A Wildcat Welcome to Students Meeting the High School Musical Cast
BYU Theatre's High School Musical team and director Geoff Reynolds welcomed middle and high school students from Hale Center Theatre’s education programs to a special behind-the-scenes experience.
Accompanied by the Stars’ choral director, Tanner DeHaan, and Education Administrative Assistant, Tianna Maxwell, students from the singing group and dance company were able to observe part of the rehearsal and connect with the cast of High School Musical.
The visit began with the students getting a sneak peak of the cast performing “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re All in This Together.” Afterwards, the students shared feedback with the cast on their performance, noting how impressed they were with the cast’s ability to maintain strong vocals as they were executing such complex choreography. They also appreciated how unified and engaged the ensemble was onstage.
Following this performance, choreographers Thomas Jenson and Bryndal Braithwaite led the students in a dance workshop, where students learned the choreography for “Stick to the Status Quo.” It was a fun and collaborative experience for everyone involved, as the HCT students got a chance to learn from the choreographers, and the choreographers were able to share their expertise while guiding the students through the choreography.
After the dance workshop, HCT students participated in a Q&A session with members of the High School Musical cast and production team. The BYU students were able to discuss what it is like to study theatre at the university level, covering everything from the application process to the different classes offered and the benefits of pursuing theatre in college. The panel featured students from a variety of majors, including Theatre Arts Studies, Acting, Music Dance Theatre (MDT), and Theatre Education, offering the students a broad perspective on how they can study theatre in college and the areas in which they can specialize. Additionally, cast members who are studying fields outside the theatre department shared how they have maintained their love for performance while pursuing other degrees, highlighting how theatre can be a fulfilling lifelong hobby no matter what you decide to study in college.
The students then toured the Mainstage theatre and backstage facilities, including the costume shop, prop shop, and makeup room, gaining a deeper appreciation for the many creative roles that bring a production to life. The visit wrapped up with the HCT students performing for Korianne Johnson, a BYU voice professor, who offered them valuable feedback and encouragement.
Throughout the day, Hale Center Theatre students and BYU’s High School Musical cast were able to enjoy the chance to learn from each other and share their love of theatre. The cast was excited to encourage these young performers and hope they keep pursuing theatre in some form in the future, wherever life takes them next!
