Paris, late 1980s. The renowned director Patrice Chéreau (Louis Garrel) has just started a new course at the prestigious theatre school. Talented, enthusiastic youngsters find themselves in an environment steeped in competitive tension and take the first steps of their acting careers. They are not only learning or creating roles, but also diving headlong into a new life - experiencing the strongest loves and fears, taking the most out of life and experiencing their first tragedies. "Actress and director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi made the film based on her own experience as a student at the Théâtre des Amandiers, when emotions were pouring out and tragedy was constantly replaced by humour. The twenty-somethings who passed the ruthless selection process are bursting with energy and passion, and seem to live for the everyday drama. By watching the film, current and future actors can recognise themselves and the audience can feel how much you "have" to go through to become an actor. And, of course, to laugh about it together." (Dovilė Grigaliūnaitė)