The production is directed by new artistic director David Muse in the Mead Theatre. The 2010-11 season is Muse's first as artistic director at The Studio, which is devoted to contemporary theatre. His Studio production of Blackbird won the 2009 Helen Hayes Award as Outstanding Resident Play.

Opening night is Sept. 12. Baker's play was an extended hit at Off-Broadway's Playwrights Horizons in 2009-10 and won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play.

According to Studio notes, "In this intoxicating new play, theatre games and acting exercises mirror the real drama taking place between the students."

Helen Hayes nominee Jennifer Mendenhall (The Studio's 2ndStage productions of A Beautiful View and Crestfall, plus Clybourne Park and Dead Man's Cell Phone at Woolly Mammoth) plays Marty, the acting class teacher; Harry A. Winter (Helen Hayes nominee for 110 in the Shade, Allegro, Pacific Overtures and Show Boat at Signature Theatre) is Marty's husband James; Jeff Talbott (Off-Broadway's Home of the Brave, Frost in Frost/Nixon at Rep of St. Louis/Geva) makes his DC debut as Schultz, a recent divorcé; Kathleen McElfresh (New York's One Slight Hitch, Greek Holiday and Frugal Repast and plays at Huntington The Old Globe) makes her DC debut as Theresa, a former New York actress; and Mackenzie Meehan (a recent graduate of NYU's Graduate Acting Program), makes her Washington debut as Lauren, an angst-ridden teenager who dreams of playing the lead role in her high school's musical.

The creative team includes Debra Booth (setting), Colin K. Bills (lighting), Alex Jaeger (costumes) and Neil McFadden (sound). Performances are Wednesday–Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 7 PM, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM, plus select Tuesdays at 8 PM: Sept. 21 and 28, Oct. 12.

Tickets are $35-$65. The Studio is at 1501 14th Street, NW (northeast corner of 14th and P Streets). For tickets and information, call (202) 332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre.org.