Lord of Entertainment C17 It's time

The theatre's schedule was packed, with performances running from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and finally 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

After the first show, as we gathered backstage, Lucy, the actress playing Julianna, approached me with stars in her eyes. "You really did great at singing! I am very touched," she gushed.

"Thanks," I replied simply, not wanting to make too big a deal of it.

I noticed that almost all of the group seemed to admire my performance, their faces alight with a mix of awe and curiosity. The only exception was the actor playing Roman, who seemed less than thrilled by the attention I was receiving. But I didn't let it bother me – you can't please everyone, after all.

As the day progressed and we moved through the subsequent performances, I found myself settling into a rhythm. Each time I took the stage, I felt more confident, more in tune with the audience's reactions. I experimented subtly with my performances, adding small variations to see how they would be received.

By the time the final curtain fell at 5:00 PM, I was ready for a rest. I bid goodbye to Lucy and the others, exchanging warm farewells and promises to see each other at the next performance.

As I walked back to my hotel room, I checked my system interface. Throughout the day, I had managed to gain 50 fans. It was progress – significant progress compared to my street performances. The steady climb in numbers was encouraging, a tangible measure of my growing impact in Saint Angeles.

***

The next morning, at the crack of dawn, I found myself in Gerald's office discussing our business venture. The dwarf's company estimated that they would be able to release my electric guitars and pianos in about a month or two. It was exciting progress, but it also meant I needed to find a way to sustain myself financially in the meantime.

With that in mind, I made my way to the theatre, ready for another day of performances. As I took the stage time and again, I could feel my fan base growing steadily. What was even more encouraging was seeing familiar faces in the audience – people who had come back specifically to see me perform.

At the end of a particularly grueling day, as I was about to head out, two young men approached me. I recognized them immediately – they were among the students who had become my fans during my street performances.

"Hey man," one of them called out, "I see you're not performing in the square anymore? Didn't know you were working for a theatre now."

I nodded, offering a friendly smile. "Yes, the theatre owner offered good pay."

They nodded in understanding, but I could sense a hint of disappointment. The other young man spoke up, "I see you're not performing your usual style – I kinda liked what you were doing in the square."

His words gave me pause. It was true that I had adapted my style to fit the theatre's more traditional expectations. "Well," I explained, "that style doesn't really fit with the theatre play."

We chatted for a while longer, and as I made my way back to my lodgings.

***

Monday brought a new set of challenges. As I arrived at the theatre, I was introduced to a different troupe – the professional actors who performed during the weekdays. Unlike the young, enthusiastic group I had worked with over the weekend, these seasoned performers regarded me with obvious skepticism.

I could feel their doubt like a tangible force, their eyes assessing me with a mix of curiosity and dismissal.

It was clear they didn't believe in me at all. Rocky, bless him, did his best to reassure them, vouching for my talents and the impact I'd had on the weekend performances.

As the clock struck 8:00 AM and the play began, I noticed that some of the fans I'd gained over the weekend had indeed returned to see me perform again.

However, the overall audience was noticeably smaller than it had been during the weekend shows.

Rocky had told me about this, explaining that weekday performances typically drew smaller crowds due to higher ticket prices and the fact that most people were at work or school during these hours. Even some of my new fans couldn't make it, likely tied up with their own weekday responsibilities.

Despite the reduced numbers, there was still a considerable audience. The reputation of the professional troupe seemed to have drawn in a different kind of theatre-goer – perhaps more discerning, definitely more experienced in their expectations of a high-quality performance.

***

I stepped onto the stage as usual, the spotlight hitting my face.

I decided to stick with the style that had worked well over the weekend, but with a subtle twist. As I began to play and sing, I could see the surprise on the faces of the professional troupe members watching from the wings. Their skepticism gradually gave way to begrudging admiration as my performance unfolded.

By the end of the day, the atmosphere had shifted. The professional actors who had initially doubted me were now acknowledging my talent, some even approaching me with questions about my technique and style.

As always, I had gained more fans. The steady climb in numbers was reassuring.

However, as I settled into bed that night, a nagging feeling persisted. Yes, I was making progress, but was it fast enough? The rate at which I was gaining fans felt too slow, especially considering the ambitious goals I had set for myself.

I realized it was time to take a bigger step. The idea I had been mulling over for days now seemed more pressing than ever.

***

A few days after my realization, I found myself in Rocky's office after the evening performance. The clock had just struck 5:00 PM when I broached the subject that had been occupying my thoughts.

Rocky's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You desire to have your own show at my theatre?" His tone was a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

I nodded, trying to keep my excitement in check. "Yeah. You've seen how my performances impress people. Maybe it's time to see if I can really save your theatre, Rocky."

Rocky hesitated, his formal manner becoming more pronounced as he chose his words carefully. "Well... I believe you may be progressing at an overly accelerated pace, my boy. I had envisioned a more gradual approach - nurturing you into a star of my theatre, instructing you in the nuances of acting and various theatrical techniques. But to have your own show? I've scarcely had the opportunity to impart even the basics of stagecraft to you..."

"You gotta have confidence in me, Rocky," I insisted, leaning forward in my chair.

Rocky's brow furrowed. "But... you've only been with us for a matter of days, and already you wish to commandeer the entire stage? Moreover, you've yet to master the art of acting-"

I cut in, sensing I needed to clarify my vision. "Rocky, I don't think I need acting for this. I'm just going to perform music."

Rocky paused, his expression shifting. "Oh? You're proposing to hold your own concert in my theatre?"

Realizing how it sounded, I felt a bit sheepish but nodded. "Kind of, yeah..."

Frustration crept into Rocky's voice. "I fear you may be exhibiting a degree of selfishness, Mr. Whitlock. I extended an invitation to you because I perceived potential for artistry within you. But to demand your own concert after mere days? It's rather presumptuous, wouldn't you agree?"

I knew Rocky was frustrated, but I needed to convince him. "Please, Rocky. Music is art too. Don't you want me to spread art to more people?"

Rocky paused, seeming to consider my words. "But how do you propose to attract an audience, hmm? Arthur, let's put this notion to rest-"

"Come on, Rocky," I pressed, sensing his resolve weakening. When he still seemed hesitant, I decided to play my trump card. "Your professional troupe is already planning to leave for greener pastures - soon, you'll have no one left."

Rocky's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you come by this information?"

"I overheard them talking about it yesterday," I admitted.

Rocky sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at me seriously. "Are you truly confident in your ability to draw a crowd?"

I nodded firmly.