In preparation for their innovative drama that blends ancient and modern elements, Ling Yichen and Jun Moran, after overcoming numerous preliminary challenges, have finally reached the crucial stage of casting. This not only concerns the artistic presentation of the entire play but also carries their high hopes of breaking with tradition and leading a new trend in theater. Therefore, the two dare not slack off in the slightest, striving to discover the most promising new stars from the vast sea of people.
The announcement of the auditions sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Aspiring actors flocked to the audition venue, some fresh out of the gate, their eyes gleaming with youthful naiveté and eager anticipation, others seasoned veterans exuding composure and confidence. The area outside the audition site was instantly packed with people, a vibrant and bustling scene, everyone eager to prove themselves and stand out in this fierce competition.
Ling Yichen and Jun Moran sat upright on the judging panel, surrounded by a group of professional judges. Their sharp eyes scrutinized each actor who stepped into the audition room. Detailed character information was laid out on the table, from the protagonist's unwavering determination to maintain the world's balance to the unique and complex personalities of the supporting characters, all requiring the actors to possess profound acting skills and unique interpretive abilities.
The first to appear was a young man named Lin Yu. He was tall and straight, with an innate air of heroism. When he began to recite a monologue from the protagonist, his voice was deep and magnetic, his emotions sincere and progressively building, as if drawing the audience into the inner world of that ancient hero facing adversity. Ling Yichen nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. However, when he was asked to improvise a scene incorporating modern emotional conflict, Lin Yu appeared somewhat inexperienced. His movements and expressions were a little stiff, failing to perfectly portray the transition between ancient and modern emotions.
Next to enter was the experienced actress Su Yao. Her presence was immediately commanding, her eyes expressive and seemingly capable of conveying a thousand words. Her performance as a key supporting character—a woman grappling with a shocking secret and inner turmoil—was nothing short of stunning. Through nuanced body language, she perfectly captured the character's inner conflict, fear, and resolute determination. Particularly poignant was the moment she portrayed the character's choice between family and duty, a single, perfectly timed tear falling that resonated deeply. Jun Mo Ran couldn't help but murmur his admiration. However, the judges also noticed that Su Yao's portrayal of scenes requiring an ancient, mysterious atmosphere lacked a certain something, as if constrained by an overly modern acting style.
As the auditions progressed, one actor after another took to the stage to showcase their talents and understanding of the characters, but none of them could completely satisfy Ling Yichen and Jun Moran. The two couldn't help but feel anxious. The roles in this drama were quite challenging, requiring both the spirit and demeanor of ancient people and the ability to incorporate the thoughts and emotions of modern people; finding an actor who perfectly fit the bill was no easy task.
Just as everyone was starting to feel tired, a new actress named Shen Xing stepped into the audition room. She looked ordinary, without any particularly outstanding appearance, and even seemed a bit timid, so she didn't attract much attention at first. However, when she began to perform, she shone like a pearl fallen to earth, instantly radiating dazzling light.
Shen Xing drew a scene depicting the protagonist's complex struggles after a disaster, where he must both comfort his people and bear immense pressure alone, while simultaneously questioning the meaning of his mission. She first took a deep breath, and her entire demeanor instantly transformed; her initial timidity vanished, replaced by a resolute and responsible spirit. Every movement she made was measured and deliberate, precisely conveying the calm and dignified presence of an ancient hero. When portraying her inner turmoil, her slightly trembling hands, furrowed brow, and eyes filled with pain and confusion subtly revealed the nuances of modern emotions. Most remarkably, she skillfully incorporated unique physical details into her performance. These details didn't stem from traditional acting styles but rather from her innovative interpretation based on a deep understanding of the character, offering a refreshing and captivating performance.
Ling Yichen and Jun Moran exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and anticipation in each other's eyes. After the performance, Ling Yichen spoke first, asking, "Shen Xing, have you had much acting experience before? How were you able to portray this character so uniquely and profoundly?" Shen Xing blushed slightly and said softly, "I don't actually have many formal performance opportunities, but I've always been passionate about acting and enjoy thinking about various roles. After I got the information about this character, I repeatedly studied ancient books to feel the atmosphere of that era, and combined that with my own observations of life, I tried to imagine what I would do if I were in that predicament."
Jun Mo Ran smiled and nodded, then asked, "What are your thoughts on the action scenes incorporating modern dance elements into the drama? You know, that requires a high level of physical coordination and rhythm from the actors." A hint of excitement flashed in Shen Xing's eyes as she said, "I've taught myself some dance before. Although I'm not a professional, I'm very willing to take on the challenge. I think dance and acting are actually interconnected; both require using the body to express emotions. I believe I can learn it well."
Shen Xing's answer further satisfied everyone, but just when they were almost certain she was the female lead, an unexpected event occurred. A mysterious figure suddenly barged into the audition venue, claiming to be a high-ranking executive from a well-known entertainment company. He stated bluntly that Shen Xing had already signed with their company and was only there to gain experience, not to actually act in the drama. This sudden turn of events put Ling Yichen and Jun Moran in a dilemma. On one hand, Shen Xing was indeed one of their most suitable candidates, displaying limitless potential; on the other hand, forcing her into the role might offend the powerful entertainment company behind her, causing a series of unnecessary troubles.
Meanwhile, the selection of other important supporting roles has also reached a stalemate. Some promising actors are unable to fully dedicate themselves to rehearsals due to scheduling conflicts, while some actors with decent acting skills are not quite right in terms of appearance and temperament. With the premiere date fast approaching, the main cast is still not finalized. How will Ling Yichen and Jun Moran make their choices? Can they overcome numerous obstacles, find those hidden stars among the crowd, and bring this innovative drama to the stage with the most perfect cast? Everything is uncertain, and a tense atmosphere permeates the audition venue as everyone awaits the verdict of fate.
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