In high school, some experiences are more daunting than others; presenting a project or taking a dreaded test. For some students, the most important, though nerve-wracking experience, is auditioning for a school musical.

The spring musical at Mt. Vernon this year is “High School Musical.” The audition workshops took place on January 10th and 11th, and the auditions were January 14th and 15th.

Walking into the auditorium before auditions took place was an interesting experience. As someone who has no theater experience, it was oddly familiar. The groups of students, some a bundle of nerves and others eager to steal the spotlight, struck a chord that could resonate with other students, theater-driven or not.

“I am a little scared but super excited. It is a really positive environment here, and I cannot wait to make new friends,” said Madisen Carns, 10.

While this may be an anxiety-inducing experience for some, for others it is one of their favorite parts of being in theatre.

“I’m thrilled about my final audition for an MV Theatre production. I’m nervous but excited, it is a great feeling,” said Jacob Crow, 12.

Other senior thespians agreed with this sentiment.

“I have been doing auditions and shows for so long so I really enjoy the process, as well as seeing new people come into the theatre department and watching others grow,” said Claire McClimon, 12.

Though some were a bit tense during this process, it went off without a hitch, and the cast list came out the night after the final audition date. Performances for “High School Musical” will run April 25-28. Buy tickets now at booktix.com.

Cast List:

Troy Bolton – Charles Livengood
Gabriella Montez- Grace Russell
Sharpay Evans – Mallory McKeeman
Ryan Evans – Ben Dostalek
Chad Danforth – Jacob Crow
Taylor McKessie – Ashland Mack
Zeke Baylor – Emerson Bridgewater
Jack Scott – Aiden Carver
Kelsi Neilsen – Madalyn Cottrell
Ms. Darbus – Claire McClimon
Coach Bolton – Jacob Roberts
Martha Cox – Lexi Price
Jason Cross – Daimon Anderson
Ripper – Gabe Thomas
Kratnoff – Kyran Maxfield
Mongo – Lily Phipps
Ms. Tenny – Mia Pacey
James Parker – Bryce McGauhey
Cyndra – Jenna Nicodemus
Susan – Cadence Roy
Cathy – Cayla Davis
Alan Alan – Donn Bigelow

Ensemble
Hailey Allton
Emil Anderson
Liam Bass
Emma Bechman
Mandy Bechman
Donn Bigelow
Jazlynn Bitner
Megan Clapper
Cayla Davis
Emma Garwood
Bailey German
Shechinah Goodman
Paige Gwinn
Claire Jaques
Lydia Jenson
Katelynn Hexamer
Grace Marchal
Shiloh McFarland
Bryce McGauhey
Dustin Meek

Emma Moore
Maddie Moore
Jenna Nicodemus
Bry Noesges
Laura Opel
Faith Parkhill
Mia Pacey
Analise Parsley
Lily Phipps
Molly Reece
Max Roberts
Cadence Roy
Amanda Schuck
Hannah Southard
Amaya Stewart
Faith Teffertiller
Brooklyn Trittipo
Trinity VanHeel
Zoe Wacker
Ashley Wyman