This new stage version of the film and TV series follows some students at New Yorks School of the Performing Arts through their four year course. We see them coming to terms with life and relationships; we see those who persevere, who are resilient – and those who are not. Above all, we see them perceiving the need to strive for excellence. The cast must be ethnically mixed and be able to perform classical to ‘rap music and dance going from ballet through modem to hip-hop – as contemporary as MTV, but live and kicking!