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.

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).

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.

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.

After their unresolved confrontation with Gordy (Casey W. Johnson), Lou (Josh Radnor) and Gail (Marley Shelton) try desperately to get through to him.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.