High School Musical was Act 2 Performing Arts CIC’s first professional musical production.

​

In January 2026, we invited aspiring artists from across the local community to take part in our free to attend auditions. The successful cast then participated in five weeks of intensive musical theatre rehearsals to learn the singing, dancing and acting required for the show before performing it four times at a theatre attended by a total of 600 audience members.

​

Disney’s High School Musical On Stage follows basketball captain Troy Bolton and new student Gabriella Montez as they face the challenge of fitting in while also staying true to themselves. Act 2’s production included all the catchy songs, energetic dance numbers and iconic characters that you know and love – including basketball choreography and cheerleading lifts.

​

This experience provided 22 new jobs, creating a fun and inclusive environment where people could build on their confidence and performing arts skills while also gaining a professional theatre credit on their CV. The hope is that these, as well as their newly formed connections with like-minded creatives, will lead to future jobs and success.​

"Thank you so much for trusting and giving me the opportunity when I don’t even believe in myself."

​"We became such a little family and I've made some unbreakable bonds."

​

Of course this amazing opportunity couldn't be made possible without our dedicated creative team: Choreographer Molly Soden-Freeth, Musical Director Sophie West, and Acting Director Zoe King.

 

High School Musical On Stage was performed at the New Mills Art Theatre in March 2026.