AN: So this first chapter is going to be SUPER boring because I'm basically introducing the main backstory and the plot and everything. Isn't the first chapter of every book/fanfiction just a boring intro, though? Just wait until the story gets going. I promise it'll get better from there. And if you couldn't figure it out, Lauren is the one hugging Darren in the very beginning.

THESE ARE ALL REAL PEOPLE PLACED IN A FICTIONALIZED STORY.

I only own the minor characters (Mr. Wage, for example). I actually named Mr. Wage after my school's band teacher since I was at a loss for names…

ANYWAY, enjoy!

oOo

-2010-

The occasional sniffle broke through the silent hush that hung between the small group of best friends. Finally, a quivering voice shattered what was left of the painful silence.

"Darren? How about you tell us how we all met… for old time's sake?" The short girl looked up into the puffy, red eyes of the man she was hugging. He smiled down at her and finally ended their embrace, looking back up at each of the people in the group that stood before him in turn.

"Let's see… I remember our first day in the theatre program. What an exciting day that was, too; the day we all got accepted…" he paused in his speech, clearly lost in a momentary thought or memory. Snapping out of it within seconds, he continued, "Anyway, here goes nothing."

oOo

-2005-

The students at the University of Michigan went about their days as normal. The group of kids with exceptional acting and singing skills took various private classes in the auditorium, never meeting their fellow theatre geeks. One particular day, however, the opportunity for them to meet arose. As the first student arrived at the auditorium for his private lesson, he noticed a large, colourful poster hanging on its entrance door.

"Basement Arts: see Mr. Wage to apply." he read the bold lettering aloud to himself. Shrugging, he walked into the auditorium and called out to his instructor, whom was setting up microphones on stage. "Hey, Wage! What's that poster about? The one on the door out there, I mean." The older man straightened up and turned to face the younger man who had just entered.
"Mr. Criss, I was hoping you would take interest in this theatre program! It will be the most rigorous in the entire University, as it always has been. Perfect for you and a few of my other personally trained students."

"So I'm not the only student you're personally coaching? How come I haven't met the others?"

"That's the entire point of this program! It's to bring you all together in one class. Teaching you all individually is getting a bit tedious… Well," Mr. Wage hopped down from the stage and clapped his hands, striding up to the young man. "Are you ready for this, Mr. Criss?"

"Absolutely," The student answered, without missing a beat, "But, will there be an audition?" The student's teacher began to bring him towards the stage, placing a guiding hand on his upper back. They spoke fast and loud, as do most theatre enthusiasts.

"That is something I'll be arranging once I am sure that at least thirty students will sign up other than the few that I teach myself. If you are worried about what you will be singing, I was hoping you could pick an original Broadway show tune. As for a monologue, I'd prefer something Shakespearean."

"Wait, wasn't there already a Basement Arts before this, though? I remember hearing the name somewhere."

"Well, yes… It was formed in 1988, but it died out three years ago once all the good talent left the school. You and the three other students I teach are the most talented actors and singers we've had since then, so I think we can bring it back. I was hoping you knew some people that might be interested as well. If they're not great actors, we can always train them. We just need some singers. Perhaps we can work on some musicals, whether they are student-written or otherwise. So, how about it, Criss?"

"Of course, Mr. Wage!" the student enthused, "I can't wait to meet the other three. I'm sure we'll make it in automatically, though, so I'm not too worried."

"Lesson number one, never be too cocky. You never know how badly you can jinx yourself by being overly-confident."

"Of course, sir."

"Good. Now that we're on the same page, how about we start from where we were in yesterday's lesson?"

Darren would have concentrated on the lesson, had his mind not been rattling with excitement. All this new information was a bit much to take in at once, but as it soaked in, his thoughts became overrun by only those having to do with Basement Arts.

oOo

I'll introduce the other characters in the next chapter. I just want to see people's opinions on what I have of their backstory so far. You'll find out more about the 2010 part in later chapters.