With the spring musical being announced, there comes new excitement, passions, and goals for its execution. On December 12, the official “High School Musical” production team and cast were announced. “High School Musical” is the perfect cheesy, yet romantic comedy musical for Ayala Theatre Company’s (ATC) spring musical that explores themes of friendships and finding where you belong.  Auditions were held this past week, from December 7 to December 10, in which auditionees challenged their performing capacity in acting, dancing, and vocals. The final casting decision took deep consideration and would not have been decided without the wisdom of Drama Director Mr. Jaime Tintor and the “High School Musical” production team.

“We’re all in this together” is the anthem of friendship and unity; the song can especially resemble the talents each individual expresses on the team. They hope to grow from this experience in their individual performance and as a collective all while pursuing interests in future jobs in directing, designing, choreographing and technician. 

The production teams is as follows:

Associate Producer: Jenny Luo (12)

Student Directors: Nayeli Escobar (12) and Sophia Esparza (12)

Technical Directors: Justin Maloney (11) and Victoria Hernandez (10)

Musical Directors: Vanessa Kuo (11) and Genevieve Mladinov (12)

Stage Managers: Estelle Ignacio (10) and Isabelle Angeles (11)

Student Choreographer: Samantha Chavez (11)

Costume Designer: Olivia Rivera (11)

“I ran for student director because I wanted a creative outlet, and I hope to gain leadership experience for future jobs,” Nayeli Escobar (12) said.

This year’s production team has goals ranging from making the experience as memorable as possible through intricate set designs and altering sound and lights that project every performance with creative intent. Whether that creativity is from needle and thread, precise choreography, and catchy music selections, it is executed with the intent of making the rehearsal process less overwhelming and the overall performance of the musical more appreciable. 

“It’s always been said that [technology teams] make the show and are the heart of the show, so I want to make sure that when people watch and listen to this show, they are visually and audibly pleased with the results,” Technical Director of Lights and Sound Justin Maloney (11) said.

The dates for “High School Musical” are still to be announced; however, the show dates are set to take place sometime in March, and rehearsals start January 12. Fortunately, Mr. Jaime Tintor and the subsequent cast have faith that the team will give it their all in their respective departments, as it takes a village to muster transcendence and courage for almost any performance.

“My goals for High School Musical mainly include designing a set that will be fun to create, one that will allow every performer to thrive and be their best selves. I want this to be enjoyable and memorable for every single person involved across the cast and crew,” Technical Director Victoria Hernandez (10) said.