The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

ASTRID opened the door to the passenger's seat and sat down inside the car. Ellis, who was driving, immediately started the car, and with a low hum of the engine, they pulled away from the curb.

Their destination for today was the Bellmont Theatre, a small venue known for hosting plays and musicals. With a small capacity of around 500 seats, it primarily showcased performances by amateur actors and aspiring artists just beginning their journey in the world of theater.

Director McCann chose this venue for two main reasons. Firstly, it was significantly cheaper to rent than a larger venue. Secondly, given that the auditions were spread across two days, they anticipated a turnout that would comfortably remain under 500 people, making the theater's size ideal.

"How was your trip back home?" Ellis asked after a moment.

Astrid glanced at Ellis and suddenly remembered his promise to himself: he needed to tell his agent about his family situation. As his representative, Ellis had a right to know about anything that might impact his career. And being a Grimaldi—with a mother presumed dead and a father on the most-wanted list—was definitely something that could have serious consequences for his career.

But he decided it could wait until after the audition. It wasn't about putting it off—he just didn't want to overwhelm Ellis right now. They had enough to focus on, and bringing up something so serious would only complicate things. Yes, that was definitely the reason.

Definitely.

After convincing himself it was the right decision to wait, Astrid finally responded to Ellis's earlier question. "It was… quite fruitful."

Ellis arched a brow. "That's a good thing, I assume?"

Astrid thought back to his visit and everything that had happened. "Yeah."

As their conversation carried on, it wasn't long before they reached their destination.

Linden Row was a long street with all kinds of theaters. Some were large and modern, meant for big productions, while others were smaller and older, hosting less-known shows. The buildings were packed closely together, each with its own design, from simple brick fronts to more elaborate exteriors, with lights and signs displaying the titles of current plays.

Ellis pulled into the parking lot of one of the smaller theaters, which appeared to be the Bellmont Theatre.

As Astrid stepped out of the car, he glanced at the building. It was modest compared to the larger theaters on Linden Row, with a simple brick facade and a small sign above the entrance displaying its name. The windows were narrow and unadorned, and the doors looked well-worn, hinting at years of use. Despite its plain appearance, there was something charming about it.

He and Ellis walked inside, the glass doors parting quietly as they stepped into the lobby. The space was modest but well-maintained, with walls made of smooth composite panels that gave off a soft, neutral glow. A small reception desk stood to one side, alongside a sleek digital display showing schedules and seat availability.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

They continued down a carpeted hallway lit by warm, energy-efficient wall sconces, which guided them toward the main theater. Inside, the seating was arranged in a classic tiered layout, but the chairs were modern, with soft, durable fabric and subtle touch panels for adjustable armrests. Minimalist black panels framed the stage, with hidden lighting strips that could shift color as needed. Above, a discreet array of projectors hinted at advanced visual capabilities, blending technology seamlessly with the traditional charm of the small performance space.

Astrid immediately noticed Director McCann sitting behind a table positioned just in front of the stage. Beside him was a woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she wore a simple black suit. She sat with her hands clasped in front of her, her gaze steady and observant as she looked around.

That must be the casting director - Camilla Hughes.

Aside from the two, another man was on the stage, adjusting the cameras. He was tall and lean, with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes that scanned every detail. He was dressed in a black turtleneck and dark slacks. His full attention was on the equipment, ensuring every angle was exactly as it needed to be.

The two behind the table finally noticed their arrival. Director McCann stood up and approached them quickly, with the casting director following close behind.

"Astrid, Miss Payne, welcome!" Director McCann greeted them warmly. "The auditions don't start for another two hours—what brings you here so early?"

"It's better to be early than late," Astrid said with a polite smile. Truthfully, he also wanted to avoid arriving when a crowd had already formed outside for the auditions.

"That's true," McCann said, then gestured to the woman beside him. "This is the casting director I mentioned earlier, Camilla Hughes."

"Hello, it's a pleasure to finally meet you both, Mr. Townsend and Miss Ellis," Camilla said warmly. "And thank you for trusting my friend and believing in his vision."

Astrid smiled. "No need to thank me. After reading the Director's script, it was clear the story had something special. I just couldn't pass it up."

Director McCann's cheeks showed a faint blush, clearly embarrassed by the compliment. He cleared his throat. "By the way, that's Joseph Hamilton, our director of photography," he said, motioning toward the man adjusting the cameras. "Hey, Joe! Say hi to our Dr. Stevens!"

The man glanced in their direction, raised a hand in a casual wave, and offered a polite nod.

Astrid acknowledged the gesture with a smile and a small wave in return.

The four of them then walked towards the table in front of the stage.

"Astrid, I know you said you wouldn't interfere with our casting decisions," Director McCann said, his tone thoughtful. "However, I'd still like to hear your opinion. It would be great if you could sit with us later during the auditions."

Astrid was a bit taken aback by the request, but seeing no reason to decline, he simply nodded and said, "Sure."