The High School Musical has become a fertile breeding ground for talent. Whether it is in the form of the wildly popular movies of the same title or the TV show, many of today’s top actors, musicians, and dancers cut their teeth playing roles in the High School Musical genre.
Break Out Stars from the High School Musical Movie
It is easy to understand why many of today’s top talent got their start in the High School Musical Movie and TV show. Just look at all the skills the actors need to get their role. The most talented young actor trying out for a role in the movie or series may not get the role, even if they are applauded for their previous work. In addition to acting, the talent must also be able to sing and dance. That is a triple threat that many great young actors don’t possess.
One of the most talented actors to emerge from the High School Musical cocoon is Zac Efron. According to Biography.com, Zac’s musical talent was noticed by his piano teacher, who suggested he should try out for the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, which he did. He landed a role in the play Gypsy, where he was spotted by an agent. He has gone on to star in many popular movies, including The Lucky One, Neighbors, Dirty Grandpa, The Greatest Showman, and most recently, The Claw, a movie about a wrestling family.
Another actor who benefited from their time in the High School Musical movie is Vanessa Hudgens. According to TV Guide, Hudgens has been in numerous movies, including Ocean’s 13, Machete, Bad Boys, Rent, and many others. She was also part of the stage cast for the live play Grease.
Olivia Rodrigo Making Her Own Way after High School Musical, The Series
Years after the success of the High School Musical movie, the Disney Corporation and creator Tim Federle joined forces to bring the hit to the small screen. They conducted a talent search to find talented actors, singers, and dancers who could capture the audience with their talents. The team was adamant about casting real teens in each role for added authenticity. Many were cast for the show, including Joshua Basset, who played the leading role of Ricky. But it was Olivia Rodrigo as Nini, who benefitted from her role.
Rodrigo had several small TV roles, before High School Musical, The Series, but in her role as Nini, she shone. Rodrigo was a teen favorite and won a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for her role. She was on the show for three years but declined to commit to the fourth season as she was getting so much traction as a singer, that she was scheduled to tour.
There is no question that TV series and movies are full of talented actors, and it is great that they have shows like this to hone their talents. Because of the numerous skills these young actors possess, we should see even more of them finding their way onto our screens and in music in the future.
