Wow, the talent displayed in auditions for our upcoming junior production of 'High School Musical 2 Junior' was incredible! The decision was so difficult that the teachers decided to have a double cast of leads.

This means that for two nights there will be Years 7- 9 cast as lead actors with Years 9 and 10 as ensemble, and the other two nights will be Years 9 and 10 as leads with the junior cast as ensemble. 

Shows will run in the first week of Term 4, from Wednesday 16 - Saturday 19 October, so save the dates!

We are delighted to introduce our lead actors:

Meet 'Troy' aka Tyler Karl

My name is Tyler Karl, I am in Year 9. I have a profound passion for sports and an active lifestyle. I engage in various athletic pursuits, including basketball and rugby, which fuel my enthusiasm for physical activity. Additionally, I have a keen interest in the performing arts. My theatrical experiences include playing the role of Aladdin in the Te Puke Intermediate Production, followed by portraying Peter Pan in the subsequent year's production.

From a young age, I discovered a love for singing. Whether walking home from school, singing in the shower, or simply humming tunes that lingered in my mind, music has always been an integral part of my life. This passion for singing has remained with me, providing a sense of potential and tranquillity that I deeply cherish. I firmly believe in the transformative power of singing, and I am inspired by the idea that if one has a dream to sing and truly loves it, they can achieve greatness.

Meet 'Troy' Junior aka Michael Snell

Hey, I'm Michael, I absolutely love musical theatre and have been performing in front of people ever since I was as young as 4. But when things really started to kick off, was when I performed in my old school's production of Moana. I was a lead character and had been going to acting classes for a year. 

Now I am in High School Musical 2! I love how the rehearsals are going, it's just such a fun experience for me. I have made friends with a lot of the other cast members and each rehearsal is just filled with laughter. We are already starting to get familiar with all the songs and how we sing them. I am looking forward to seeing us get better and better as each rehearsal goes on!

Meet 'Gabriella' aka Videl Harrison

My name is Videl Harrison, I am a Year 10 student. I am playing the role of Gabriella Montez. I am a singer and guitarist in the band Sunkissed. I recently competed in this year's rockquest (alongside Sunkissed), and will be competing in the regional finals later next month. 

So far rehearsals have been going well. Having two different casts is very fun as we can work alongside our other roles, and help each other out. I am looking forward to starting dress rehearsals later down the track as that's when it starts to get even more exciting.

Meet 'Gabriella' Junior aka Jade Harley

Hi, I'm Jade Harley, a Year 7 student at Pāpāmoa College, and I’m super excited to be playing Gabriella in the younger cast of "High School Musical 2"!

I've been dancing for as long as I can remember at the Dance Education Centre, and have competed in lots of dance competitions. I love ballet, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary dance. I have been part of many dance productions, and taken exams to improve my skills. But dancing isn’t the only thing I love; I also sing and play the guitar, and there’s nothing like performing for an audience. I especially enjoyed singing at the Totara Street Co labs.

This is my very first school production at Pāpāmoa College, and I can’t wait to bring all my energy and excitement to the stage. Being part of this musical is such a cool experience, and I'm thrilled to share it with my friends and family.

Meet 'Sharpay' aka Sophie Brown

My name is Sophie Brown and I am playing Sharpay. I’ve been involved with performing arts since I was little as it’s always been a passion of mine. 

This is the fourth production that I’ve been cast in. In our 2021 production of Alice in Wonderland, I played a card gardener. In our 2022 production of Fame I played Miss Bell the dance teacher and for our last year's production, of The Addams Family, I played a dead bride.

Rehearsals have been amazing so far as everyone is already so connected and I cannot wait to see how we will all grow in this experience together. Sharpay has been a dream role of mine since I was little so I am definitely looking forward to seeing what I can bring to the character.

Meet 'Sharpay' Junior aka Luara Pessoa Mariotti

Hi, I am Luara and I play the role of Sharpay, I am 12 years old and love acting and singing, I am very good on stage and when it comes to talking, it's one of my best gifts. When I was in Year 5 at Pāpāmoa Primary School I came first in speeches and then third in clusters, I am very proud to be a good communicator on stage and off. I love performing and will do as much as I can of it. 

I do separate speech and drama lessons with an amazing teacher at Pāpāmoa College I have participated in a talent quest and did a clown act with my friends. I have also been in Show Quest and did a dance, overall I love performing and hope to do very well in the production.

Meet 'Fulton' aka Eden Singer Denton

My name is Eden Singer-Denton, and I am playing the role of Fulton.

Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for performing and getting involved in shows. I love bringing characters to life and sharing my interpretation with the audience

Rehearsals have been going well as everyone gets along well and is committed to putting in the necessary work.

I look forward to seeing how the show comes together and watching everyone bring their characters to life.

Meet 'Fulton' Junior aka Riley Davison

Riley has been doing theatre for almost 12 years. She has been a lead or supporting character in multiple shows for Tauranga Musical Theatre such as Shenzi in the Lion King two years ago and one of the Sharpettes in High School Musical 2 last year. She has done dance and acting since she was 2 years old and around 3 years ago started singing with Carol Power. 

She's really looking forward to making a whole bunch of new friends in the production this year and the experience she is going to get. She can't wait for the show to be on the stage and ready for you to see!

Meet 'Ryan' aka Thomas Isaac

Hi, I’m Thomas Isaac, and I have a passion for the performing arts, especially drama. I love acting as it feeds my creative spirit and embraces who I am. 

High School Musical 2 JR will be my fourth production at this school, and I am thrilled to have this incredible opportunity.

Meet 'Ryan' Junior aka Kaden Mullaney

In the past, I have been in many productions hosted by Wright Rhode Academy of Performing Arts, Tauranga Musical Theatre, and Steps Performing Arts.

What I have enjoyed most about High School Musical is the experience of doing a school production.

I have really enjoyed making new friends and growing my relationships with many teachers I haven’t met before.

I am most excited to perform the production and see all the hard work pay off.

Meet 'Chad' aka Kyan Percy

Kia Ora, my name is Kyan, I am new to production and have no experience in drama before. I am very excited to be a part of the Pāpāmoa College production 2024. 

So far I have made many friends and I hope to make a lot more. I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to participate in this amazing show and am super pumped to see what else drama has to offer.

Meet 'Chad' Junior aka Noah Bloore

Hi my name is Noah Bloore and I am playing the role of Chad in HSM2 Junior. I love drama and over the years have entered many drama competitions often coming first. This is the second time playing a lead in a school production. I was the Dad in the Te Akau ki Pāpāmoa production of 'Rona and the Moon'. 

I am thoroughly enjoying rehearsing with everyone. It is such a lot of fun and I can't wait to present our musical on stage to an audience.