Kyogen performer
きょうげんし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that conveys humor to audiences through dialogue plays, movements, and interplay with hayashi as a performer of kyogen, Japan's traditional comic theater.
Description
Kyogen performers specialize in kyogen, the comic accompanying art of Noh theater, as traditional performing artists. They mainly take the stage as shite (lead role) or waki (supporting role), performing comical dialogue plays based on everyday themes through movements, lines, and cues from hayashi. While performances follow fixed scripts, ad-libs adding humor and timing are important. Training under a master involves years of repetitive practice in movements, vocalization, and footwork, and they perform at iemoto or Noh association events, cultural facilities, and overseas productions.
Future Outlook
While the aging of traditional performing arts and decreasing audiences pose challenges, new opportunities are expected through tourism promotion, overseas performances, and increasing demand for workshops.
Personality Traits
Expressive / Has a sense of humor / High concentration / Humble
Work Style
Domestic and international tours / Freelance / Noh association affiliation / Theater performances
Career Path
Inner disciple/trainee → Name-taking → Performances as shite or waki → Master/iemoto → Workshop and lecture activities
Required Skills
Chanting technique / Costume and prop management / Interplay with hayashi / Kyogen movements and forms
Recommended Skills
Humor expression / Languages (English) / Theater knowledge / Workshop facilitation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to accurately reproduce the forms of classical performing arts. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because original acting and ad-libs tailored to the performance are required. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because long years of practice and acquisition of diverse performances are required. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because stamina is required for long hours of standing practice and live performances. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because mathematical analysis in theater is almost unnecessary. |
Aliases
- Kyogen actor
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