The Auditions Begin

Since the auditions for the musical are about to begin, the mean girls decide to take a few additional classes to make sure they're ready to impress the judges. Erika finds out more about what kind of life Jasper's been living at WU, and Travis meets an old flame.

## Plot

Fatima rushes into Professor Bates' class to meet Raja, but is met with a negative rant about superhero movies, including "Llama-man." Despite this, they discuss Professor Bates and enjoy their conversation. Afterwards, they grab coffee and discuss their disorganized movie script. Raja's enthusiasm is contagious, and she believes that Fatima's levelheadedness will help provide structure during their collaborative brainstorming session.

Drusilla, Lori and Mei Ji are discussing what to do about Erika's romantic feelings for Ryan, while Candy suggests to hit her where it hurts, to cause heartbreak for Erika. Professor Hilda Richter enters but the students struggle to focus on her lesson plan. After class, the Bubblegum Bitches continue debating what to do about Erika. After dance class, the Bubblegum Bitches chat about Mei's dietary habits in the same locker room as Kaci, Cleo and Erika. Lori reveals they know about Erika's crush on Ryan and offers to help her improve herself to become more appealing to him. Mei Ji confronts Kaci about a stolen hair-dryer, while Cleo expresses distrust of Candy, Lori and co. Unaware of their true intentions, Erika is excited about the help.

Candy sneaks up to the rooftop of Ward University for a smoke. Meanwhile, Lori, Mei, and Drusilla confront Ezra and Travis in the rehearsal room over who gets to use it for the afternoon. A heated argument ensues, and as Travis and Ezra leave, they bump into Charlie. Charlie asks about the altercation but Travis and Ezra decide to find another venue for their band practice, leaving Charlie frustrated by the tension.

Tia and Erika go to find Jasper, but instead encounter Derek who is unhappy to see them. Derek's friend Gideon makes rude comments about Tia. Derek says Jasper doesn't want to speak to Tia, but she insists. Derek finally lets them in, but Erika is shocked by the state of the house, which turns out to be Derek's grandmother's. Erika is confused because she knows her parents give money to Jasper for his living expenses and wonders where that money goes. A montage reveals what Jasper is spending his parents' money on: drugs. When Tia and Erika arrive along with Gideon and Derek, there is tension. Jasper is angry that Erika is there, thinking it's an intervention. Tia confronts him about his addiction, and Erika is upset. Jasper seems to feel remorse as they leave. As they depart, Tia and Erika encounter Travis, who is en route to Derek's abode. Derek and Travis contemplate the prospect of utilizing Derek's basement as a rehearsal area for the band, resulting in a brief montage of them decorating the basement and also Travis and Derek's passionate encounter. Charlie asks Travis about his past with Derek on Ezra's rooftop. Travis explains their complex dynamic due to Derek preferring exclusive relationships while he is polyamorous. Travis also worries about Derek's social circle causing problems. Derek confides in Jasper about his sexuality and worries about being seen with Travis. Jasper is supportive and encourages Derek.

At the university, Erika is struggling with her brother's addiction. Cleo notices a change in Erika and tells Kaci and Fatima. Erika goes for a run to clear her mind, but Raymond follows her. Despite trying to be alone, Raymond stays and supports her. Erika realizes she misjudged Raymond based on Fatima's opinion and appreciates his encouragement.

Before an arts class, Tia attempts to converse with Jasper about his well-being, concerned about his drug use. Initially, Jasper declines to engage in conversation, but Tia perseveres until he agrees to listen. She expresses her apprehensions about his drug use, stressing that she does not want him to deteriorate in this manner. Surprisingly, Candy and Mei show up in class as nude models for the students' portraits. Jasper has a surreal fantasy montage featuring Candy, leaving him both aroused and bewildered. The scene intercuts with the students preparing for their auditions for Wicked, with Charlie, Travis, Ezra, Cleo, Erika, Raymond, Kaci, Ryan, and Gideon all present, anxiously awaiting their turn. They witness the Bubblegum Bitches' performance before their own audition, adding to the tension in the air. Cleo, Raymond, and Erika vocalize their jitters to Kaci, who provides them with unwavering support and motivation. The scene then transitions to their performances on stage, with each of them putting their best foot forward during their audition, as they episode comes to a close.

## Cast

###### Main (in order of appearance)

* Cresmeré as Raja Banerjee
* EClassy as Fatima Antar
* Casey Sara as Lori Caberera
* Allie Goodell as Candy Ward
* Zarii Arri as Erika Bell
* Alyssa Shadow as Cleo Harper
* Phoenix-Artisan as Travis Lockhart
* Skyler Gilbert-Allen as Ezra Hunter
* Serendipitia as Charlie Zimmer
* Andy Jordan as Tia Frost
* Mitch Xander as Gideon Jones
* Dale Drau as Derek Fraser
* HeyAndreYT as Jasper Bell
* ConnorTheVGFan78 as Raymond Stainfield

###### Supporting (in order of appearance)

* letsplayshay as Drusilla Clemonte
* SimsBerrry as Mei Ji
* Richard Camfield as Professor Bates
* Simmer V as Clara Silva
* SatiSim as Professor Hilda Richter
* MLJonesVO as Professor Eva Drawn
* Diana Heslin as Professor Mage

## Notes and Trivia

* In this episode, Derek refers to the school as "Ward Academy" instead of its actual name, "Ward University". This was initially intended to be the show's title before Simmer Boi opted for a change. The decision to have Derek intentionally misname the school in the script was made to convey his seeming indifference towards the institution, as he appears not to care enough to remember its proper name. However, the audience is well aware that the reality is quite the opposite.
* Derek's voice actor, Dale Drau, had recorded his lines for this episode well in advance, even before the first episode of the show was released. This was because Simmer Boi had pre-filmed the initial three episodes, planning to release them consecutively. Upon viewing the first two episodes and witnessing the exceptional performances of his fellow voice actors, Dale was inspired to revisit and enhance his own recordings in order to contribute his best work to the show.