Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Presents: Auditions for New Stage "Silent Bloom" Combining Sign Language Dance and Musical

The Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where THEATER WORKSHOP Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) participates as a member of the designated management consortium, is developing a completely new sign language musical production, "Silent Bloom," originating from Hiratsuka, as the fifth installment of the hall's "Inclusion Stage Series" sponsored project.

This production, centered around Akira Akihiko Nagano and Jin Kitamura, who are active based in Hiratsuka City, combines musical theater and sign language dance to create a new stage work where both hearing and deaf individuals can express themselves together. Ahead of the main performance scheduled for December 2027, a showcase performance in the form of a staged reading, revealing the creative process, will be held on March 6, 2027 (Sat).

It has now been decided to widely recruit members for this showcase performance.

In the rehearsal space, we will create an environment where participants can engage in the creative process with peace of mind, utilizing subtitle systems and having sign language interpreters present. Through the creative process, we aim to deepen mutual understanding beyond the presence or absence of disabilities and create a space where each individual can challenge themselves in expression.

▶ Script, Direction, Choreography: Akira Akihiko Nagano

Akira Akihiko Nagano

[Comment]

"After various discussions since 2025, the performer auditions have finally been announced.

A work where people connect through expression, transcending differences. Musical, dance, sign language...

A new challenge where each form of expression intersects.

I believe this will be a place where individual passion, the desire to convey and to be involved, which cannot be measured by experience alone, will be tested.

I am truly looking forward to meeting many people who hold immense potential!"

[Profile]

Born in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Moved to Europe at age 17 to study under Maurice Béjart. After working with Gekidan Shiki and NOISM1, he has been active as an actor and dancer, as well as a choreographer for productions including the Takarazuka Revue.

Recent performance credits include "Billy Elliot." Representative Director of LGO Inc.

▶ Sign Language Dance Choreography: Jin Kitamura

Jin Kitamura

[Comment]

"A stage that expands the possibilities of living together, regardless of disability, is being born from Shonan, Hiratsuka.

Through this stage, we are holding auditions to meet companions who will walk alongside our challenge.

What's important is not just technique.

Having the "desire" to convey, to challenge, to help someone.

On the audition day, please share your feelings about this stage.

All staff and performers sincerely look forward to meeting you."

[Profile]

Resides in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Creates entertainment that "connects the world through sign language and dance." Representative Director of UDFUL Inc. Operates sign language dance schools and sign language cafes, and leads UD DANCERS JAPAN. Japan's Got Talent semi-finalist, Guinness World Record holder for sign language dance.

▶ Performance Overview

Performance Title

Inclusion Stage Vol. 5 "Silent Bloom" Showcase Performance

Performance Date

March 6, 2027 (Sat) Scheduled to start at 15:00 (One performance)

Venue

Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall, Grand Hall

Ticket Price

[All Seats Unreserved] 1,000 yen per seat (tax included)

Program

Staged Reading Version Sign Language Musical "Silent Bloom" (World Premiere)

Direction/Choreography: Akira Akihiko Nagano

Script: March Iwamoto, Akira Akihiko Nagano

Original Cooperation/Sign Language Dance Choreography: Jin Kitamura

Sign Language Dance Supervision: UDFUL Inc.

Content

"Silent Bloom," a completely new musical born from Hiratsuka, combining musical theater and sign language dance.

In preparation for the main performance in December 2027, the showcase performance will feature a staged reading version of parts of "Silent Bloom," performed with sign language dance and other elements.

Additionally, the overall outline of the full musical version in December 2027 will be released.

Organizer

Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall (Designated Manager: Hiratsuka Culture Partners)

▶ Target Audience / Performance Conditions

Application Method

Please apply via the application form.

Official HP: https://hiratsuka.hall-info.jp/event_post/hall/270306_audition.html

Application Requirements

- Individuals interested in stage expression such as theater, musical theater, or dance.

*Although beginners are welcome to apply, there will be a video audition (1st round) and a practical audition (2nd round).

Details will be provided individually to those who apply.

- Junior high school students and older, with no age limit.

*Must be physically capable of enduring lessons and the actual performance.

- Applications from deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals are welcome.

*Subtitle systems and sign language interpreters will be available at lesson venues, etc.

*Please consult us regarding other disabilities. Privacy will be respected.

Participation Fee

(For second round participants only) 1,000 yen

Rehearsal Period

Starting mid-December 2026, lessons scheduled for 3-4 hours every Saturday or Sunday.

Rehearsal Venue

UD STUDIO (Chuo Building 4F, 26-6 Akashi-cho, Hiratsuka City)

Inquiries regarding this event: Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall (Business Department: THEATER WORKSHOP)

TEL 0463-20-9273 (Direct line for business / 9:00-19:30)

▶ Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall

A hub of regional culture that continues to generate vibrancy

A regional cultural hub facility equipped with a 1,200-seat grand hall, a multipurpose hall with a capacity of 200 people, and various other rooms.

In addition to rentals, it features numerous free desks, galleries, and corners within the hall, making it a beloved third place for local residents to visit even when there are no events.

We hold approximately 60 diverse cultural and artistic events annually as hall-sponsored projects, aiming to enrich the lives of citizens and create vibrancy in the town.

▶ Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Sponsored Projects Event Lineup 2026-2027

Official HP: https://hiratsuka.hall-info.jp/event_post/other/lineup2026.html

▶ Access

16-1 Mitsuke-cho, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 254-0045

[Train] 8-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Tokaido Line "Hiratsuka Station"

[Bus] Kanachu

2-minute walk from "Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Mae"

Or, 4-minute walk from Kanachu "Mitsukecho"

Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Access Map

▶ Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Official HP

https://hiratsuka.hall-info.jp/

Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall Hiratsuka Culture and Arts Hall

Click here to view this press release in PDF

d33364-120-1d8a12816e193d91dcf0445ca7a05b60.pdf

<THEATER WORKSHOP Co., Ltd.>

THEATER WORKSHOP is a total theater production company that handles all aspects related to theaters and halls.

Leveraging 40 years of expertise in theater creation and extensive experience in hall management, we undertake all operations related to theaters and halls, from conceptualization and planning, design, construction, and operational consulting, to post-opening theater management and event planning and production.

THEATER WORKSHOP Co., Ltd.

4F, 9SY Building, 6-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

[email protected] (Reception Hours: Weekdays 9:30-18:30)

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 公演