The scene opens with a conversation between Charles and Clara. Clara tells Charles that she has gone to the director's studio to learn more about the role that she is about to play in the upcoming production of "The Golden Dancer." She tells him that the director is famous and has won many awards for his work in the past. She asks him why he is helping her prepare for the role. He tells her that it is a chance for her to get the part she wants. She says that she must perform the role one last time and seize the opportunity to do so. She then asks him if he thinks she is a genius because she works so hard. He replies that she only thinks she can act well because she is "a genius." He then asks her how long she plans on being with him.