the academy?

Yoshida : We have almost no experience in acting, singing, or dancing. However, everyone teaches us from the basics, and all the members are good friends.

Kato : We are really good friends! There are about 20 people, ranging from high school students to older brothers and sisters in their 20s, and everyone has been very kind to me...

Shibata : There are four high school students, but we are working hard together with university students and older students.

Kato : It's also nice to be able to practice at the youth center from morning until night. You won't regret entering. I'm looking forward to some truly wonderful encounters, and the teachers I respect are all there.

Yoshida : If you have even the slightest interest, please join us!

--Please tell us your future goals and dreams.

Yoshida : I want to become an actor who can move people's hearts.

Shibata : I can sing, dance, and do musicals, but I want to become an actor who can also act well.

Kato : I want to become an actor who can help people. I am here today thanks to the help of a musical I saw during a difficult time. I want to live my life as an expressive person who can help people, whether it's through singing, acting, dramas, movies, or any other form.

Mikako Yoshida also appears in the Magcal promotional video. She played Kazue very well in ``Bite Show''.

Ruka Shibata, who played Yumi in "Bait Show". She is a third year high school student with a cute and bright smile.

Moecho Kato, who played Ai in "Bait Show". With her sharp dance moves, she had a great presence on stage.

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Click here for details on Magcal Theater
For details on Magcal Performing Arts Academy Performance 2016, please see the "Bite Show" page .