How many principals drive the plot?

Twelve, as listed, with strong ensemble support.

Can Troy and Gabriella be double cast?

Yes. Alternates help stamina and school schedules.

Does Jack Scott require singing?

Not required. Light baritone helps for transitions.

What matters most for Sharpay?

Presence, comic tempo, and secure belt, in that order.

Is rap experience essential for Martha?

Helpful. Clear diction and bounce matter more.

High School: On Stage: Musical cast

High School: On Stage cast

Cast And Credits.

Article type: Cast list and role breakdown. Updated 2025.

Book: David Simpatico.

Music:

Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Drew Seeley.
Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle.
David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Jamie Houston.

Lyrics: Same as music credits.

Principal roles, ranges, and traits.

Role	Suggested range	Profile	Dance
Troy Bolton	Tenor, pop mix	Captain, kind, guarded, learns to risk.	Athletic movement.
Gabriella Montez	Soprano, mix	Academic ace, open heart, steady focus.	Light movement.
Chad Danforth	Baritone	Loyal friend, comic bite, groove first.	Hip hop friendly.
Taylor McKessie	Mezzo	Strategist, sharp wit, grounded presence.	Minimal dance.
Sharpay Evans	Mezzo belter	Diva engine, precise, funny, unstoppable.	Show dance.
Ryan Evans	High baritone	Choreo brain, generous, scene-brightener.	Strong technique.
Jack Scott	Spoken, light baritone	Announcer, meta humor, quick timing.	Stationary bits.
Kelsi Nielsen	Mezzo, light mix	Pianist arranger, shy courage blooms.	Minimal dance.
Zeke Baylor	Baritone	Sweet soul, baker, earnest charm.	Ensemble movement.
Martha Cox	Mezzo with rap	Brainiac, secret dancer, joyful spark.	Hip hop required.
Coach Bolton	Spoken	Intensity, protective dad, blunt.	None.
Ms. Darbus	Spoken, character	Thespian sentinel, flamboyant, firm.	Gesture-based.

Note: Some materials spell the pianist as Kelsi Nielson. Both appear in programs.

Character roster, as provided.

Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez, Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie.
Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans, Jack Scott, Kelsi Nielson.
Zeke Baylor, Martha Cox, Coach Bolton, Ms. Darbus.

Featured ensembles and optional tracks.

Basketball team, cheer squad, academic decathlon.
Cafeteria students, skaters, dramatics club.
Pep band cameo, optional onstage pit reveal.

Doubling and covers.

Coach Bolton can cover cameo faculty.
Jack Scott can swing ensemble announcers.
Sharpay and Ryan covers require dance captains.

Audition pointers, 30 to 45 seconds.

Troy, bright tenor, clean riffs, clear story.
Gabriella, gentle mix, honest phrasing, warmth.
Sharpay, fearless belt, comic command, crisp cutoffs.
Ryan, harmony strength, triple-turn readiness.
Jack Scott, pace control, wink without snark.

Notable casting history.

Audiences remember J. Martin as Troy, open and grounded. A. Jacobs sang Gabriella with grace. S. Evans delivered a rhythmic Chad. C. Schawarz crafted a sparkling Sharpay. Featured players included S. Lacombe, B. List, O. Oguma, B. Thompson, R. Bohmer, E. Harvey. Their teamwork shaped the tour identity.

2025 casting notes, inclusive practice.

Roles welcome diverse voice types, with key shifts permitted.
Nontraditional casting deepens the core theme, choose your path.
Understudies gain featured choreography in finales.
Announcer tracks adapt for mobility needs.

Billing and program tips.

List music credits collectively, then alphabetically.
Credit book writer prominently near title.
Include pronunciation guide for Kelsi, Nielsen or Nielson.

Quick tech for casting directors.

Mic count, at least 16, plus swings.
Basketballs should be prepped for noise control.
Dance captains run tempo checks pre-show.

Questions and Answers.

How many principals drive the plot?: Twelve, as listed, with strong ensemble support.
Can Troy and Gabriella be double cast?: Yes. Alternates help stamina and school schedules.
Does Jack Scott require singing?: Not required. Light baritone helps for transitions.
What matters most for Sharpay?: Presence, comic tempo, and secure belt, in that order.
Is rap experience essential for Martha?: Helpful. Clear diction and bounce matter more.

Last Update:September, 11th 2025

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