A preview for an upcoming commission featuring some fun toonification for someone giving a voice acting performance. Enjoy!
Somehow, in a way, the worst, most insulting thing she found was what would be the replacement. What exactly took the slot of her old, perfect show? Why, it was a cartoon daytime “drama” called Beauties of Giggly Heights, that's what!
Everyone was out of their job, a few lucky individuals moving onto other projects at the studio, all for this kiddie trash. What a damn load as far as she was concerned.
And a bigger damn load was her at that very moment, sitting and waiting in that room. She hated this so much, auditioning for the crap that tossed her out in the first place. Yet, she still needed some steady work in her life.
“Well, thank you for coming in today, Mrs. Groth!” The door opened at the other end of the room, the words coming from it.
A Japanese woman with square glasses and two black ponytails (humph, how childish! thought Vera) stepped through the door. Right behind her was another woman, one with darker skin. She looked to be in a daze almost, blinking her eyes several times and gently rubbing her head. The Japanese woman merely smiled, looking at her patiently.
“We'll call you later to let you know our decision,” the employee said after a moment, her smile remaining, “You have a great day now!”
“Yeah… you too.” Mrs. Groth said slowly, smiling weakly. She blinked her eyes a few more times before heading for the exit.
Vera watched her the entire time curiously, an eyebrow raised ever so slightly. What's her problem? Humph, newbies probably not prepared for whatever rigorous interview they-
Okay… Vera Bowen!” the Japanese woman called out, glancing up from the clipboard she held, “You're next to audition!”
Vera huffed, not liking being reminded of her situation. She was also quite literally the only other person there, so this lady really didn't need to yell.
Still, Vera got up and went over to the much younger woman. As she approached, she noticed the lady was looking rather… excited? Giddy? Something like that.
“Hello?” Vera said as she stepped up to her, not sure how to react.
“H-hi, I'm Emiko Urasawa!” the woman said, almost looking like she was struggling to say the words, “And… and…” Her apparent joy runneth over. “Gosh! I'm just a huge fan of yours, Mrs. Bowen!”
Vera flinched as Emiko went on, “I just loved you on Long County! Oh, I used to tape all the episodes and watch them over and over!”
“Is… is that so?” Vera gave her a strained smile. It was nice to meet a fan, especially with everything going on. It made her feel like her show did matter. However, she was well aware that Emiko was part of the company that got her “favorite” show cancelled and forced the star into this predicament in the first place.
Still, Vera did her best to avoid openly showing her disdain. “Well, it's, ah, nice to meet a fan, but I do wish to get on with this audition.” She internally cringed saying that word.
“Oh, of course!” Emiko blushed, softly chuckling. “Right, right! Just follow me, please.” She waved a hand and led Vera through the door and into the back hallways.
They walked along, Emiko chatting/yapping the entire time. “Oh, you were just amazing on the show! I'm sure your acting and passion will translate perfectly into this new cartoon drama! I'm not supposed to be bias, but I truly think that-”
She went on and on like this, Vera not saying a word. Humph, the old star thought, she really doesn't get it, does she? Such a lackadaisical woman! Does she not understand how I must be feeling right now?
Plus, cartoon. Vera snorted. Cartoon drama, as if such things could work. Cartoons are such lowbrow, childish entertainment for kids. To think that such a thing could reach the true sophistication of an adult daytime soap like my show. Tsk, such a damn joke.
Again, Vera didn't have much of a choice. It was a job opportunity and a potentially steady one. Pride and one's own feelings didn't matter when it came to living in the real world.