Rise

Lou Mazzuchelli (Josh Radnor), an uninspired English teacher at Stanton High, petitions to take over as director of the school's theater program in an attempt to revitalize his passion for teaching, but quickly realizes he has his work cut out for him. His controversial decision to change the musical to the more provocative Spring Awakening and his atypical casting choices create a ripple effect for the program's assistant director Tracey Wolfe (Rosie Perez), the school's football coach Sam Strickland (Joe Tippett), and the students in the show. Also starring Auli'i Cravalho, Damon J. Gillespie, Marley Shelton, Rarmian Newton, Ted Sutherland, Amy Forsyth, Casey W. Johnson, Taylor Richardson and Shirley Rumierk.

Lou (Josh Radnor) is brought down to earth when his production budget is slashed, Coach Strickland (Joe Tippett) vindictively monopolizes Robbie's (Damon J. Gillespie) time, and he has a conflict with Tracey (Rosie Perez). Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) finds herself starting to fall for Robbie, while Simon (Ted Sutherland) contends with conflicting feelings about his role in the show. As Michael (Ellie Desautels) finds support within the theater troupe, Gwen (Amy Forsyth) acts out in rehearsals in response to tensions at home.

When Lou (Josh Radnor) describes his vision for the show's staging and design, Tracey (Rosie Perez) questions his every decision - but it's Simon's (Ted Sutherland) bombshell news that forces Lou to ask himself whether picking this controversial show was worth the cost. Meanwhile, Coach Strickland (Joe Tippett) attempts to rehabilitate Gordy (Casey W. Johnson), and Gail (Marley Shelton) worries for Maashous (Rarmian Newton). Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) struggles to contain her feelings for Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) after discovering another side of him.

Robbie's (Damon J. Gillespie) two worlds collide at a house party, where tensions threaten to bubble over as his football teammates face off with the drama troupe. Meanwhile, Tracey (Rosie Perez) reluctantly explores a new relationship with a not-so-secret admirer (guest star Diallo Riddle) and a Mazzuchelli family road trip to visit Gail's (Marley Shelton) sister goes sideways when Gordy (Casey W. Johnson) sneaks off back to Stanton.

After their unresolved confrontation with Gordy (Casey W. Johnson), Lou (Josh Radnor) and Gail (Marley Shelton) try desperately to get through to him. Lou discovers a crucial element to the show needs a major overhaul, while Tracey (Rosie Perez) resists a blossoming romance. As Gwen (Amy Forsyth) reels in the aftermath of a shocking announcement from her parents, Simon (Ted Sutherland) finds an unlikely ally. Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) and Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) grow closer just as outside forces conspire to put them at odds, and Vanessa (Shirley Rumierk) takes a stand.

As Lou's (Josh Radnor) vision for "Spring Awakening" starts to crumble, Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) and Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) feel the weight of responsibility on their shoulders with rehearsals going into overdrive. In reaching out to a student in need of support, Tracey (Rosie Perez) opens up old wounds from her own past. Gwen (Amy Forsyth) starts down a destructive path that threatens to disrupt Gordy's attempts at self-control, while Simon (Ted Sutherland) takes steps to get closer to Anabelle (Shannon Purser).

Tech week at Stanton High finds Tracey (Rosie Perez) and Lou (Josh Radnor) leading the cast through a series of rehearsals that falls short of expectations. Gwen's familial strife leads to a wild night out, while Michael (Ellie Desautels) tries to reconnect with an estranged friend. Maashous (Rarmian Newton) receives potentially life-changing news, and Simon's (Ted Sutherland) personal feelings start to compromise his performance in the musical.

When an unauthorized, provocative sizzle reel promoting the Stanton High production of "Spring Awakening" is posted online, it spreads like wildfire through the school and surrounding community. Coach Strickland (Joe Tippett) and Vanessa (Shirley Rumierk) are forced to face their daughters, but major damage has already been done. Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) faces a crisis of confidence, while Maashous (Rarmian Newton) contemplates a difficult family reunion.

Gordy (Casey W. Johnson) agrees to volunteer in the theater, bringing him back onto Gwen's (Amy Forsyth) radar, while his family tries to come to terms with Maashous' (Rarmian Newton) imminent departure. As Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) faces the severity of his mother's illness for the first time, Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) waits for her mother to return home. Tracey (Rosie Perez) and Lou (Josh Radnor) work to prepare "Spring Awakening" for opening night, but can't see eye-to-eye on how to address notes from the administration.

During opening night of "Spring Awakening" personal crises and dilemmas percolate in the wings backstage as Simon (Ted Sutherland) struggles to overcome his biggest fear, Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) withholds a huge development from Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie), Robbie has a momentous breakthrough, and Tracey (Rosie Perez) draws a line in the sand. Over the course of one evening, decisions are made that will change Lou (Josh Radnor) and Stanton Drama forever.