FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Stephens
(609) 978-5700 ext. 2000
director@staffordfdn.org
or
Marybeth Weidenhof
(609) 978-5700 ext. 1378
producers@staffordschools.org
DISNEY HIT HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL TO BE PRODUCED IN STAFFORD TOWNSHIP
STAFFORD TWP., NJ – Disney Channel's smash hit musical HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL comes to life at the
Stafford Township Arts Center’s OceanFirst Theater in November for seven performances! The Stafford
Township Education Foundation has announced a partnership with The Producers, a local performing arts
boosters group affiliated with the Stafford Township School District, to produce the Foundation’s first self-
produced presentation. “The Foundation and The Producers share a common goal in realizing this production of
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. We want to raise public awareness of the importance of the arts in our schools
while raising financial support to off-set costs associated with elementary student work that cannot be covered
by school budgets,” explained Thomas Stephens, Executive Director of the Stafford Township Education
Foundation, and director of the production. “Although not my first production, we are all extremely excited
about having the Foundation play producer, not just presenter, for the first time.” Open auditions are scheduled
for this non-union production for October 11th (Ensemble) and October 12th (Principal Characters) at the
Stafford Township Arts Center (STAC) from 6 pm to 8pm. Stephens, a former professional actor and performer,
will be joined by other local professionals Stephen Strouse (music director) Helen Conklin (choreographer),
Mark Keeler (technical director/sound design), Rob Hilliard (lighting design), and Leslie Austin (costume
design), among others, to usher this production into performance. Rehearsals will be weekday late afternoons
and evenings beginning October 18th at the Stafford Township Arts Center, Manahawkin with additional
rehearsals scheduled as necessary. The director is seeking singers who can move well between the ages of 13
and 20 years-old. The production team is particularly interested in stereotypical late junior high and high school
looking types: “jocks”, “brainiacs/geeks”, “drama kids”, “cheerleaders” for a diverse cast. Due to the
contemporary nature of this show, those cast may be asked to provide and/or supplement a casual-style costume.
Those interested should review the performance schedule for possible school and or personal challenges.
Prepare to sing 16– bars of a Broadway pop/rock influenced music selection and demonstrate movement ability.
Pre-recorded accompaniment is acceptable; however, an accompanist will be assessing ability to read music.
Preparation of a second music selection is encouraged. Those cast will be notified within 24-36 hours of
audition. Although single tickets will not go on sale until later in the month, school and adult groups are
encouraged to go ahead and make reservations by calling (609) 489-8600 or emailing boxoffice@njstac.com.
Performances are scheduled for November 18 at 6 p.m.; November 19 at 7:30 p.m.; November 20 at 2 p.m. and
7:30 p.m.; and November 21 at 2 p.m. Special day-time student performances have also been scheduled for
November 17 at 12 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. Adult tickets will be $12 for adult, $10 for seniors and students,
and $8 for children twelve and under. Adult groups (55+) of 20 or more attending public performances benefit
from a discounted group rate of $8 per ticket and student groups attending day-time performances will receive
the special rate of $5 per student. A complimentary group leader/chaperone ticket will be awarded for every 20
tickets reserved.
25 Pine Street, Suite 100, Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 * director@staffordfdn.org * (609) 978-5700, extension 2000
HIGH SCHOOLMUSICAL is a rock-inspired musical based on the Disney Channel
Original Movie High School Musical, with music and lyrics by Matthew Gerrard,
Robbie Nevil, Ray and Greg Cham, Drew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy
Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg and Jamie
Houston, and a book by David Simpatico. The story begins on the front steps of East
High; it’s the first day after winter break and everyone is back to school ready for the “Start of Something
New”, or so they think. Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez come from two different worlds - Troy the
Basketball God and Gabriella the Smart, Stunning Geek. Having met awkwardly in a karaoke contest over
winter’s break, the two have a secret passion for music. The instant click they experienced on New Year’s Eve
might have remained a passing in the night, but teen life is never that easy. When they meet each other again at
East High School, they find themselves auditioning for their high school's musical. The social cliques they
belong to don't approve of the new friendship blossoming between the unlikely pair and try to separate them. At
the same time, Drama Queen Sharpay Evans and her brother Ryan, the co-captains of the Drama Club, try in
every way to prevent Troy and Gabriella from winning over them in the call-backs. Can Troy and Gabriella lead
their friends to a more open-mind thinking and acceptance of one another? Or will their friends win? Do you
stick with the status quo or be who you want to be? The November production promises to meet the
expectations of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fans and new audiences as well.
Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre
International (MTI). For additional information about auditioning send e-mail inquiries to
director@staffordfdn.org or producers@staffordschools.org. For ticket availability and group reservations call
(609) 489-8600 or visit www.njstac.com. The STAC OceanFirst Theater Box Office is open Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and two hours before show time. The Stafford Township Arts Center
(STAC) and the OceanFirst Theater are programmed and managed by the Stafford Township Education
Foundation, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit school and community service organization.
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25 Pine Street, Suite 100, Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050 * director@staffordfdn.org * (609) 978-5700, extension 2000