The young and talented graduate of the Theatre Academy, Sergei Malanko, to the surprise of all his acquaintances and friends, signs a contract with the Youth Theatre in the small town of Tarukansk. The reason for such a sudden departure from St. Petersburg is a sharp conflict with the course master. Soon, Sergei realizes his mistake, but the theatre’s chief director, Krotov, does not let him go. Then he starts a romance with the theatre’s leading lady, actress Irina Barysheva, on whom the entire repertoire depends. Now the director himself is ready to get rid of the actor, but he is afraid of Irina’s move. But unexpectedly, to everyone, including Melanko himself, his relationship with Irina develops into a deep, strong feeling...