Photos Provided by: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
"High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Is Yours to Own on DVD and Blu-Ray!
High School Musical fans have been waiting for this day since the rumor began swirling in 2007 that a third installment of the popular Disney Channel movie was going to be filmed. Then came the news that not only was number three going to be bigger and better, it was going to be in theaters! Yes Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Chad, Ryan, Taylor and the whole gang would be bigger than life on the "Big Screen," but when could thousands of fans bring the magic to their very own TV set? The time has finally come! High School Musical 3: Senior Year is flying off the shelves at a store near year.
This film is bittersweet for fans because its an ending of sorts for the Wildcats. In true song and dance fashion, it follows the gang through all the highlights of Senior Year, including Prom and Graduation. Senior Year is also the time that graduates must think about the real world and what life brings after the commencement ceremony. Each person must decide what their own future will hold and a few of your favorite students have more than one option. How does a person decide which path to take? It's a little listening to your friends and a lot of listening to your heart.
This movie took all the things you loved about the first two films, (a great cast, singing, dancing, fashion, jokes, etc.) and elevated them to a whole new level. There are new songs to belt out at the top of your lungs, new dances to learn, new catch phrases to put your own spin on and yes, several pause-worthy moments to get your Zac fix (or Corbin, or any of the girls for your guy fans out there! We know you're there!).
Disney has made it easy for fans of all degrees to purchase the DVD or Blu-Ray that is just right for their viewing needs. We highly recommend the Deluxe Extended Edition that features a Blu-Ray disc, a DVD and a Digital File copy so you can take the movie on the road with you. This awesome set allows you to take the movie and share it with friends and family, even if their player is different then yours! (Unless they still have a VCR! Then you might want to politely suggest an upgrade!)
There is a single disc available for sale that features the theatrically released version of the film along with a bonus feature of cast goodbyes. A two-disc, extended edition, features an extended version of the movie, the cast goodbyes plus additional bonus features like:
Sing Along Feature
Bloopers
Deleted Scenes
It's All in the Dress
Night of Nights
DisneyFile digital copy of the extended movie
The afore mentioned Blu-ray Deluxe Extended Edition includes the extended version of the film, plus all of the bonus features from the DVD (above) including the DisneyFile digital copy of the extended movie, plus exclusive bonus features: New Cast Profiles, Senior Awards, BD Live, Experience (US only), and of course the DVD of the extended movie version.
In honor of the movies release we have dedicated a special page to bringing you tons of "behind the scenes" information. Find out everything you need to know about the film here!
Thanks to all of our friends at Disney for helping us keep you "in the know!"
HSM Highlights!!
BACK TO SCHOOL!
Want the hottest secrets from the set of High School Musical 3? You got it! We head behind the scenes to bring you all the goss on the dynamite DVD of the year?
ZAC'S BACK!
All of the original Wildcats headed back to Salt Lake City to shoot HSM3. "I couldn't wait to get back to Utah for the third act to High School Musical," reveals Zac Efron. "We were not looking to top anything, we were just looking to do the trilogy justice. I hope we've done that because we really stepped up the production."
PRETTY IN PINK!
"High School Musical 3 is awesome," admits Ashley Tisdale, who plays pink-lovin' Sharpay in the movie. "I was really thrilled to jump back into Sharpay's shoes because she's such a great character. What's in store for the gang? Well, in your senior year, you have college to think about as well as relationships. Trying to figure out which path to take is tough."
STEP UP TO THE MIC!
The movie includes the first duet between Corbin Bleu and Zac Efron - a song called The Boys Are Back. "We had so much fun shooting those scenes in the salvage yard," chuckles Zac. "You also get to see a young Troy and Chad, which is very cool."
PROM NIGHT
"The third film sees the gang's graduation and their prom," reveals Ashley Tisdale. We get to see Zac wear a cool tux and the girls glam it up in style. "My prom dress is feathery, pink and rhinestone, so it's fun and really cool," giggles Ashley.
HOME SWEET HOME!
Lucas Grabeel was the only cast member to rent an apartment in Salt Lake City, where the film was shot. The rest of the cast were split between the city's Little America Hotel and the swankier Grand America, where Zanessa, Ashley and Chris Warren Jr put up their feet. Nice!
EXTRA, EXTRA!
What extras are in store for fans on the HSM3 DVD? "There's a lot going on there," admits director Kenny Ortega. "There is a musical reprise for Troy and Gabriella, as well as a couple of deleted scenes that have been added back to the movie. One big deleted scene was taken out because we had to shorten the film for the movie theatre - but there are other scenes we've added just for fun."
FOOTIE FEVER
The film's finale graduation scene was shot on the football field at East High School in Salt Lake City. It's a huge song and dance number featuring the entire cast. "We really pushed the singing and dancing," admits Zac. "It's one of the stand-out moments of the movie."
FASHION FAUX PAS!
When the cameras weren't rolling, some of the cast weren't as glamorous or as fashion-forward as their characters. Lucas Grabeel was spotted wandering around the set in brown sandals and black socks, while Ashley Tisdale plodded around in a pair of old slippers!
FOOD FIGHT!
What did the gang get up to when the cameras stopped rolling? "We'd have lots of fun," admits KayCee Stroh, who plays hip-hop cutie Martha Cross. "There was a really cool night where Corbin, Chris (Warren Jr, who plays Zeke Baylor), Ryne (Sanborn, who plays Jason Cross) and I went out to eat after work, which was really late. The cast of High School Musical literally ended up in a fast food restaurant having a food fight in the middle of the night! Who won? I would have to say Chris. He always goes that little bit further than everyone else!"
Talking With Vanessa and Zac!
A CHAT WITH ZANESSA!
What do Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens have to say about the third instalment of HSM? We quiz the cutest couple on the planet to find out?
Spill the beans, guys? What happens in High School Musical 3?
Zac: Well, it is the final year at East High for the Wildcats, so we're deciding for ourselves what we're going to do with our futures.
Vanessa: Our characters are growing and we're making tougher decisions, so you definitely see relationships blossom, as well as a lot of singing and dancing.
Do Troy and Gabriella change as they grow up?
Vanessa: Gabriella has always been ruled by her head. In this movie, you see her being torn by her heart and her head - making tough decisions and trying to figure out what to do with family, friends, relationships and school.
Zac: Troy's got a lot to balance. He's got Gabriella to look to, he's got basketball to train for and he's got his love of singing. Which way will he go?
Check out this clip of the two in action!
Why were you hesitant to sign up for HSM3, Zac?
Zac: High School Musical has always been a blast to work on since day one. I just didn't know if a third one would work. When the script came in, I thought it was very well done - and it was an easy yes.
How much fun did you have filming?
Vanessa: It was a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work, too.
Zac: I came into rehearsals a few weeks late, which was a really bad idea. It was tough catching up with everybody. You've got Corbin, who is the most incredible natural dancer I've ever seen, and Vanessa, who is tough to keep up with as well. It was rough!
Was it sad to say goodbye to the cast when you finished filming?
Zac: After we filmed one of the last scenes, I was surprised by how emotional I got. A few of the girls got pretty sad. Me and Corbin tried to be tough and hold it in, though!
Is this really the last High School Musical for you two?
Vanessa: I think that's it. I mean, it's senior year. You can't do high school again unless you flunk and the movie wouldn't have the same name if we went to college.
Zac: You know what? It's been great to have High School Musical to look forward to and to not have that anymore is going to be weird. I think this is the final adventure for the Wildcats - but who knows?
More From The Cast
ZAC EFRON
Want the inside scoop on the hunky High School Musical hottie? You got it! Zac waxes lyrical about college, shaving his head and the secret scenes filmed exclusively for the HSM3 DVD? Phwoar!
You've got the world at your feet, Zac! Have you got any advice for people who want to follow in your footsteps?
The one thing I would say to anyone who is considering acting is do it because you love doing it. Don't do anything just to be famous. It would really suck if you had the fame without the love for what you do.
Do you still enjoy acting?
Are you kidding me? Of course I do! I wouldn't change anything for the world, although the fame part of this industry is tough to handle at times. I can tell you that fame is probably the most unadorable thing about acting. High School Musical is what got me here today and I'm very grateful - but the fame part isn't so fun.
Is it difficult to relax when you're photographed wherever you go?
To be honest, I can't handle the paparazzi. They're everywhere. One of them was in a dumpster trying to take my photo the other day. It was crazy! Another time, one was hanging off the back of a pick-up truck driving down a road. They think they're being clever, but they're not.
Would you like to get away from all the paparazzi then?
Sure, I'd love to take a year off and travel the world under the radar. I would love to do it really low key. I wouldn't need to stay in fancy hotels or anything; I just want to explore - but I don't know how I'd do it. Would I shave my head to try and go incognito? Ha ha! I'm not telling.
Is college in your plans for the future?
I was accepted into film school at USC, which is something I would love to do, although I believe it's something that will always be there for me. Right now, I'm part of something that could be gone tomorrow, so I'm going to see what happens with this career for now. I'm enjoying where I'm at in my life and I feel like I'm learning a lot on a daily basis. I'm learning without having to be behind a desk, so it's a pretty cool place to be.
Do you learn a lot on film sets?
Sure. I recently filmed an independent movie with the director, Richard Linklater, where I learned loads. It was very exciting and a great change of pace to High School Musical. I had a lot of scenes, but I never had to break into a song and dance, which was very different! It was a very educational experience because I've always admired Richard Linklater's movies. He was very inspirational.
What did you learn on the set of High School Musical 3?
I learned loads! I couldn't believe how much they stepped up the choreography and the music and everything. It's been an amazing experience.
Do you ever see the choreography and think, 'There's no way I can do that!'?
Sure, but you just have to get on with it. You have to meet everyone's expectations because you don't want to be the one to crack. You just have to put your heart into it and go for it.
What was the atmosphere like on set for the third movie?
I think we found the delicate balance between work and play on the set of High School Musical 3. We kept it interesting and had fun, but we also worked very hard and that's something that's very difficult to achieve. Usually, you either work too hard or have too much fun on a movie set - but we did both. I think we perfected that.
Are you going to miss the East High basketball court?
Ha ha! I'll never forget filming Now Or Never for the third movie. It was completely surreal because we were playing against a real team. Every time you missed a shot, people would boo. It was crazy!
How does it feel to know that you've finished all three films?
It's very strange. You know when the kids leave the wardrobe in Narnia and they're the only ones who really know what happened inside? Finishing High School Musical is kinda like that. It's very much like a fairytale because we've been in this crazy, crazy world together.
Does this mean you have a special bond with your cast mates?
Sure. It's really cool that we've got each other to relate to. I go home and it's fun to laugh about my adventures with my high school friends, but none of them can really understand all of the exciting and amazing stuff that's happened to me. But they also don't understand some of the things that aren't so great, too, like the fame.
Spill the beans, Zac? Do you sing or lip synch in front of the cameras when you're shooting the musical scenes?
We do actually sing when you see us singing in the movie because it makes the performance much more real. If you lip synch, it doesn't feel right and it doesn't look genuine, so it's much better to sing along to the music. We'll all sing along with the playback wherever we are shooting.
Are there any scenes that didn't make it into the big-screen version of the movie?
There are - and they were recorded especially for the DVD. There's a reprise of the song Right Here, Right Now, which is a really cool scene you'll see for the first time on the DVD.
Amazing! What happens in it?
Well, Troy and Gabriella are really feeling the tension of the situation and the uncertainty of their future - and they're singing about it in two very different locations. They don't realise it, but they're actually singing together and almost to each other. It's very, very sweet.
Why do you think HSM is so popular around the world?
You know what? I think high school is just a backdrop for a lot more important things that's going on in High School Musical. All over the world, kids are kids and growing up can be tough. That's really what we're singing about and that's what the kids are connecting to. I mean, I didn't necessarily like high school, so this is the fairytale within high school that we show.
With HSM behind you, are you scared or excited about the future?
I'm all of the above! It's scary and exciting, but that's exactly how you feel when you finish high school. You feel ready and you feel prepared, but you don't necessarily know what's going to happen. You're eager to find out!
So what is next for you?
I've signed up for a movie called Footloose with [HSM director] Kenny Ortega. We're just trying to figure out how to do it at the moment - but it will be great to work on a musical movie again.
Will there ever be another High School Musical?
Everyone always asks this question! I will always support these movies. We've found something that kids are relating to around the world and that's very special. We didn't have anything like this before - and I think it would be great to continue the tradition for as long as kids continue to respond to it. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
VANESSA HUDGENS
What's it really like to be Vanessa Hudgens? The High School Musical cutie reveals all as she chats about missing her prom, traveling the world and the weird lies written about her in the press?
Is it true you missed out on your high school prom, Vanessa?
It is true! I was home schooled, so I didn't have a prom - but I had one with High School Musical 3. I really enjoyed filming the prom scene and I think it looks amazing on screen.
Are you sad you missed out on a prom?
Not really. The after-parties at the premieres around the world were also a lot like proms because we'd all be dressed up so smartly. I've had quite a few proms now and they've all been really good fun!
What happened at the premiere after-parties?
A lot of the events had music blasting and great food - and we'd all dance away. I guess it wasn't exactly like a prom, but all of my best friends were there and that's all that matters.
Sound like the HSM3 premieres were very hard work?
Ha ha! I really enjoyed the premieres because I love traveling. I've always wanted to travel, so visiting these different places with High School Musical has been an amazing experience.
Did you get any free time off at the premieres?
We didn't really have time to tour the places we visited, but I would always try the specialty foods in every place. I loved it. Swedish meatballs were my favourite. They were delicious!
Do you have a favourite vacation destination?
Well, that depends on what I want to do during the vacation. London is great for shopping, but I love the beach. It's so relaxing to sit on the sand listening to the waves. I love the sunshine and hot places, so I think I'd prefer to go somewhere exotic today. That might change tomorrow, though!
How would you describe yourself?
I'm outgoing, but at the same time I'm quite personal. I guess it depends on the day because I feel more outgoing some days over others. I'm a go-getter. I'm a very passionate person who is very loyal and thoughtful, too.
Is it weird to see your face in newspapers and magazines?
It's crazy to know that most of the things you read about yourself in the press are false. It's so weird that people take the time to make up these stories. It takes so much more effort than telling the truth, so I don't understand it at all. It's such a weird aspect of being famous.
What's the weirdest lie you've seen written in the press?
I once read a rumour that I was arrested at a Hollywood party. It was a huge, elaborate story but I was actually in a completely different country when they said it happened. It was crazy!
There was a story that someone tried to attack you and Zac in London?
That was completely false, too! We did not get attacked. We were walking out of a theatre and into a car when some guy stumbled along and got caught in the middle of it all. He got carried along with us, but someone was there taking photos and it looked like he was having a go.
That sounds scary?
It was a crazy night. The guy was trapped in the car doorway and he was screaming, "I'm normal! I'm normal!" Our bodyguard had to help him get to the side of the road, but I got hit in the face in all the commotion. It was an accident, though.
So how proud are you of High School Musical 3?
I'm really proud of this movie. It was so much fun and so exciting filming High School Musical 3. It's like our thank you to the fans for watching the first and second movie - and it gave us the opportunity to step it up once more to create something even bigger and better. It was a blast.
How did your relationship with Zac affect your on-screen performance?
Well, this is our third movie together and we've grown up so much together as actors. I think you see that on screen. It makes it all the better because we aren't afraid to try new things in front of the camera. We are much more creative because we're very comfortable together.
Have you grown closer to the rest of the HSM cast, too?
Sure. All of the cast have grown close and we all know each other so well that we're all not afraid to try new things. We're extremely comfortable together and it's been amazing to be able to grow up on camera with each other.
You sing, dance and act - but which do you prefer?
Dancing was a big part of my life, but I would never consider myself a dancer. I adore singing, and music has always been a huge part of my life, but I also enjoy acting.
What do you like about music?
I love being in the studio and singing on stage and performing. It's so much fun. I love every second of it - and I love the way you get to show who you are. I love the way fans are really passionate around the world, so I adore performing and hearing people sing along in different countries. It's an amazing feeling when that happens. It's like you're part of one big family.
When it comes to your music, what inspires you?
I relate to all of my songs and I'm inspired by everything going on around me. Music comes from all different aspects of my life. Gone With The Wind is one of my songs that means a real lot to me because it basically says how I've grown up. I still have a head on my shoulders, but I'm not that little girl anymore. I like that.
You're not going to give up acting, are you?
No way! Movies and acting are also so much fun. I love playing different characters and doing different genres. It's all still very interesting to me. In fact, I don't think I could choose between music and acting, which is why something like High School Musical has been amazing. I get to do both. I couldn't be happier - or luckier!
CORBIN BLEU
High School Musical 3's Corbin Bleu on dates, dreams and dancing all day?
Hi Corbin! Did you have fun filming High School Musical 3?
Shooting High School Musical 3 was a blast! It was amazing to get the gang back together for another movie. It was just like old times filming in Utah again. It feels like it was yesterday.
What makes this third film stand out?
For me, it was really cool to be able to explore the relationship between Chad and Troy. Chad is really happy to see his friend move on and do what he wants to do - but at the same time he's really sad to lose his pal. It was great to explore that in detail.
The dance scene between Chad and Troy looked a lot of fun to film?
We had an amazing time shooting that sequence in the junkyard. A guy called Chucky Klapow choreographed the dance and I think he did a great job because it really stands out in the movie. It was High School Musical like you've never seen before!
Why do the mini Troy and Chad pop up in that scene?
When Troy and Chad were young boys, they used to hang out in the junkyard and pretend that they were superheroes, ninjas and spies. School is very stressful for them in their senior year, so they relive some of their childhood moments again, which is where the mini Chad and Troy come in. They were very cool!
How would you describe Chad?
Chad is a typical jock. He lives, eats and breathes basketball. He is outgoing and loves hanging out with his friends, but basketball is his life.
Are you similar to him?
Well, I'm very driven and dedicated - just like Chad. He's a little bit better than me at basketball, though. If I'm being honest, I'm kind of sports challenged. I'm very athletic, but when it comes to basketball skills, I had to learn a lot!
Does the number eight on the back of Chad's basketball shirt mean anything to you?
It does actually. The number eight has always been my favourite number, although I never quite understood why. Before the first High School Musical, I was asked what number I wanted, so I went with my favourite. After I chose it, I went off and looked up other basketball players with the number eight. It turns out [NBA star] Kobe Bryant was one of them!
Are you close to the rest of the cast?
Sure. We're closer now than ever before. It's weird to think that we didn't know each other a few years ago. We met during the first film, where we all clicked straight away. We've experienced so much together all over the world that we couldn't do anything but bond closer and closer over the years.
Are you going to miss them now that the third movie is finished?
Definitely. We've shared so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences together that nobody else will understand, so it's a unique relationship. You know how you relate to somebody if you go through something special together? It's exactly like that. You just connect. We've got chemistry both on screen and off screen - and I'm definitely going to stay in touch with them.
What was the atmosphere like on set for the third movie?
To a certain extent it felt like high school because you're surrounded by your friends - but it's also a lot of hard work, too. We worked 12, 13 or 14 hour days, which can be very strenuous. You're dancing all day long, so you get really worn out, but it was all worth it. The end product is awesome!
Why do you think High School Musical is so popular around the world?
It's strange because there are a lot of American traditions in this movie. There's a prom and the whole graduation ceremony with a cap and gown, which aren't practiced everywhere around the world - but the movie continues to be popular everywhere. I think it's down to these characters being so relatable and the spirit and energy of the movie that connects with everyone.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream? Anything with Godzilla in it! No, in all honesty, I just hope to be able to accomplish a lot in my life - in all different forms. This project has been incredible and it's a massive entity, but there's still so much more to achieve.
Like what? What's next for you?
I'm not sure at the moment, but I'm going to continue acting. I would love to go to college at some point, too. I was already accepted into college to study Psychology, so at some point I will go - but at the moment I'm enjoying the work I'm doing. I'm learning so much that it wouldn't feel right to go back to school.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
That's a long time away! I have no idea where I will be then. Maybe I'll be a director? Maybe I'll be on Broadway? For now, I'm going to chill out for a while and see what happens.
Do you get much time to date?
Ha ha! Are you trying to find out if I have a girlfriend or something? The answer is no. I'm very single.
What kind of girls do you go for?
I'm not too fussy. I like girls with a good sense of humour. Girls who are a lot of fun to be around.
Come on? tell us more!
Well, I'm a very outgoing person so I like girls who are not afraid to be themselves. I'm not a shy person and when I hang out with a girl, I want to be able to talk to her. At the same time I like a girl I can have a conversation with - as opposed to me sitting there talking away because she won't open her mouth. I like conversations and I'm a really big sucker for personality. That's all!
MONIQUE COLEMAN
The oldest - and most sentimental - East High honey reveals her thoughts on the future and memories from her HSM past?
What is the best thing you take with you from working on the High School Musical trilogy?
I feel so blessed about everything this movie has allowed me to do. I've been able to visit some amazing places because of High School Musical and I've met some amazing people all around the world. I would never have imagined coming so far with all three movies. I'm very proud.
Which one moment of your entire HSM experience stands out the most?
One specific instance I will never forget was getting to perform in Sao Paolo, Brazil, for two nights. The fans were outrageous! I never felt famous or like a celebrity until I went there. It was crazy. The fans gave so much love and so much passion. It really blew me away.
Why was it so special?
Well, we heard so many stories about kids being so poor that lots of them would put their money together so that just one of them could go to the concert. Stories like that can't fail to impress you. When you think about it, the impact this movie has had around the world is amazing.
Was it tough moving from TV to the big screen in High School Musical 3?
For me, it was a relief because I've always wanted to be in feature films. It was a perfect transition because it would be scary to do it from scratch - but this time I could do it with a character I knew through and through. I was also with a cast I knew really well, which was another positive.
So it was easier knowing all your cast mates were in the same boat?
Definitely! We're such an awesome ensemble and we get along with each other so well that it was a great way to face an immense fear. It was awesome to be able to tackle this with the people you love and in a project you believe in. We knew the movie was going to make an impact, but it was exciting and scary all at the same time.
What is the message of the third movie?
I really hope that children around the world can be inspired by the idea of breaking outside the box. There's no need for people to feel as though there is only one career or path you need to follow in life or that there is a certain age at which you need to know what that is.
What do you mean by that?
Well, I think this movie is about following your own personal passions. I hope that High School Musical inspires people to not feel as though they need to do what their parents or teachers or friends would necessarily want them to do, but to look inside and see you can do it all.
Is that what happens in High School Musical 3?
Sure, that's what happens at the end of the film. They're all happy and still make the people who matter to them proud. I really understand the idea of pride and honour. I have that in my family, so I understand it completely. At the end of the day, this movie has helped me grow and I hope it inspires kids to think for themselves.
What are you like in real life?
I'm very sentimental and ambitious. I like to be relaxed and I like to live a peaceful existence, but that's very difficult considering I'm very neurotic. On the inside, I'm very chilled - but on the outside I'm a big mess of worry! I'm an adventurer. I believe in being bold and brave - and taking risks. Even if I'm afraid of something, I'll still have a go at it.
You're the only person in High School Musical who changed her looks for the third film?
There's a reason for that! The haircut reflects my character's personality. In the first two movies, I was figuring out who Taylor McKessie was. Acting is a journey and I don't think I had it down completely. But coming into the third movie where it was senior year, I thought back to characters like Taylor who I grew up with and they all cut their hair before they left school.
So you cut your hair?
Exactly! I don't know why, but there's something about getting your college cut at that age. Taylor is ready to move on and she is ready to interview for schools with anyone who wants to hear her. Personally, I felt the shorter hair was a better look, too!
Are you going to sign up for High School Musical 4?
Is there going to be a High School Musical 4? There are all these rumours, but I've not heard anything. To be honest, I don't know if there's a way to have Taylor in another High School Musical because she graduated from high school at the end of the third film. But who knows? Some of us might think that it sucks out there in the real world and want to come back to East High. We'll just have to see what happens.
So what is next for you?
Don't ask me this question! I'm scared because it's been so incredible to be blessed by the work on the High School Musical movies. But I don't know what I'm going to do next - and I don't know what I want to do next. Part of me wants to stay in the same place and play Taylor forever - but another part of me wants to break out and go in a completely different direction. The deepest part of me feels confident in every single one of our futures. Everyone is going to become exactly what they're supposed to become - but it's a tough job finding out what that is. Wish me luck!
ASHLEY TISDALE
The High School Musical 3 cutie on shopping, singing and Sharpay?
You dance, sing and act in High School Musical 3 - but which of the three do you prefer?
I'm definitely not a dancer. I can move well, but it's more about the acting and the singing for me. Acting and singing are completely different, so I can't say which one I love better because I love them both. I love acting because I get to play different characters. But I also love my music because I get to portray me. My fans can get to know me better through my music, which is something I really like.
What music do you listen to at home?
Personally, I love eighties music. If I'm at a party and someone's got an eighties compilation CD, I am the happiest person alive! Apart from that, my favourite artists to listen to include Michael Buble, Billy Joel, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. I love all types of music.
Do you like to party?
Oh, sure! Who doesn't like a party? Mind you, I'm not the biggest party animal in the cast of High School Musical. That honour goes to Corbin. He really knows how to start a party! He's so outgoing and he loves to dance - he's always the first person on the dancefloor.
What's the best thing about working in showbusiness?
I love my job! I really enjoy singing and acting, so a role in the High School Musical movies has been a dream come true.
Are there any downsides to being a successful actress?
The fame side of the business is a downside when it intrudes into your life. We're passionate about what we do and we love what we do, so I don't regret anything - but I can't stand the paparazzi.
Are the paparazzi a pain?
The paparazzi are completely annoying! They camp outside my house, which is really upsetting. Even if I just pop out for a coffee, they will follow me. I love this industry and I love what I do, so I guess this is just one thing you have to learn to put up with.
How tough is it in the spotlight?
You know what? I look at people like Britney Spears and I don't know how she coped with fame at such a young age. She was 16 when she got her success, but I can't imagine being 16 and in the spotlight like she was. I'm so glad that this all came later on in my life because it's tough. I'm 23 now, so I'm older than she was - but I've no regrets because I've worked hard to get where I am. Fame is just one of the downsides to this business.
Is it difficult to see your false gossip written about you in the press?
It's got to the point where I don't really think about things like that anymore. You just have to block out the negative and think of the positive. People are always going to say stuff about you and there are always going to be crazy rumours out there, but as long as you know the truth, you're fine.
What advice would you give to people who want to follow in your footsteps and become famous?
I would say stay true to yourself because there is a lot of fakeness in this industry. Work hard and follow your dreams, but never forget where you came from.
Were you excited to work on High School Musical 3?
Shooting this movie was amazing. The choreography was harder and the musical numbers were a lot bigger, but it was a lot of fun. We had a really great time filming it.
Do you like Sharpay?
Well, I love playing her! She's a drama queen who rules the school and that was a lot of fun to portray on screen. Sharpay was dramatic and off the wall in High School Musical 2, but in High School Musical 3, she's even bigger. I've always had a lot of fun with her.
Are you anything like Sharpay in real life?
I'm nothing like Sharpay! I was never the popular girl at school, although can probably relate to her because of her passion for performing. I love to perform, so that's probably the one and only thing we have in common.
How would you describe yourself?
I'm definitely a dreamer. I dreamed of being on TV shows and movies ever since I was a little girl. In fact, I've been in this business since I was three. I'm driven and I'm always honest, although sometimes I can be very blunt. I guess I'm one of those girls who can be too honest about things for my own good, but I expect it back. I expect people to be honest and blunt with me, too.
How would your friends describe you?
They'd say I'm very headstrong and I know what I want from life. I listen to peoples' opinions, but a lot of the time I'll trust my own instincts. I'm also really clumsy, so I'm always getting hurt.
You're a dancer, a singer and an actress? Is there anything you're not good at?
Ha ha! I'll let you into a secret? I'm someone who can't lie at all. I'm the worst liar in the world!
Do you still enjoy meeting fans?
Meeting fans is so cool! It's great to be able to touch peoples' lives. We actually had a boy come over to us and explain how he got the courage to audition for a school musical after watching our movie. He was a basketball jock who ended up getting the lead in Peter Pan!
Are fans the same around the world?
Well, the High School Musical fans are very passionate wherever you go - and they have exactly the same screams. They have so much love and so much support, so we're very grateful. I got to visit Paris and Madrid promoting the third movie, as well as Munich and London, so I saw quite a number of fans. It was really exciting to travel the world but we only got to spend two days in each place, so there wasn't enough time to really explore.
Where would you most like to visit on your next trip abroad?
I like to visit tropical places on vacation because I love the beach. I love the water and doing loads of water sports, so anywhere next to the ocean will suit me. I also love shopping, but I can find something to buy wherever I go! London is great for shopping, as is Los Angeles and New York - but I can find a good shop in the middle of nowhere!
The Cast Dishes on Their... GOOFS!
FOOT FIASCO!
Zac Efron: I don't know how it happened, but my foot slipped through a theatre seat during a scene and I couldn't get it out! It was so funny because they had to take the seat apart to rescue my foot. The cameras had to stop rolling and people were brought on set to unscrew the bottom of the chair. I was mortified!
FALL OUT BOY!
Corbin Bleu: Whenever you're dancing with an ensemble, something is always going to go wrong. Tons of the cast would fall over or trip over each other's feet - but it was me who fell over the most. The camera would always catch me, which was really embarrassing. Look out for the falls on the DVD's blooper reel!
TUTU MUCH!
Olesya Rulin: During the prom number, I was wearing a ballet tutu - but I didn't have the right boy shorts underneath for the first take. When I twirled, my tutu went up and it looked like I wasn't wearing any underwear because the shorts underneath were flesh-coloured! I was so embarrassed?
HIGH-HEEL HORROR!
Jemma McKenzie-Brown: I feel down the stairs on stage loads of times during my dance scene because they were so slippery! I had these high heels on, but luckily there were 10 boys below to catch me. I guess it wasn't too bad being caught by 10 lovely boys - but I still went bright red with embarrassment!
SWEATY BETTY!
Monique Coleman: I had to have three copies of my High School Musical 3 prom dress because I sweated a lot on set - and it would show through three layers of clothes! I'd have to run to the room next door to change, which was pretty embarrassing. But by the end of the first day, everyone knew I was really sweaty, so I didn't bother running next door. I would just stand in the corner of the room with a blow dryer drying out the dress!
BLACK-EYE BUDDY!
Vanessa Hudgens: I'm so clumsy. It's terrible! I managed to hit Ashley several times by accident on set - and I felt awful about it. At one point, I hit her in the eye and she had to put ice on it. Another time, I whacked her in the face with my elbow. I was always bashing her - but it was completely by accident. Oops!
WATER WOE!
Matt Prokop: There was a hilarious wipeout during the scene where I run around wearing just a towel! The crew sprayed water on Justin and me to make us look wet, but I guess they forgot to wipe it off the floor because Corbin went flying. We came running around the corner in our towels to find Zac crying with laughter - and the camera got all of it! It was hysterical.
MODEL MOVES!
Zac Efron: We had a lot of fun with a mannequin's hand on set. I think it fell off a prop, so I picked it up and made full use of it. I'd put it in my sleeve and place the fake hand in my pocket - but then had my real hand would be hidden underneath the front of my shirt. When people least expected it, I would punch out my real hand - and they would think there was an alien popping out of my chest! It was hilarious. People were screaming out loud in terror!
DANCE DISASTER!
Monique Coleman: On the very first day of filming, [HSM3 director] Kenny Ortega insisted that the floor was sparkling clean. The crew diligently polished away for hours, but they cleaned it so well that it became a slippery nightmare. During the first dance scene, everyone went flying! It was like we were dancing on water as we slipped and slopped all over the room. We were cracking up all over the place!
HELICOPTER HIGH JINKS!
Vanessa Hudgens: One of the funniest bloopers happened during Can I Have This Dance. A helicopter kept flying overhead and when that happens, you lose the sound so you can't continue a scene. The helicopter wouldn't go away, so in the end Zac just looked at me and said, "That's actually my helicopter? Do you want to go for a ride?" We both ran to the edge of the building and pretended to jump off the balcony, but we were only joking. It was like Mission Impossible and we couldn't stop laughing at the crew who thought we were being serious!
OOH, THE SHAME!
Olesya Rulin: I embarrassed myself constantly on the set of High School Musical. I'm so awkward! I was always tripping over on set - and I would also somehow trip into my trailer. I'd always be hoping that no-one would be around to watch me fall - but there would usually be one or two people or loads of cameras catching me goof up!
ZAC ATTACK!
Jemma McKenzie-Brown: Zac was a huge practical joker on the set of HSM3. He loved to throw water bombs on people, which was really funny. He never got me, but Vanessa tried to at one point. She ran into my trailer with a water bomb, but she fell over and it went all over her!
Spotlight on Kenny Ortega!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Have you got what it takes to be the next Ashley Tisdale or Zac Efron? Fancy hitting the big time? Want to bag a role on HSM4? High School Musical director Kenny Ortega reveals the secrets to the perfect audition. Follow his top-secret audition advice and you'll be a star of the silver screen in no time?
Hi Kenny! What are your top audition tips for wannabe actors?
If you're a young person who wants to become an actor, it's really important to walk into a casting room with a sense of yourself and some life experience. You can really delight a room and have them already choose you before you've even said a word!
How can that happen?
This actually happened to me years ago when a young Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for me for a film. He ended up not doing it. He ended up doing a movie called What's Eating Gilbert Grape, which was a good choice, but he came in and he completely won me over.
What happened?
We hung out and he was so honest and real and fun and interesting. He was in the audition room with me and I said to him, "Well, get out of here and good luck. I wish I could've had you in my movie, but I understand you have a lot on your plate."
What was the movie you were casting?
It was a Disney movie called Hocus Pocus with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. He left the room and I picked up the phone to speak to my casting director. I said, "Oh my god! This kid is unbelievable. Where did you find him?" They explained that they knew I'd like him and asked how he read, but that's when I realised I'd forgotten to ask him to read. That's a true story.
Did you hang out with the new cast members from High School Musical 3 - Matt Prokop, Jemma McKenzie-Brown and Justin Martin - before you cast them?
It's important for me to be able to have a conversation with the cast - and these three were very interesting to chat to. These three new kids - like Zac, Vanessa, Ashley, Lucas, Corbin and Monique - came into the room and were very interesting to hang out with. I like to know who I'm working with and it's important because they've got to be able to bring something to the party.
Is there one set question you ask at every audition?
Usually, I will ask, "What did you do before you came here today?" And I love it when I hear someone say, "I went for a bike ride." Or, "I was riding my skateboard." Or, "I was swimming." Or, "I went for a walk." Or, "I was hanging out with my best friend." Or, "I was playing a video game." I like that there is a life and that there is a person there.
What's the wrong answer to this audition question?
I don't want to hear, "I've been practicing my lines for a week." To want to be an actor is enough - you don't need to tell us about it. The interesting person who comes with some life experience is always the person who is going to be chosen by me.
Is school important to young actors?
Studying and education is very important. When you're creating and building and developing as an actor, you never know when you're going to need to depend on Geography or History. You don't always have the time to have a quick study into a subject, so I'm constantly saying to actors get as much of an education as you can early on. It sets you up and deepens your possibilities of work.
Do you have any dance audition tips for us?
Wear appropriate clothes. Don't come in trying to look like you're wearing a costume; come in to dance. Wear something that allows the choreographers to see the line of your body as you're performing. Fashion sometimes gets the better of kids. They walk into an audition in layers of clothes and they try too hard. The clothes get in the way of the simple, clean lines you're trying to show off - so keep it simple.
Do you have any singing audition tips, too?
This one's easy! Make sure you warm up your vocal chords before you walk into an audition room. Be prepared to sing, but make sure your voice is warmed up and ready to go.
Did you cast all of the actors in all three High School Musical movies?
I did. I am very hands-on when it comes to the High School Musical movies. I pride myself in being at the forefront of selecting each of these talented young actors.
What made the new cast members of High School Musical 3 stand out?
They each brought something into the room that you could sense even before they danced, sang or acted. They just had something in them that I could see and that excited me. That combined with everything else they brought into the audition as a talent made them hard to deny.
Were you hands-on in selecting the original High School Musical cast, too?
The original castings came after many weeks of auditioning - and I was there all the way. Eventually, we put all of them through two, six-hour days of auditions, which were grueling and very intense. By the time they left, their agents were on the phone saying, "What are you doing with these kids?"
Why were the auditions so demanding?
The original auditions were tough because I wanted to make sure I had the right people for the roles. I knew I only had two and a half weeks of rehearsal and 28 days of shooting, which isn't very long for a movie - and I wasn't going to hire kids that I couldn't depend upon. I needed kids who would bring something to the party and have a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm to be there.
How has the real-life relationship between Vanessa and Zac affected the movies?
Their relationship has been a blessing. A lot of real-life couples lose chemistry on-screen together, but maybe we lucked out because they weren't a real-life couple when we started these movies.
How did Zac and Vanessa react when you first met them?
When Zac and Vanessa came to us, they didn't know each other and they hadn't worked together before. We put them together just because we thought they looked appropriate - but something happened there. Something sparked.
Did they stand out straight away?
They did. I remember those early auditions vividly. When we tried to see if the same thing clicked with any other pairing, we couldn't find it. We closed the door and we said, "We're all old enough and experienced enough to know something great when it's standing in front of us." And that was Zac and Vanessa. We saw something in them before they even saw something in each other.
Is off-screen chemistry not always there?
Not always. Often an actor and an actress who aren't even on speaking terms come together for a film and explode on-screen with their chemistry, but they aren't very close off-screen. I've been there and seen it many times before. I'm not going to say who the actors are - but I've been in situations where the chemistry has been spectacular on-screen but as soon as you say cut, the two walk off in silence in completely opposite directions. Amazing, but true.
Check out this clip from the film!
Dancing Tips From the Cast!!!
DANCING WITH THE STARS!
Worried you've got two left feet? Don't panic! The cast of High School Musical 3 are on hand to give you the ultimate dancing advice. Follow their six steps to dancing success and you'll be a grooving guru in no time?
TIP ONE: KEEP ON TRYING!
Ashley Tisdale: I'm not a very confident dancer. If you're like me, the best thing you can do is keep on trying. My mum and my sister were the cheerleaders in our family, so they were the dancers - but I've kept at it and I've got better and better over the last three movies. When I came into the first film, I was definitely not the best mover in the cast. I was so uncoordinated! But with passion and a lot of hard work, you can get better at anything you put your mind to - just like I did. Dance away, everyone!
TIP TWO: DANCE ON THE BALLS OF YOUR FEET!
Zac Efron: My top dancing tip is to stay on the balls of your feet. It sounds weird, but I really swear by this! It's much easier when you dance on the balls of your feet. Just try it! I wasn't always the most competent dancer in the cast, so I had to put in a lot of effort over the three movies. But I think the hard work paid off.
TIP THREE: PRACTICE IN FRONT OF A MIRROR!
Vanessa Hudgens: I've been dancing for years, but I've never found it easy. Tap was definitely the hardest dance for me. It would always take me a few times to figure out the different moves, which is why I'd go home and practice in front of a mirror. I'd turn my music up and dance away - and eventually everything would fall into place. If you enjoy dancing, you have a passion for it - and when you have a passion for it, you want to do it. Do everything you can to improve yourself, but keep at it.
TIP FOUR: ADD SOME FLAIR!
Monique Coleman: Add a piece of your own personality and personal flair every time you dance. When you're doing a set routine, the steps are important - but you're far more important than the steps. Once you've got the moves down, add a piece of yourself to the dance to make it really fun and interesting to watch. I prefer to see someone who may not have the perfect moves, but has a personality that shines through. That's always better than watching someone who has the perfect moves, but no personality.
TIP FIVE: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
Corbin: I've worked really hard at dancing all my life and I really enjoy it. I'm always the first person on the dance floor at a party - but it doesn't matter if you aren't the best mover. As long as you're enjoying yourself, that's all that matters. If you're a little shy on the dance floor, take time to practice at home. Train hard. It's so true when you hear the saying, 'Practice makes perfect'. Work at it!
TIP SIX: SMILE!
Olesya Rulin: If you smile and look amazing from the shoulder upwards, no-one is going to look at your feet! It's really true. You might not have the perfect moves, but if you go out there and you look like you're having the best time, people are going to see your positive energy and enjoy your performance. No doubt you should know your choreography if you're doing a routine, but enjoy it and have a blast. Keep on smiling!
Get Your Pencils and Paper... It's Time for A HSM3 Pop Quiz!
MUSICAL MOMENTS
Have you got a mega musical memory? Then we've got the ultimate challenge for you! Below are some lyrics from High School Musical 3 songs and a list of song titles - but can you match them up?
For example, if you think the first set of lyrics belong to the song The Boys Are Back, write The Boys Are Back next to the 1.
Once you've finished, check your results below - but no cheating!
THE SONG TITLES
The Boys Are Back
I Want It All
Walk Away
A Night To Remember
Right Here, Right Now
Can I Have This Dance
Scream
Now Or Never
THE LYRICS
1
This is the last chance to make your mark
History will know who you are
2
I'm looking at you and my heart loves the view?
'Cause you mean everything
3
I'm with her
Don't stop me?I'm not the paparazzi
4
Keep your eyes locked on mine
Let the music be your guide
5
Should I go movie star glamorous, sassy or sweet?
Don't know, but no-one better wear the same dress as me
6
Take it back to the place where you know it all began
We can be anything we want to be
7
The voices in my head
Tell me they know best
8
'Cause if my heart breaks
It's gonna hurt so bad
Scroll down for the answers!
ANSWERS
1 Now Or Never
2 Right Here, Right Now
3 I Want It All
4 Can I Have This Dance
5 A Night To Remember
6 The Boys Are Back
7 Scream
8 Walk Away
All Photos Provided by Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Copyrighted by Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
For more on "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" visit Visit www.Disney.com/HSM3
