Not every day did the wizard find himself doing things he wasn't quite used to or that he expected to do, though by this point he'd more or less gotten quite used to the idea that being a guild's worker meant being as open-minded as could be with the clients' requests. It's been a relatively long while since he actually worked, however, and as such had to reset his mindset to get in proper gear.

As such, when the job was presented, Jan Ren knew he had to accept the task with a straight face. Not to complain about it, just go along with the flow. But...

"So..." This was a little awkward.

"...You want me, to play a part in your play?" There was an odd request. One the Sinese never in his life took proper part in. Acting? Let alone any forms of real art. Immediately, the young man could feel anxiety preying upon him. It'd be a good chance to show off to a bunch of cuties if he'd be good, but if he messed up? That could spell bad news not just for his personal reputation, but for Blue Pegasus' reputation as well; with him being proudly aligned with them, and the client easily attributing his work to them.

Regardless... "Yes!" ...This young actor (or, script writer) seemed very hellbent on hiring a guild wizard to take part. A drop of cold sweat ran down the Sinese' head as he stared into the other's passionate eyes. Nothing in this situation said he could turn it down.

He wasn't one to cave in to people's whims that easily. And while he really didn't want to go with this request, what with acting honestly requiring him to go on-stage and recite lines he would very likely forget, he did need the money... And a good sum was offered to boot. Is this how much actors made nowadays??

Swallowing his shame, Jan Ren managed to somehow, pull a smile that wasn't entirely ashamed or self-doubting, simply saying; "Alright, show me the ropes!"

Oh Boy.

WC: 345/1,000

And so rehearses ensued. Contrary to Jan Ren's belief, this wasn't much of a show or a performance, but rather a 10-minute skit that in all honesty, did get a laugh or two out of the Sinese while he was reviewing his part. Naturally, he wouldn't have to fill in huge shoes if he was only recently recruited and testified to having no acting background, right? Seems the employer was of some sound mind after all!

That said... ...It wasn't easy. Having to remember the script and taking criticism so often due to having no experience, tweaks to the smallest of body language displays; it was clear the Sinese wasn't cut out for acting. Or at least, couldn't be taught to be a proper actor in about an hour's time. Much to his dismay, he was obviously the worst actor on stage, practicing his lines even fourty minutes in sluggishly and cutting the flow of the skit many a time, more than he'd like to.

On break, he took an immediate sigh, as if glad it was over. In many ways, this was proving to be more taxing than most other requests. Even being physically hurt wasn't this difficult. "Good work there!" Though it appears that his efforts weren't in vain; as he was supported rather well by his fellow actors and quickly-recruited strangers. He at least had the company of those to serve to motivate him. Rehearsals would continue even though the Sinese could feel the strain from going on for this long.

But soon enough, the seeded plants could be harvested. He managed to go through an entire set, a whole ten-minute skit without having to look at the script! There were still some corrections needed to be done, and his fellow actors have long since mastered their parts. However, with this down, he was confident that even he, could go up on stage and perform!

WC: 663/1,000

Oh how wrong he was!!

Soon enough, several people came to the theater. Presumably some of the actors' family and their friends. He could see it all from backstage, now wearing an odd wig to match with the style of the character he was to portray. Basically shaking with anxiety as he looked to the small mass formed. He even recognzied-- no, he knew some of those people! Why were Blue Pegasus members there anyway!? It's not like he made it public knowledge that he was going to perform! Those guys were those he recruited way back in the day too, how the heck did they know about this event??

Soon enough, it was his time to "shine". Going up on stage, a completely nervous wreck. Alongside two other actors, who obviously had their shit together far better than the inexperienced Sinese. Taking his place on stage, mentally telling himself repeatedly. "(It's just like in rehearsal. Just like in rehearsal. It's just like in rehears--)"

Though his nervous thoughts wouldn't project outward as he did his best to mask them for professionalism, it was soon cut off when he was called (by his stage name, of course). Flinching in place, "Just like in rehearsal!!!" He let out, without thinking. Silence took over the crowd formed.

Deeply ashamed, the Sinese looked left and right, then to his fellow actors; like a defenseless animal caught in the headlights. He could already see the head actor facepalming, in his mind. Though in that moment of silence, something magical happened. The crowd began to laugh, and the actors seemed to improv off that one nervous line. "You go Mister Jan Ren!!" One of the familiar punks in the crowd yelled out, refueling the Sinese' mind with some assurance. It was alright. Everything was okay. He made a fault, but nothing bad happened. It somehow... Worked, too.

From there on, Jan Ren perhaps forcibly, managed to carry through the skit. The ten-minute performance carried out rather well, with few mistakes and only two lines he outright forgot throughout the show. By the end, he stood by the other two actors, holding hands and bowing down in-front of the crowd. Met with a respectable sound of claps and whistles of approval, appreciation for their hard work and entertainment granted.

Despite the fact that he almost immediately after decided to flat-out lay on the ground, refusing to move; still feeling the effects of the stress he imposed upon himself, the young man was generously paid for his attempts. Not that he'd be recruited a second time. He did his job well, and with very little setback, it was marked as done.

...

..."Wait, but this doesn't improve the theater's status at all!!" --Ah.

WC: 1,118/1,000