First Dry Reading and Monster Mayhem
The first script reading for Saw the Pheasant? proceeded in a light dry-read format. Raw lines spilled from the actors' mouths with relaxed voices, stripped of any special emotions or breaths. Without breaks, completing one full run-through took about an hour and a half. Once proper acting and direction were added, the runtime would likely stretch close to two hours.
Oh Tae-hyeop, the director seated at the back of the rehearsal room, devoted his full attention solely to the lines delivered in turn by the six actors. He constantly conferred with the staff about the rough directorial setups and directions forming in his mind, never forgetting to meticulously time each section. As expected of Actor's Yard's chief director—a truly meticulous guy, Woojin thought. Every time Oh Tae-hyeop's professional gaze flashed, not only the troupe members but Woojin and Lee Kang-sik kept their tension dialed up.
He wasn't the only one sharply observing the actors' reading. Playwright Ma Seol-ah was just as busy throughout. For a writer, revisions were an inseparable companion—almost like a friend(?). No wonder she often—no, constantly—thought that polishing a draft was far tougher than the whole process of conceiving a new story and hammering out the first version. There was no such thing as a "perfect script, as is." There was only "one with even higher polish." So revisions never ended.
"Director, hold on a sec!"
"Yeah, what what!"
From her corner seat, Ma Seol-ah perked up her ears, capturing every actor's voice without missing a beat, while her pen flew nonstop across the page. The script she handed to Oh Tae-hyeop was crammed with notes—barely any blank space left. Some lines had been entirely rewritten in fresh scrawls. As the reading continued, she huddled frequently with the director to settle each character's tonal nuance, incorporating real-time revisions.
"Even in dry read, Se-hui sunbae's tone sticks out a bit. The lead's supposed to be young."
"Right? Gotta tone it down a notch."
"Kang-sik sunbae seems good as is. Just tweak the lines a little..."
Text only reveals its true tone once voiced through an actor's mouth. This was especially crucial in stage acting compared to screen work. Above all, Ma Seol-ah had to be even more attuned than Oh Tae-hyeop to the quality and intensity of the sound.
In this Actor's Yard rehearsal space, everyone focused intently in their roles. Every minute flowed like the real thing.
"Let's run it one more time."
"Yes!"
"I'll tweak Kang-sik sunbae's lines on pages 14 and 17. Read it like this."
"Got it."
"Overall tone's coming together, but let's dial back Se-hui sunbae and Hyo-je a touch."
"Yes, writer-nim."
"Everyone else is solid. We'll sync it up like this and give feedback after."
The first week's practices centered on finding tones that fit the atmosphere and ensemble dynamics. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week, the same routine repeated. Time flew by.
"Hey, Baek Woojin!"
After Monday through Saturday's grueling first-week practices ended, the next day—Sunday morning—Woojin was deep in sweet rest when a sharp voice pierced his ear.
"...?"
He'd crashed late after reviewing the script even after dragging himself home from the killer schedule. Woojin squinted, prying open heavy lids, and lifted his head. His bleary eyes made out Woo-hee, hands on hips, glaring down at him.
"Wh-what?"
"You punk! How can you still be sleeping?"
"Huh? What time... is it?"
Woojin fumbled around, still half-asleep, hunting for his phone. Watching her frantic brother paw at the sofa area, Woo-hee's lips twitched in amusement.
"Ugh, where is it."
"Pfft, looking for this?"
Woo-hee dangled his phone with a smug grin. Woojin snatched it with a deflated look, and she doubled over laughing, clutching her stomach. She continued,
"Hurry and get ready! It's already 9 a.m. You're late!"
"Argh, this is nuts... Be right back after washing up."
"Onya~"
Woojin dashed to the bathroom, phone to his ear, making a hasty call. The reason for his panic? Today was the day he'd promised to volunteer with Woo-hee.
Back when he'd donated his full B-Motors ad fee, he'd separately given to a public daycare for disabled children in Incheon. When his identity as donor accidentally leaked, the director had sent multiple thanks via his agency. Unable to spare much time amid shoots, he'd only made a quick drop-off and left, regretting it deeply. He'd vowed to return soon and spend real time with the kids. That day was today.
Guess I forgot to switch off silent mode from rehearsals... No wonder the alarm didn't go off.
The director kindly said to take their time when Woojin apologized for being about 30 minutes late, adding thanks for remembering amid their busy schedules.
Soon after, ready to go, Woojin headed out—arms loaded with gifts as "penalty" for his tardiness. Thanks to Woo-hee, he had two extra hands. Perfect.
"Let's hit the mart on the way."
"Sure."
"Just so you know, sis."
"What?"
"We're buying for the kids, not you."
At Woojin's low warning, Woo-hee let out disbelieving snickers.
"Every time you go on about diets, you sweep the store clean anyway. Don't go wild and bankrupt the mart this time..."
Smack!
"Ow!"
His upper back stung fiercely. Woojin writhed from the sharp pain as Woo-hee blew on her palm.
"My dear brother seemed half-asleep still, so I woke you up nice!"
"Haa..."
"Quit yapping and let's go."
"...Yeah, yeah, heading out."
Woojin started the car. The siblings drove to the daycare.
They always bickered like cats and dogs, trading sharp jabs and slaps at every chance. But she'd showered infinite affection on her two-years-younger brother since childhood. Maybe that's why Woo-hee, who adored kids beyond reason, was already sky-high energy before they even left.
Side note: Woo-hee often said she wanted to go back to childhood. First reason was Dad; the second made Woojin baffled from his perspective.
"I wanna go back to when you were young. You were so cute and pretty then. How much did I treasure you? I even hugged you to sleep."
"And?"
"What and? Now you're 180—no, 360 degrees opposite. It's sad."
"Sis, you know this?"
"What?"
"360 degrees is back to square one."
"......"
Woo-hee fiddled awkwardly with her nose. Woojin chuckled and pressed on.
"Anyway, that's when my nightmares started, huh?"
"You're so eloquently begging for a handprint on your back, my dear brother."
"Hey, no! Don't mess with someone driving."
"...Grrrr."
Lost in banter, they soon pulled up near the daycare mart. Woo-hee bounced excitedly the whole time picking snacks and gifts for the kids. Anyone would think it was for her.
"Hey hey! One more of these!"
"Sis, two carts are full. More?"
"Yeah, it's your money anyway!"
"...Thug much?"
"Don't be stingy—let's grab one more!"
"Sigh."
Their chat overflowed with teasing. Woo-hee swiped Woojin's card with gleeful flexing, while he smiled warmly at her joy. One day off in the week, healing time alone with sis—pure bliss.
"Let's go!"
Even huffing as she hauled boxes, Woo-hee shouted energetically. The trunk brimmed with gifts. They felt like summer Santas.
Five minutes later, the daycare came into view. The director waited at the entrance. No sooner had they parked than Woo-hee bolted out.
"Hellooo!"
"Aigoo, you must be tired from coming. Hot out, huh?"
"No no, all good~ My foolish little bro overslept, that's why we're late."
"Hahaha! No such thing. Thanks so much for making time amid your busy schedules."
While Woojin finished parking, Woo-hee and the director chatted away. Clueless to their talk, Woojin tilted his head descending. What're they yapping about so happily? Not badmouthing me, I hope.
"Hello!"
"Oh, actor-nim! Come on in!"
After brief greetings with the director, they moved to the office. Woo-hee had vanished instantly to play with the kids ASAP. Somehow, all those gifts were already inside—the trunk empty.
Coming to see kids and bringing one... Can't stop her. Whatever.
"I told the kids you're special teachers. They've been waiting all week. They love new people."
"Thank you. Bought a bit of everything since I wasn't sure what they'd like. Hope they love it."
"We're the ones who should be giving—yet we just receive."
"Don't say that. Spending time with the kids is more than enough for me."
Sincerity flowed both ways. After a short tea break chatting, Woojin followed the director to the playroom where the kids gathered.
It was already chaos: "Hahaha! Save me!"
"......"
Woo-hee flailed, swarmed by over a dozen kids. Woojin shook his head unwittingly; the director stifled a laugh at the siblings' genuine disdain faces.
Just before entering, Woojin quietly asked the director,
"Is Seung-hoon—the kid you mentioned before—there?"
"Ah, Seung-hoon? Not yet. Probably napping. I'll let you know when he wakes."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
Woojin stepped in. The kids' faces bloomed with smiles.
"Bro! Perfect timing. We're slaying monsters—tag, you're it! Hurry!"
Woo-hee, sprawled ridiculously on the floor, thrust her arm toward him. Hold up. Monster-slaying game? Like thiiis~?
Woojin grinned wickedly. Woo-hee sensed doom instinctively. Then,
"Kids, danger! Run!"
"...!"
Woojin charged. Confirming the kids scattered from Woo-hee, he leaped airborne—
Thud!
—crashing belly-flop onto his sister's stomach.
"Kyaak!"
Woo-hee yelped. A deep groan escaped. Woojin pointed at her furrowed brow, arm thrust triumphantly to the kids.
"Monster defeated!!!!!"
"Waaah!"
The kids cheered. About five seconds passed.
Yank.
Suddenly, Woo-hee pinched his ear, whispering icily,
"...Wanna die?"
For the first time, she nearly unleashed a crisp curse in front of the kids.
"......"
First thought flashing: Never walk home with her if I wanna live.
The kids' giggles swelled louder.