The often over-the-top nature of a lot of anime can appeal to the average theater kid, but some shows take this a step further by being about acting or performance itself. These shows are ones that theater kids would naturally enjoy even more, but they are a bit rarer than the average Shonen action series or isekai. However, this rarity makes them even more special as they are rather unique from many of their contemporaries.
What can make some of these shows even more exciting is how they can take typical anime tropes and apply them to a field where they aren’t typically seen. The extreme reactions and general Shonen story structure found in a lot of other anime can feature heavily in these stories as well, and occasionally by changing their context, these anime can innovate on these existing tropes. This makes these shows worth watching even for anime fans who weren’t theater kids, as they are also great and interesting shows in general.
10 Joshiraku
The Fun Side of Rakugo
Joshiraku is ostensibly a show about the Japanese performance art of Rakugo but in reality, this is just a framing device for the madcap discussions of the cast. While not much actual performing occurs in the show itself, these conversations and antics are endlessly entertaining and incredibly funny. Some of them also capture the feeling of being backstage before or after a show and having silly conversations with fellow cast mates. This makes it well worth watching for any theater kid despite its lack of focus on performing itself.
9 Bocchi the Rock!
Overcoming Anxiety in a Band
Bocchi the Rock! isn’t a show about acting, but it is an anime about performance and overcoming anxiety to do it. The show follows the titular nervous wreck Bocchi as she joins a rock band despite her extreme social anxiety. Anyone who has ever dealt with stage fright of any kind can empathize with Bocchi’s struggles, but the character’s relatability goes beyond that. The show became a surprisingly big anime in 2022 because it portrayed many familiar aspects of anxiety and self-doubt in uniquely animated sequences that struck a chord with everyone who has experienced them.
Watch on Crunchyroll
8 Beastars
A Murder Mystery With a Play
At its core, Beastars is a killer murder mystery with a lot to say about society. Set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, it follows the investigation and aftermath of a murder that occurred at a school. However, a major subplot of the anime also features the production of a school play which will strike a chord with any theater kid who participated in a similar endeavor. The show is also able to weave its seemingly disparate plot threads into an entertaining whole, so even fans only watching for the play should find the rest of it enjoyable.
Watch on Netflix
7 Seiyu’s Life
A Look at Voice Acting in Japan
Seiyu’s Life is a fun look at what the life of a rookie voice actor is like in Japan. It follows an up and coming voice actress named Futaba as she tries to make a name for herself in a highly competitive industry. The source material for this anime was made by a voice actress herself, which lends this series an air of authenticity surrounding Futaba’s journey. Any theater kid with a passion for acting will love watching Futaba chase her dreams of becoming an actor herself.
Watch on Funimation
6 Shirobako
What Does It Take to Make an Anime?
Shirobako is a great series for both theater kids and anyone interested in anime production in general. It follows a group of high school friends who work at an animation studio producing an anime. The voice-acting aspect of this endeavor is explored alongside production, animation, and all the various other important jobs that are necessary for an anime to be made. Beyond that exploration of anime creation, it also features fun characters that fans will fall in love with and root for as they try and accomplish their dreams.
Watch on HIDIVE
5 Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
A Dramatic Look at Rakugo
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a beautiful anime about the Japanese performance art of Rakugo. Rakugo is a style of storytelling where a single performer will perform one of a set of stock tales without the use of props. This may sound boring but the show makes it utterly fascinating with its great direction and voice acting. The show also explores the lives of its central performers, one being a former convict and the other being an already famous old performer. Anyone who loves acting will enjoy Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju.
Watch on Crunchyroll
4 A3!
Acting to Pay Off Debt
A3! is an anime based on the mobile game of the same name, with its name being short for “Act! Addict! Actors!”. The series follows a struggling theater troupe who are massively in debt and must make enough money to pay it off over the course of a single year. This requires the main character Izumi to recruit more actors to the Troupe to put on successful shows and force her to direct the plays as well. This fun setup is sure to appeal to any theater kid.
Watch on Crunchyroll
3 Skip Beat!
Acting For Revenge
Skip Beat! is a rather unique tale of rising up through the entertainment industry as it is ultimately focused on revenge. After Kyoko is betrayed by her idol boyfriend, she swears to become more famous than him and becomes an actress. Of course, this isn’t a standard motivation for most people who pursue acting, but Kyoko’s journey is fun to watch nevertheless and eventually she learns to love the craft she was originally honing purely for revenge. This makes her story satisfying and reminds viewers of why acting is great.
Watch on Crunchyroll
2 Glass Mask
Two Very Different Actors, One Role
Glass Mask is the story of two young actresses from very different backgrounds as they improve their acting skills and strive to one day headline the same play. While its animation may be a bit dated, as it is almost 20 years old, it is still an engrossing story following two very compelling lead characters. For any theater kids who remember striving to land a role in a play and improving their own acting to do so, this series will be an incredibly engrossing watch.
Watch on Crunchyroll
1 Oshi no Ko
A Dark Look At The Entertainment Industry
Oshi no Ko was one of the best anime of 2023 because of its unique look at the Japanese entertainment industry. The series follows Aqua and Ruby, the reincarnated children of the murdered idol Ai as they hunt for their mother’s killer and try to live up to her legacy. As the twins enter the entertainment industry, the show presents a cynical peek at the factors driving a show or idol group’s success and features some heavy subject matter. However, it also focuses a lot on acting which makes Oshi no Ko the best show for theater kids to watch.
Watch on HIDIVE
