Interview with students at the Magcal Performing Arts Academy, which trains musical actors, "Byte Show <Magcal Academy 2016 Edition>" presentation

A lot of growth in just a year and a half!
Interview with an academy student who takes lessons while attending high school

Just a year and a half after its launch, the Magcal Performing Arts Academy has been steadily evolving. We spoke to Mikako Yoshida, Ruka Shibata, and Moeka Kato, who attend high school while taking lessons, about their own growth and the appeal of the academy.

--What made you decide to join this academy?

Yoshida : My first stage performance was in the play "Tsuka Version Chushingura - Daigan Jyoju Uchiiri Hen" by the theater company Tobira-za, which is led by the school's principal, Kensuke Yokouchi. At that time, Yokouchi introduced me to the Magcal Performing Arts Academy. I had almost no experience in acting, dancing, or singing, but I applied.

Shibata : I first applied after hearing about the academy from a friend at a theater company I was previously involved with.

Kato : Before joining Magcal, I belonged to the Atsugi Stage Academy. I was taught by Yokouchi-san. I graduated from this academy in my second year of junior high school, but I applied to the Magcal Performing Arts Academy because I wanted to continue acting.

--Magcal Performing Arts Academy is not a private training institute, but is run by Kanagawa Prefecture. What do you think is attractive about the program for those who are actually taking the course?

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

Shibata : I learned a lot from the basics of acting.

Yoshida : How to use my voice, how to express emotions... I was taught from the very beginning, and I feel myself improving every day.

--You practice twice a week. Do you ever feel like that's not enough?

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

Kato : We aren't given specific tasks like "do this," but as we practice, I can come up with goals for myself, like "I'll do this by next time."

--Are the lessons strict?

Yoshida : They are strict but loving, but it is also because they care about us. I can really feel the kindness of the instructors.

--After about a year and a half of training, in what ways do you feel you have grown?

Yoshida : I was able to break out of my shell. I've never been good at standing in front of people. At first, I could only make a voice that sounded like a bird's chirp (laughs). But as I continued practicing, I was able to express myself and my voice got louder. I feel that I've gained courage and become stronger.

Kato : There are some songs that I've been practicing since last year, and now I can sing in a range that I couldn't reach back then. I think I've grown a lot.

Shibata : Last year, I was so busy memorizing my lines that I was just reciting them on stage. But this year, the lines started coming from within me. I put my heart into them, so the tears just came naturally.

Kato : It's true that last year was a very intense time. I wasn't able to give 120% of what I wanted to do. But by continuing lessons for another year, I gained confidence and I was able to relax. I think I can now perform more confidently than before.

Yoshida : I've been steadily working on my lessons, but the only place I can show the results is on stage. I feel like my desire to "communicate" has gotten stronger.

--The auditions for the 2016 class are in May, and the main performance is in August. Are you all planning to continue with the academy?

Everyone : Yes!

- Is there any advice or message you would like to give to people who are considering joining the Academy?

Yoshida : We have almost no experience in acting, singing, or dancing. But everyone taught us the basics, and we're all good friends.

Kato : We all get along really well! There are about 20 of us, ranging from high school students to men and women in their 20s, and everyone is so kind to us...

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

Kato : I'm also happy that I can practice at the Youth Center from morning until night. You won't regret joining. You'll meet some really great people, and all the teachers are people you can respect.

Yoshida : If you're even slightly interested, please come and 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 also want to become an actor who can act well.

Kato : I want to be an actor who can help people. I am here now because a musical I saw helped me when I was going through a difficult time. I want to live as an artist who can help people in any form, whether it be singing, acting, drama, or film.

Mikako Yoshida, who also appears in the Magcal promotional video, played Kazue in "Byte Show."

Ruka Shibata, who played Yumi in "Baito Show", is a high school senior with a cute, bright smile.

Kato Moeto, who played Ai in "Baito Show", had a strong presence on stage with her sharp dancing.