Plot Synopsis

When dedicated teacher and family man Lou Mazzuchelli sheds his own self-doubt and takes over the school's lackluster theater department, he galvanizes not only the faculty and students but the entire working-class town. Lou, 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. RISE is inspired by a true story and based on the book, "Drama High," by Michael Sokolove, which tells the story of real-life teacher Lou Volpe, who taught at Harry S. Truman High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. NBC debuts a sneak-peek episode of RISE on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, with the official series premiere scheduled in its regular timeslot one week later: Tuesday, March 20 at 9pm.
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On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT, NBC premiered "Opening Night," the series finale of RISE. During opening night of "Spring Awakening" personal crises and dilemmas percolate in the wings backstage as Simon struggles to overcome his biggest fear, Lilette withholds a huge development from Robbie, Robbie has a momentous breakthrough, and Tracey draws a line in the sand. Over the course of one evening, decisions are made that will change Lou and Stanton Drama forever.