I feel weird being the guy that always tries to be so involved here with the comments, but y'all basically nailed it all...great reaction, y'all picked up on so many of the dynamics at play in the episode. Akane needing a role to dive into, Mem being acutely aware of her surroundings for some reason, the manager caring deeply about Akane but failing her overall as a manager, the director handling these kids as though they are seasoned adult actors/actresses.