Rise

Lou Mazzuchelli, 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, the school's football coach Sam Strickland, and the students in the show.

Lou is brought down to earth when his production budget is slashed, Coach Strickland vindictively monopolizes Robbie's time, and he has a conflict with Tracey. Lilette finds herself starting to fall for Robbie, while Simon contends with conflicting feelings about his role in the show. As Michael finds support within the theater troupe, Gwen acts out in rehearsals in response to tensions at home.

Simon's bombshell news has Lou wondering whether choosing "Spring Awakening" is worth the cost; Lilette discovers another side to Robbie; Gail gets to know Maashous; Coach Strickland attempts to rehabilitate Gordy while struggling with his own isolation.

Robbie's 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 reluctantly explores a new relationship with a not-so-secret admirer and a Mazzuchelli family road trip to visit Gail's sister goes sideways when Gordy sneaks off back to Stanton.

After their unresolved confrontation with Gordy, Lou and Gail try desperately to get through to him. Lou discovers a crucial element to the show needs a major overhaul, while Tracey resists a blossoming romance. As Gwen reels in the aftermath of a shocking announcement from her parents, Simon finds an unlikely ally. Robbie and Lilette grow closer just as outside forces conspire to put them at odds, and Vanessa takes a stand.

Three weeks before opening night, Lilette has to pay for her mother's actions; Coach gives Robbie an ultimatum; Simon experiences a lot of firsts; Tracey helps Sasha through tough times; Gordy asks for help; Stanton unites to create an amazing set.

Tech week at Stanton High finds Tracey and Lou 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 tries to reconnect with an estranged friend. Maashous receives potentially life changing news, and Simon's 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 and Vanessa are forced to face their daughters, but major damage has already been done. Robbie faces a crisis of confidence, while Maashous contemplates a difficult family reunion.

Gordy agrees to volunteer in the theater, bringing him back onto Gwen's radar, while his family tries to come to terms with Maashous' imminent departure. As Robbie faces the severity of his mother's illness for the first time, Lilette waits for her mother to return home. Tracey and Lou work to prepare "Spring Awakening" for opening night, but can't see eye to eye on how to address notes from the administration.

Series finale - During opening night, personal crises and dilemmas abound backstage; Simon struggles to overcome his biggest fear; Lilette withholds a huge development from Robbie; Robbie has a breakthrough; Tracey draws a line in the sand.