Act I: The Exercise
In the first episode of THE REHEARSAL, we are introduced to Anne’s intense and unpredictable rehearsal for the title role in a new Off-Broadway production of MISS JULIE. Overwhelmed by the cunning behavior Sadie, her husband Tate’s teenage daughter, Anne heads to rehearsal where she is met head on with her costars - the diva like Naomi & Adam, the unpredictable leading man.
Act II: Not Far Enough
The rehearsal process continues as the actors and their ambitious, up and coming director Wells start to crack down on the play, and all that come with it. Naomi forgets her lines, Adam makes some interesting choices and Wells confronts Anne about “not going far enough.” Is she a good enough actor for this role? Does she even understand it herself? After rehearsal stage manager Thea, Adam and Anne head to a local watering hole to detox. After Thea leaves, Anne and Adam are left alone where a flirtation and power struggle between the sexes begins. Adam is quickly pulled away by a gaggle of young women at the bar, eager to get to “know” them. Anne walks home alone, contemplating her role in the play as she heads back home.
Act III: Side Project
Exhausted, Anne returns home from rehearsal to find Sadie waiting for her. Sadie shares with Anne a few of her own thoughts of teenage wisdom, which spurs an argument between Anne and Tate.
When Helen, Tate’s ex wife shows up at the apartment, it becomes clear that things are about to get really messy.
Act IV: Helen
Helen (Tina Benko) confronts ex-husband Tate about his lack of responsibility, in a powerful, unxpected encounter. Helen's conflict explores a universal conflict for women: the balance of being a good mother and her career as the Artistic Director of a theatre company she once ran with Tate. Sadie leaves with her mom, and Anne contemplates the tension and ultimate betrayal she caused.
Act V: I'm Julie
Anne, nervous and stressed returns to the rehearsal room. She is late and confronted by Wells. Her paranoia and confusion grows as the faces of her collaborators become twisted in her mind. She takes a break outside, where she meets Naomi, smoking, telling her that she actually wanted to play Julie and that she has developed a plan to takeover. Anne pushes Naomi, prompting her to leave the rehearsal.
Act VI: Kiss My Shoe
Anne and Adam get ready to rehearse a climactic scene. Anne wants to get it right. Finally, she feels something and brings something to the table. On a high, Anne and Adam retreat to a local bar to celebrate Anne's performance, where her professionalism—and her marriage—are tested.