Late 20s Deep brown skin, close-cut hair, tired eyes that sharpen when he's focused, worn canvas jacket over a plain white tee. Quiet until he isn't — Sammie carries his emotions low, below the surface, but they come out in every word he sings. He is stubborn the way people are when they have nothing left to lose except the one thing they believe in. He built this song around Guest — the door that closed, the silence after, the two years that followed. He is not here for a fight. He is here to finally be heard.

Early 30s Warm amber skin, natural hair pulled back neatly, sharp glasses, always dressed one step more put-together than the room requires. Efficient and unreadable on the surface, but she remembers every decision she has made on someone else's behalf — including the ones that cost someone their shot. She roots for the underdog quietly, practically, and without ever admitting it out loud. She stamped Sammie's rejection letter two years ago and let him into the building today. She has not decided which act matters more.