That's Entertainment!|INACTIVE

[apolloashtonjones]

Apollo walked in the doors of the student theater. People were rushing around. This was the opening night of the first play of the year. They'd been promoting it for nearly two months, and it was almost guranteed that place would be filled to maxium occupany; about 500 people. Apollo quickly made for the backstage area, hoping he'd be told what to do.

The backstage area was all in an uproar. Opening night of the first big production of the year, and everyone was nervous. People were running lines, and doing vocal exercizes. Last minute costume fittings were being administred, and the occasional swig from a hip flask was knock back in order to "calm nerves." Apollo sat casually in the wings of the stage doing his breathing excersizes, in order to give himself a sense of calm. He'd been acting for a few years now, but opening still left him a bit nervous.

"Five minutes!" came the call from the stage manager. People began to rush around with an even more sense of panic. Apollo breathed in and out, calmly walking to his designated spot. As the place calmed, Apollo got his bearings. The pit orchestra gave the enterance music, as the leading actress and Apollo stepped out onto the stage and began their lines. As was expected, things went swimingly.

The play went along so well, that Apollo hadn't realized the play only had a few scenes left. Apollo was absolutly sure that this had been the best play they'd ever done. The crowd was genuinly into it, and they really seemed to be enjoying themselves and every part of the play. Finally, it was time for the very last scene. Apollo wasn't in it, so he watched from the wings.

The two actors had nailed it, resulting in a standing ovation when the curtain was drawn. The standing ovation was only lengthened when the rest of the actors came and took their bows. When all was said and done, Apollo changed, and headed to the actors meet and great. He hoped this time he'd meet someone interesting, someone he coud connect with.

[orla]

Dorian loved acting. It was so mysterious, he thought, and so fascinating, how many different ways actors practised their craft. He loved theatres, too; the soft seats and opulent decor. The place he'd found himself in was hardly an opera house, but all theatres but some effort into appearing posh- or all the ones they Dorian deigned to visit did. He wouldn't be seen in some shabby little community center, no, not for a chance to see the Lord Chamberlain's Men themselves.

This little place was a student theatre; not exactly exotic, but Dorian knew that unexpected delights were always the best, and he'd had a good feeling upon seeing one of the posters for the play. He liked to think of himself as a good judge of art, and he expected a good night. Upon watching the play, he wasn't at all disappointed; the sets were simple yet surprisingly beautiful, and the actors excellent for students of the craft. Dorian liked how visual the art of drama was; everything, from the position of the actors on the stage, to how they moved, to the props had to be considered, and he found himself very pleased at any production that managed to keep all that together, as all the best ones did. He found himself marvelling at how the actors worked with the stage rather than on it, chewing up the scenery, so to speak.

He was first on his feet at the standing ovation, smiling broadly, giving the actors his warmest look, and as soon as the lights had been turned on once more, he pushed his way through the crowds and out into the foyer, to wait for the actors.

The leads were swamped; Dorian didn't like the thought of elbowing his way through the crowd, it just wasn't dignified. He decided he'd talk to them later and congratulate them then. Now, who was that? Gosh, he was...well, pretty. He'd looked less so on stage; not that he hadn't been handsome then, but with the stage makeup and costume gone, he looked far more natural. Dorian had enjoyed his role, and was suddenly overcome with a desire to know who the somewhat magnetic young man was behind the character. It didn't need any more consideration; he stepped up to the actor with his hand outstretched. "I'm Dorian, my dear. i have to say, I had my doubts, this being a stupid production, but I was certainly proved wrong. You were absolutely excellent."

[apolloashtonjones]

Apollo made his way into the foryer. He sat down, waiting for people to approach him to meet him or sign autographs. A few did, and he gladly obliged. He waited for awhile, but no one else came. Since he had to wait for everyone else to go before he could, he leaned back against the wall and rested. The production had certainly gone alot better than expected! Apollo was so very proud of the actors.

Just as he was sure no one was comming to him, he was suddenly aware of someone speaking to him. "I'm Dorian, my dear. i have to say, I had my doubts, this being a stupid production, but I was certainly proved wrong. You were absolutely excellent." he said, with an oustretched hand. Apollo smiled up at the man, Dorian, very gratefull of such a nice compliment.

"Thank you so much, Dorian! I'm so glad that my acting could bring you a little happiness. I can't tell you how much your sweet compliment means to me, and the show. I'm sure the other actors would love hearing it as well." Apollo said with a smile. He always made conversation with people who paid him such nice compliments.

"Please, sit down. My name's Apollo." Apollo said, motioning to the empty seat beside him.

[orla]

Dorian's smile widened, and he sat down beside Apollo, with all the poise that his days modelling for artists had given him. "Pleasure. I believe I read your name in the programme, actually. You look very different off-stage."

Such an earnest-sounding young man. Dorian decided he liked him, although he seemed rather innocent. Oh God, Dorian thought, having to suppress a laugh. He's just like I used to be before I met Henry! "Gosh, you remind me of my younger self." I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not, mind, but I like you anyway.

He glanced at his fingernails, briefly spreading his fingers to gaze at them with distraction, then turned his attention back to Apollo, smile once again bright. "I love seeing plays. They're so much more real than films, I find. Some people think I'm mad, but seeing the actors in flesh and blood is far more potent than what is essentially just a succession of pictures of them, don't you think?"

[apolloashtonjones]

Apollo was eating this up. Dorian was so kind with his praises, and Apollo loved it! "Believe it or not, I've gotten that before." Apollo said with a chuckle. "I guess it's an actor thing. But, I was dressed and made-up a bit simply."

Apollo didn't really think anyone would notice him, to be honest. He did have a significant role in the play, but he was certainly not a lead. Apollo was inwardly smiling; his talent must be growing! How else would he be noticed when he wasn't in the spotlight. Apollo was shaken from his thoughts when Dorian spoke next. "Is that so? Well, thank you!" Apollo said brightly.

"Yes, plays are so much better than film. I've done some film work, but I didn't really care for it. I'll always love the stage" Apollo said, glancing up into Dorian's face. "So, how long have you lived in NYC?" Apollo asked.
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[hamlet]

Since Dorian is inactive, this thread will be moved. Apollo, let me know if you wish to do anything else with this thread.