Claire Cromie

10/05/09

Hundreds of stage hopefuls lined up to sing their way to stardom last year in X-Factor style auditions for KentainerS production, Oliver.

Now the Tunbridge Wells based theatre group expects to see even more young talent come forward as it announces this year's show is High School Musical 2, On Stage.

Sponsored by Courier Media Group and Westfield, open auditions will again be held at Royal Victoria Place – where budding actors can try to win over the judges while family, friends and shoppers watch the exciting casting process take place on Saturday and Sunday (May 23/24).

Director John Martin believes "the try-outs" will be more popular than ever.

"It's so rare that we get to work with contemporary stuff," he told the Kent and Sussex Courier.

"High School Musical 2 came out the week we did High School Musical 1, so our very first question when we finished was 'when are we going to get the rights for the sequel?'"

After months of waiting the KentainerS were thrilled to finally be told they could produce the second installment of the Disney hit. But it comes with a brand new auditioning process and Mr Martin hopes to see some fresh faces: "I've never cast a sequel before and although I am certain that many of our previous cast will want to be a part of the show again – to ensure things are completely fair and open – all parts are available. So if you think you are a Troy, Gabriella, Ryan, Sharpay or any of the Wildcats, here's your opportunity."

The KentainerS are looking for young people who appear to be of high school age and can act, sing and dance. Only one adult part is needed - Mr Fulton who runs the Lava Springs Country Club.

To audition contenders will need to sing a song of their choice, unaccompanied, for a panel of local theatre experts and professionals. They will determine who goes through to the call-backs, which will be conducted in private.

Shows will be performed at the E M Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School from September 1 to 6.

The stage version of the musical follows the plot of the film and features all the songs, including What Time is it, You are the Music in Me and Fabulous.

Mr Martin said: "I've never known an audience reaction like we experienced with our production of High School Musical, and I look forward to welcoming more young people both new and previous alumni, for the second instalment."

He added he was delighted to have the support of Westfield Royal Victoria Place as principal sponsor again: "They were an invaluable and collaborative sponsor with our production of Oliver last year and we are looking forward to working with them again."

Westfield Royal Victoria Place senior marketing manager Marc Burchett added: "Westfield is extremely proud to once again work in partnership with the Courier to sponsor the KentainerS production of High School Musical 2. After the success of last year's auditions for Oliver we are confident that the young talent of Tunbridge Wells will once again see this as a great opportunity to be part of such a high profile local production."

Courier Media Group editor in chief John McCready said: "I am delighted that we are once again media sponsors of the KentainerS' show. If the X-factor style auditions for last year's production of Oliver are anything to go by, there is a wealth of local talent out there waiting to be showcased. If you can, go along to the RVP to watch the auditions. It's great fun. I don't envy the judges."

The Courier Media Group will have full coverage of High School Musical 2 On Stage, from auditions and casting to rehearsals and performances.

For more information or to register for the try-outs on May 23 and 24 visit www.highschool-tw.co.uk.