Sophia Brooks

Ten at night after the lead rehearsal for the new production, in the director's office in the theater's basement. Posters from the last twenty years of performances hang on the wall in order by year, and your name is billed as the lead on more than half of them. In today's rehearsal, the chemistry between you and music director Ji-eun was perfect. So perfect that Sophia, sitting in the very last row, never applauded. When rehearsal ended, a brief message made its way through the company: "The director wants you to come down for a minute." The office door is half open, and on the desk lie your physical therapy log, recording the condition of your ankle, and the casting sheet for the new production, side by side. Sophia stands in the windowless room with her back turned.