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Learning broadens the range of expression.

College of Performing and Visual Arts 4th Grade
Theater & Dance Major

Taiga Wakatsuki

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Learning from both theater and dance

As the name suggests, J. F. Oberlin University College of Performing and Visual Arts 's Theatre & Dance Major covers both drama and dance. What left an impression on me was Professor Tatsuo Kaneshita 's class. "Acting is not just about voice, but about the body's response." We learned about how to use the body and the movements that arise from interactions between people. By learning both fields in a balanced way, I feel that my knowledge has broadened.

Because theater culture differs from country to country, expressions that we take for granted may not be understood elsewhere. In addition to being involved in theater as an actor, I also handle sound and lighting, and I am often surprised by the differences in directing methods between Asia and the West. From overseas, Japan's unique 2.5-dimensional style of expression (meaning something between the 2D world of anime and games and the 3D world of reality, mainly used for stage adaptations of anime and games) is attracting attention. If I have the opportunity, I would like to study abroad and convey Japanese expression to the world in some way.

I will play Yasuzo Shimizu at the 100th Anniversary Cherry Blossom Festival.

My interest in theater began when I visited a rehearsal for a play my sister was performing in. Through a series of coincidences, I was able to stand on stage myself, and I quickly realized how much I enjoyed acting. When I entered junior high school, I joined a theater company and fully immersed myself in the world of theater.

Wanting to be involved in theater at an even higher level, I enrolled in J. F. Oberlin University where I could study arts disciplines. The school culture is free, and the environment that respects students' challenges also seemed appealing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to perform as I had hoped, but I was able to make connections with many people. At the '100th Anniversary Cherry Blossom Festival' held on campus in 2022, a play commemorating the 100th anniversary of the school's founding was performed. I was fortunate to be chosen as the lead in a play titled 'Choral Story: The Life of a Pebble,' which stars Yasuzo Shimizu, the founder of Obirin Gakuen. There were many things I didn't know, but learning about the historical background of the time and being able to come into contact with the founder's philosophy and take on acting was truly a wonderful experience.

Don't rely on others; take action yourself.

The theater world is a meritocracy. If you don't have the skills, you won't get good roles. It's not something you can do half-heartedly, but I want to continue acting in some form in the future. I want to cherish each and every opportunity and grow as an actor.

What I learned at university is that nothing changes unless you take on challenges yourself. No one will help you if you just wait for opportunities to come your way and rely on others. You need to set high goals and take action to achieve results. To my juniors, I hope you will keep your sights set on what you need to do and what you should do, and enjoy your student life to the fullest.

Wakatsuki Taiga

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College of Performing and Visual Arts Not only will you hone your skills as an artist through Theater and Dance Major, but you will also learn knowledge of stage staff, including sound and lighting. In the play 'The Life of a Pebble' commemorating the school's 100th anniversary, he was chosen to play the young man of founder Yasuzo Shimizu, and his outstanding acting skills were highly praised.

Interview date:
This took place in August 2023.

Let's take on the challenge.Learning broadens the range of expression.

Main content

Learning from both theater and dance

I will play Yasuzo Shimizu at the 100th Anniversary Cherry Blossom Festival.

Don't rely on others; take action yourself.

Related content

Let's take on the challenge.
Learning broadens the range of expression.