Actor Sim - Anya + Laura

You wake with a start, and hurriedly check your phone. (link: "Let's see...")[== Yes, this is it! The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here! (link: "->")[== Today, rehearsals begin for your first ever professional theatre contract. (link: "->")[== Better get to the theatre quick! This production of Shakespeare’s //Hamlet// won’t stage itself. (link: "->")[== [[Walk to the theatre. | walk]] [[Cycle to the theatre. | cycle]] [[Uber to the theatre. | uber]] (Set:num-type$pretentious to 0) (Set:num-type$friendly to 0) (Set:bool-type$ChamberMaid to false) (Set:bool-type$Curtain to false) (Set:bool-type$Horse to false) (Set:bool-type$DirectorNext to false) (Set:bool-type$DirectorAcross to false)

Nothing like a nice jaunty walk to get some perspective on the world. You're gonna get to the theatre feeling optimistic and inspired. (link: "->")[== (t8n: "pulse") [But soft!] Here is [[the stage door... | theatre entrance]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 0) (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +2)

Riding in style! You imagine your Uber is like a limousine and all the people you pass are Shakespearean peasants. What a great start to the day. (link: "->")[== (t8n: "pulse") [But soft!] Here is [[the stage door... | theatre entrance]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 1) (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +0)

(click-append: "stage door") [ (text-colour:grey)[(Theatre entrance separate from the public, where actors and crew may enter and exit the building more covertly)]] You enter through the stage door like a real actor and find your name on the sign-in sheet...(link: "->")[== ...Which is pretty easy to do because it's right at the bottom. (link: "->")[== Next to your name is the part you will be playing in //Hamlet//, (link: "->")[== The non-speaking, but very important ensemble role of [[Chamberpot Maid]] [[Curtain]] [[Horse]]

Humble, grounded, and beautiful in your servitude. You are honoured to be taking on such a fascinating part. When you are done contemplating the significance of your part, you head into the [[hallway]]. (Set:bool-type$ChamberMaid to true)

Graceful and flowing, you are an excellent part of the background scenery. You are proud to play your part in making the castle walls a little more colourful. When you are done contemplating the significance of your part, you head into the [[hallway]]. (Set:bool-type$Curtain to true)

Energetic yet contemplative, you are thrilled to be tackling such a challengingly physical role as the non-speaking ensemble horse. When you are done contemplating the significance of your part, you head into the [[hallway]]. (Set:bool-type$Horse to true)

(click-append: "table read") [ (text-colour:grey)[(In theatre, the first read-through of a script, done with the full company around a table)]]Good thing the sign-in sheet let you know the room number of //Hamlet//'s table read, this place is a maze. (link: "->")[== You pass rooms full of mirrors, rooms with wigs stacked from floor to ceiling, rooms filled to the brim with costumes in elaborate colours... (link: "->")[== And all the while, showtunes gleefully (t8n: "blur")[echo] through the halls. (link: "->")[== Ugh, [[musicals. | hallway 2]]

You reach your rehearsal room and are glad to be amongst fellow serious actors. (link: "->")[== In front of you are several tables arranged in a circle. On the tables are scripts and nametags arranged in each spot to let everyone know where they should sit. (link: "->")[== You search for the one labelled (if: $ChamberMaid is true) [Chamberpot Maid] (if: $Curtain is true) [Curtain] (if: $Horse is true) [Horse] and find it tucked into an awkward corner of the table-circle. (link: "->")[== You look up. There are a few other actors in the room, but they are either talking amongst themselves or warming up… no one would notice if you moved your nametag to another spot. (link: "->")[== [[Move your nametag | Move Name]] [[Talk to the other actors | Talk to actors]] [[Warm up]]

Nothing like a good cycle to get the blood flowing and your heart rate pumping. Heck, you're going to get to the theatre already warm! (link: "->")[== (t8n: "pulse") [But soft!] Here is [[the stage door... | theatre entrance]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 1) (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

You look around the table-circle. Where would be a better spot to sit? [[Just out of the weird corner. | corner move]] [[Right across from the director. | across move]] [[Right next to the director | director move]]

You walk up to a group of actors and introduce yourself as the (if: $ChamberMaid is true) [Chamberpot maid.] (if: $Horse is true) [Horse.] (if: $Curtain is true) [Curtain.] (link: "Hello!")[== They introduce themselves, and you discover they will be playing the roles of Horatio and Gertrude. (link: "->")[== The woman playing Gertrude is quite a bit older than you and reminds you a bit of your Mom. She leans forward and welcomes you to the production. (link: "->")[== “I remember when I was in your shoes," she says. "The first professional role I ever played was a leaf in //A Midsummer Night’s Dream//.” (link: "->")[== The two of you share a [[smile | rehearsal start]]. (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +2) (Set:bool-type$DirectorNext to false) (Set:bool-type$DirectorAcross to false)

You head over to the side of the room and begin a thorough warm-up. (link: "->")[== Some may find this silly as you do not have any lines in the play, but you know the truth... (link: "->")[== An actor is only as good as their last roll-down. (link: "->")[== You carefully stretch your spine, flopping over and bringing yourself back up, vertebrae by vertebrae, rolling up and down until you feel prepared to [[start rehearsal. | rehearsal start]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +2) (Set:bool-type$DirectorNext to false) (Set:bool-type$DirectorAcross to false)

Soon, the rest of the actors as well as the director and production team arrive to begin the table read. Quickly, you take your seat. (link: "->")[== (click-append: "stage manager") [ (text-colour:grey)[(A director's "second in command" who keeps rehearsals running smoothly and communicates with both tech and actors)]](If: $DirectorNext is true) [As you sit down, you brush elbows with the director. He glances at you before narrowing his eyes. You swear you can hear him mutter something to the stage manager on his left, something like “let me review the seating chart next time.”] (if: $DirectorAcross is true) [As you sit down, you catch eyes with the director across the table. He smiles warmly at you, and nods as if to say “welcome.”] (if: $DirectorAcross is false and $DirectorNext is false) [As you sit down, you fill with joy and nervousness. This is it! Your dreams are coming true.] (link: "->")[== The director quickly greets everyone, and introduces the tragedy that is //Hamlet//. Then, it's time for company introductions! This is your opportunity to make a fantastic first impression on the rest of the cast and crew. You say… (link: "->")[== "Hi, everyone. I'm so excited to be taking on the role of (if: $ChamberMaid is true) [Chamberpot maid!"] (if: $Horse is true) [Horse!"] (if: $Curtain is true) [Curtain!"] [[Add a quote from the play. | add quote]] [[Add something intellectual about acting. | intellectual]] [[Add profound enthusiasm! | enthusiasm]]

You switch your nametag with the one next to yours. You’ll have a slightly better view of the action now, and a few more chances to make eye contact with the big stars, producers, and director of [[//Hamlet.// | rehearsal start]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 1)

You move your nametag to the right hand side of the director. Bold? Perhaps. But this will certainly get you [[noticed | rehearsal start]]. (Set:bool-type $DirectorNext to true) (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 3)

You move your nametag to the spot right across from the director. Perfect! You maintain enough distance to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself, but the director will not be able to help looking your way. Perhaps this will subliminally plant you in his [[mind. | rehearsal start]] (Set:bool-type $DirectorAcross to true) (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 2)

You finish your intro by quoting one of the titular character's lines from the end of the play: “The rest is silence.” (link: "->")[== Everyone giggles politely. [[On with the table read! | table read start]] (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1) (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

You express how excited you are to have your first foray into professional theatre be a non-speaking part, as you believe “all great acting begins with movement.” (link: "->")[== Everyone nods politely, but they’re not quite sure what you said. [[On with the table read! | table read start]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious + 2)

You briefly enthuse about how honoured you are to have your first professional theatre gig be a play as epic as Hamlet, with such a fantastic cast and crew as this. Everyone smiles and nods. [[On with the table read! | table read start]] (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly + 2)

The actors around you begin to bring the world of //Hamlet// to life. (link: "->")[== Everyone is extremely talented, in your educated opinion, with the actors playing Hamlet and Ophelia keeping everyone engaged in their tragic almost-lovers dynamic. (link: "->")[== Soon, the actor playing Polonius, the father of Ophelia, begins to speak. He's pretty good, except for one thing... (link: "->")[== It's the word [[doth.]]

(T8n: "Flicker") [Doth.] A word which challenges actors and scholars alike. (link: "->")[== You're theatre-school educated, and you are quite sure that doth is supposed to be pronounced like "duth," while the actor playing Polonius keeps saying it like(link: "...")[== (T8n: "Flicker") [Dowth.] It sounds more and more abrasive to your ears each time the word leaves his mouth. The scene concludes, and the actors pause to take a sip of water. You could say something now. [[Speak up.]] [[Stay silent.]]

"I'm sorry, but I thought "doth" was supposed to be pronounced like "duth," you say, cautiously. The director stares back at you (T8n: "fade")+(T8n-delay:6s)[==for what feels like an eternity. (link: "->")[== Finally, he nods slowly. (link: "->")[== "That's my preference. Take the note, Polonius." (link: "->")[== You remain giddy from this interaction even when Hamlet acts out his death scene, complete with choking and sobbing at the table. [[Soon, the first read is over. | lunch]] (Set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +2)

You decide to try and let it go. Maybe trying not to cringe will be the most acting you'll do all day, but it's experience nonetheless. You'd never call out an experienced actor like that. [[Soon, the table read is over. | lunch]] (Set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

And it's time to answer the big question: Where to sit for lunch? (link: "->")[== Or in less elegant terms, to schmooze or not to schmooze? (link: "->")[== On your right, the director and some of the established actors sit. They seem already engrossed in conversation, laughing with each other and flinging inside jokes back and forth. (link: "->")[== On your left, a group of other actors in the ensemble sit. Their conversation seems tamer, everyone still clearly getting to know each other. (link: "->")[== It's a bit risky, but sitting with the director could set you apart from other actors in your position. There are open chairs at that table. (link: "->")[== On the other hand, if the rest of the company has a good opinion of you, surely that'll boost your reputation? It's a difficult choice. (link: "->")[== Well? [[Sit with the director. | directorlunch]] [[Sit with the other actors. | ensemblelunch]]

You sit down with the director and his peers, opening up the chicken cobb salad you meal-prepped last night. (link: "->")[== Nobody notices you at first- your seat neighbours continue to throw obscure references at one another without giving a second thought to your understanding. (link: "->")[== You start throwing in a little chuckle here and there, whenever it seems appropriate, trying to slowly blend yourself into the group. (link: "->")[== Unfortunately, your vocal technique is just too good. You let out an especially boisterous laugh, causing the table to freeze. (link: "->")[== (if: $pretentious is >= 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10) [The director looks up at you, before sighing and shaking his head. "You're being awfully precocious today," he says, and the table around him laughs. They turn back to their food without any further acknowledgement of you. The scorn burns a bit.](if: $pretentious is <=4) [The director looks up at you, before nodding. "I love to see young actors taking initiative," he says, before turning back to the rest of the table. This feels great.] (link: "->")[== The rest of the lunch period passes quickly as you try to lap up any and all bits of knowledge from the conversations you overhear. (link: "->")[== [[Eventually, it's time for your afternoon at the theatre. | afternoon-start]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +2)

You head over to where the ensemble is sitting, a group of young actors like you who are nervously talking about the day ahead. (link: "->")[== (click-append: "chicken cobb salad") [ (text-colour:grey)[(A great source of protein, and very delicious)]]As you sit down, you open your meal-prepped chicken cobb salad and smile at your peers. (link: "->")[== The conversation seems to be friendly, if a bit hesitant, and you're worried they may not be interested in meeting another unfamiliar face. (link: "->")[== But hey, you're a company. An ensemble. You need to know and depend on each other for the production to succeed. (link: "->")[== (if: $friendly is >= 5 or 6 or 7 or 8) [Luckily, your fears are immediately squashed, as your peers smile warmly at you and immediately integrate you into the conversation. You've been trying hard to be friendly, after all, and your efforts have clearly paid off.] (if: $friendly is <=4 or 3 or 2 or 1)[Unfortunately, your fears are immediately confirmed, as for the most part - aside from a few wayward smiles or questions about where you did your training - your peers don't seem too interested in getting to know you. That's fair enough... you haven't been putting a ton of effort into making friends thus far.] (link: "->")[== The rest of the lunch period passes quickly as you savour your salad and try to enjoy your first meal as a real and true paid actor. (link: "->")[== [[Eventually, it's time for your afternoon to begin. | afternoon-start]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +2)

The afternoon is a shorter engagement, determined by your role. (link: "->")[== You're excited to start exploring your specific part, but you're a bit nervous to be launched into something so new. (link: "->")[== (if: $ChamberMaid is true)[Since you're playing the Chamberpot Maid, you'll be needed for a [[costume fitting.]]](if: $Curtain is true)[Since you're playing the Curtain, you'll be needed in the [[rehearsal room.]]](if: $Horse is true)[Since you're playing the Horse, you'll be needed in a [[movement rehearsal.]]]

You head back down the maze of hallways in the theatre until you reach the door labelled ''''''''(text-colour:magenta)[(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:magenta)[Costume Department]]'''''''' (link: "->")[== Pushing through, you enter a large room positively stuffed with garments, fabrics in various colours and textures, and hundreds of different types of thread. (link: "->")[== You gape in awe until the wardobe team approaches you and shoves a bundle of (text-colour:grey)[charcoal coloured fabric] into your arms. (link: "->")[== "You can change in there," they say, gesturing to a small changeroom, bordered by mirrors in various sizes. (link: "->")[== [[Alright. | changeroom]]

(click-append: "blocking") [ (text-colour:grey)[(Blocking is a term used to describe the process of the director telling actors where to stand and move on the stage)]](click-append: "upstage") [ (text-colour:grey)[(Towards the back of the stage)]]You'll be needed in rehearsal for some preliminary blocking. As you are the Curtain, you'll be onstage for a lot of the play, but you probably won't move a lot... (link: "->")[== ...Oh well, at least you're in the room. (link: "->")[== The director places you in a spot: slighty off-centre, about as far upstage as you can get. Then, he begins to place the other actors as they read the lines of the scene. This is slow-going, but at least you're on stage. (link: "->")[== Suddenly, the director stops. (link: "->")[== "Wait, I think we need a line here. Something short, uncomplicated, to convey the melancholic atmosphere..." (link: "->")[== His gaze slowly lifts to you. (T8n: "slide-left")+(T8n-delay:2s)[=="Curtain." (link: "->")[== "Yes?" You respond, cautiously. (link: "->")[== "Do you want a line?" (link: "->")[== [[Oh, yes I do.]]

The movement rehearsal takes place a few doors down, in a different rehearsal hall. (link: "->")[== When you arrive, your movement coach explains that this session is to help you "begin to embody the complexities of the horse." (link: "->")[== The coach instructs you to begin moving around the room, however you see fit, while beginning to take on some horse-like characteristics. (link: "->")[== Theatre school has prepared you well for this moment. (link: "->")[== You begin moving... [[Gracefully, like a majestic and noble steed. | pretentious-movement]] [[At a good and sturdy trot. You are a war horse, after all. | middle-movement]] [[At an ambling pace, taking in the world around you as the horse would. | friendly-movement]]

"What do you think fits this moment? Remember, it should be solemn, contemplative, and brief." (link: "->")[== You consider. Then, three answers spring into your consciousness. (link: "->")[== [["Oh, the house shakes with grief." | friendly answer]] [["Hark! With the state of Denmark being as it is, I 'nere shall hope to be myself again, a lowly curtain as I am now lost in misery. Ye may cast me aside, but I feel the weight of the house as much as the rest of you. Verily. Forsooth." | pretentious answer]] [["Can I sing something like..." | singing answer]]

The director squints. "That's a little verbose, don't you think? What about something like..." (link: "->")[== "Oh, woe is me?" He asks. (link: "->")[== [[Yeah, that's fine.]] [[I liked mine better.]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +2)

The director smiles at you. (link: "->")[== "Yeah, that's just what I had in mind." He gives you an approving nod... (link: "->")[== ...Before turning back to the cast and directing the others once more. As soon as your moment starts, it ends- but that's the ephemeral nature of theatre, you suppose. (link: "->")[== You get [[back to rehearsal]] feeling a bit lighter than before. (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +2)

You open your mouth to begin improvising a song, acapella. You are classically trained, after all. (link: "->")[== (text-style: "buoy")+(t8n: "fade")+(t8n-time:5s)["OooOOoooOoOOooOooo..."](link: "->")[== The director stares at you, gobsmacked. (link: "->")[== "I..." (link: "->")[== "//Love// it." He says, decidedly. "It's perfect. Minimalist yet ominous. Great job." (link: "->")[== You get [[back to rehearsal]], glowing. You knew those voice lessons were gonna come in handy some day. (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1) (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

You nod, quickly. It was worth a try. The director turns to the rest of the cast. "Let's get [[back to rehearsal]]." (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

"Well, it's not really your show, is it? Or your place." The director snaps back at you. (link: "->")[== He returns to the other actors. "Let's get [[back to rehearsal]]." (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

The rest of the day flies by, with blocking going smoothly after your line is sorted out. (link: "->")[== Eventually, the scene is completed, and the cast is dismissed. You start gathering up your things and head for the door. (link: "->")[== However, before you can exit the room, the director calls out to you. (link: "->")[== "Hey, Curtain, can I [[have a word|ending-start]]?"

The director walks up beside you, and gives you a look up and down. (link: "->")[== "Y'know, kid, when we decided to cast you in this role, I didn't know what to expect." (link: "->")[== (if:$pretentious >= 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 13)[[[But now...|pretentious]]] (else-if:$friendly >= 11 or 10 or 9 or 8)[[[But now...|friendly]]] (else-if:$friendly <=7 and $pretentious <=8)[[[But now...|balance]]]

In the changeroom, you pull the (text-colour:grey)[maid costume] over your head, before turning to the mirror. (link: "->")[== Oh. (t8n: "fade")+(t8n-time:8s)[==Noooooooooooo.(link: "->")[== You knew the garment had to be humble - you are a maid after all, and not even an important maid, but the one in charge of chamberpots - but this? (link: "->")[== It's drab, a bit big, and worst of all... (link: "->")[== (text-style: "shudder")[Scratchy.] (link: "->")[== In any other circumstance, it would be unprofessional to speak up. You're a reasonable person. You're a theatre school graduate, for crying out loud! (link: "->")[== [[But we all have our limits. | fittingchoice]]

You step out of the changeroom, (text-colour:grey)[maid costume] in hand. One of the wardrobe attendants is right there. (link: "->")[== "How did you like it?" They ask. (link: "->")[== Uhh... [[It's perfect.]] [[It's a bit uncomfortable.]]

The attendant beams at you, before snatching the (text-colour:grey)[hideous, scratchy, evil maid costume] from your arms and walking off. (link: "->")[== You grimace as the garment fades from your vision. That may have preserved your career, but it may not preserve your sanity. (link: "->")[== Oh well, you're not in that many scenes anyway. (link: "->")[== And maybe the discomfort you'll feel will serve your character. (link: "->")[== Yes. That's genius! (link: "->")[== [[It's all in service to the character. | wardrobe exit]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +2)

"The thing is," you start. (link: "->")[== "It's (text-style: "shudder")[Scratchy."] (link: "->")[== The costume attendant narrows their gaze. "Do you have a skin condition?" (link: "->")[== [[No!]] [[Yes!]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

You leave wardrobe, heading back into the hallway-maze towards the stage door again. (link: "->")[== You've accomplished a lot today, and can't wait to come back tomorrow. (link: "->")[== But before you set eyes on the stage door, a voice calls out to you. (link: "->")[== It's the (text-size:1.5)[director!] (link: "->")[== "Hey, Chamberpot Maid, can I [[have a word? |ending-start]]

The attendant narrows their gaze. (link: "->")[== "Okay. Well, we've put every other maid in the same fabric, and no one else has said anything." (link: "->")[== [[Oh! Then I'll get over it.]] [[Oh! Maybe mine should be different, then?]]

The attendant's eyes widen in sympathy. (link: "->")[== "I'm so sorry! We had no idea. I'll get that sorted right away. Thanks for letting us know." (link: "->")[== The attendant smiles at you before trotting away, taking your (text-color:grey)[maid costume] with them. (link: "->")[== Guess that's your cue to [[leave wardrobe. | wardrobe exit]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

The attendant nods, and takes the costume from you. (link: "->")[== "Thanks, hon. You can [[let yourself out." | wardrobe exit]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly + 1)

This has to be a sign. You're destined for more than this awful garment. (link: "->")[== The attendant takes the costume from you, and rolls the fabric in their hands. (link: "->")[== "Hm. I'll see what I can do." (link: "->")[== The attendant takes the costume and walks off, leaving you to [[find your way out of wardrobe. | wardrobe exit]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

(link: "The stage is set.")[==(link: "The curtains slowly open.")[==(link: "Welcome to...")[==(text-size:2)+(text-color:purple)+(text-style:"smear")+(t8n:"fade")+(t8n-time:1s)+(text-style:"buoy")[Pretentious Actor Simulator!] [[Start! |Wake]]

Your coach smiles as you prance around the hall. (link: "->")[== "Way to embody the royal aspect of the creature. Now, I wonder if you can add some more grit to the horse's movement?" (link: "->")[== //Way ahead of you.// [[Break into a gallop. |Pick up the pace.]] [[Lower yourself to the ground. |Slow, and find your way to the ground.]] (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

Your coach gazes at you with admiration. (link: "->")[== "What a grounded and balanced portrayal of the horse. You should be proud of yourself." (link: "->")[== You know you can do better, though. (link: "->")[== Let's bring in some more texture to the movement of the horse. [[Add fire. |Pick up the pace.]] [[Add earth. |Slow, and find your way to the ground.]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1) (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

Your coach nods approvingly. (link: "->")[== "Yes, it's good to see actors really consider their surroundings. Being mindful and present is a great habit to get into onstage." (link: "->")[== The praise is good, but you know you can do better. (link: "->")[== [[Pick up the pace.]] [[Slow, and find your way to the ground.]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

You begin to gallop around the hall, pressing into your heels to embody the power and strength of the horse. (link: "->")[== Your coach gapes at you. "I wasn't expecting you to have so much energy..." (link: "->")[== They haven't seen anything yet. You let out a loud neigh. (t8n-time:1.5s)+(t8n:"fade-left")+(text-size:1.5)[=="//Neigh//..."(link: "->")[== (text-size:1)[==It reverborates around the room with epic bass and power. (link: "->")[== Your coach is shocked. They look at you with admiration. (link: "->")[== "I'm sure you know the horse is a non-speaking role, but that was an incredible display of vocal power. Well done. I commend bold your bold choices." (link: "->")[== You [[leave movement rehearsal| movement-exit]] knowing you have won at horse. (set:num-type $pretentious to $pretentious +1)

Yes, the horse needs more grounding to appear realistic and truthful. (link: "->")[== Slowly, you lower yourself to the ground, folding your limbs as the horse would. (link: "->")[== You're smart, though, and your eyes continue to dart around the room as if the horse cannot fully allow itself to rest. As if it, like the titular character Hamlet in //Hamlet//, is also a tortured soul. (link: "->")[== "This is fascinating," your coach remarks. "You embody the horse in a way that is captivating yet complimentary to its status." (link: "->")[== You give a small whinny in response. (t8n-time:2s)+(t8n:"fade-left")[=="//Whinny//..." (link: "->")[== (text-style:"none")[==Your coach smiles widely. "That's perfect. This is all I need to see for today." (link: "->")[== You are the best horse. [[Triumphantly leave movement rehearsal.| movement-exit]] (set:num-type $friendly to $friendly +1)

You return to the maze that is the rest of the theatre, head held high. (link: "->")[== None of these people knew your name at the day's start, but you'll make sure they remember you as the best horse that ever rocked the stage. (link: "->")[== You're startled out of your daydreams of glory, however, when someone calls after you. (link: "->")[== "Hey, Horse, can I have a word?" (link: "->")[== Oh my. It's... (link: "->")[== The [[director.|ending-start]]

"I mean, I knew hiring young actors meant they came with a lot of... energy, let's say..." (link: "->")[== "...But oh my word, you are so annoying!" (link: "->")[== "We hired you to act, not to give your opinions on everything. You graduated from theatre school, so what? You think we haven't?" (link: "->")[== "I'm not gonna fire you, but can you... I don't know, calm down tomorrow?" He shakes his head at you before patting you on the back and retreating into the depths of the theatre. (link: "->")[== Wow... (link: "->")[== You didn't graduate from any theatre school, it was literally a conservatory. (link: "->")[== But maybe you can tone it down, just so everyone else isn't intimidated. (link: "->")[== [[Whatever. That's a problem another day.|endscreen]]

"It seems like you really care about your relationships with the other actors and company members," he says, twisting his mouth into a half-smile. (link: "->")[== "That's really admirable," he continues... (link: "->")[== "...But you should consider putting yourself out there a bit more artistically." (link: "->")[== "You seem like a really nice person, but we hired you to act, not to make friends." (link: "->")[== He pats you on the back before heading back into the theatre. (link: "->")[== Huh. (link: "->")[== Maybe tomorrow, you can let your pretentious side take a bite out of your new besties. (link: "->")[== [[But that's for another day.|endscreen]]

"I'm honestly really impressed with your conduct." (link: "->")[== "It seems like you're really knowledgable, but you also clearly care about the other actors and company members." (link: "->")[== "Not all new actors are like that. I just wanted to tell you to keep up the great work." (link: "->")[== The director pats you on the back, before vanishing into the depths of the theatre. (link: "->")[== Um... (link: "->")[== (t8n:"rumble")+(text-size:1.5)+(text-color:purple)[You just won rehearsal!] (link: "->")[== You simply cannot wait to [[come back tomorrow.|endscreen]]

(link: "The end!")[==(link: "Anya and Laura thank you for being pretentious and annoying with them today.")[==Thanks for playing! Come back soon (text-color:purple)[<3]

You remember what it was like being in theatre school, having to compete with your peers who loved acting for musical theatre, or being on camera. (link: "->")[== They'd always scoff at your love of (text-style:"bold")[classical text], they'd call you boring or pretentious and turn the other way while you studied the verse. (link: "->")[== The truth is, you are pretentious. (link: "->")[== But that doesn't make your love silly or wasteful. To you, classical text is... [[Beautiful.]] [[Fascinating.]] [[Everything.]]

Nothing enchants you more than the poetry of heightened text. (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["Hear my soul speak: / The very instant that I saw you, did / My heart fly to your service..."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[The Tempest]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["O, that my tongue were in the thunder's mouth! / Then with a passion would I shake the world."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[King John]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which, as they kiss, consume."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[Romeo and Juliet]) (link: "->")[== [[It's incredible. | motive]]

You've found advice, poetry and humour in Shakespeare's verse. Everything you read makes you want to read more. (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot / That it do singe yourself."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[Henry VII]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[The Merchant of Venice]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["What, you egg!"] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[Macbeth]) (link: "->")[== [[It's just so neat! | motive]]

You've found so much comfort, inspiration and advice in the verse throughout your life. (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[Measure For Measure]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[The Tempest]) (link: "->")[== (text-style: "italic")["The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."] (Shakespeare's (text-style: "italic")[As You Like It]) (link: "->")[== [[It's just so interesting. | motive]]

You know you're already so lucky to have gotten this job. (link: "->")[== But it is absolutely (text-style:"italic")[essential] that you make a good - and lasting - first impression. (link: "->")[== After all, if everything goes according to plan, this is only the start of a long and lustrous career. (link: "->")[== As you march down the hallways of the theatre, you make a promise to yourself to do the best that you can... (link: "->")[== [[And do it for Shakespeare. | doorway]]