"It's really tiring for eight hours a day.
"My legs are so sore, but the pain is worth it," Jess Elliot (15) said yesterday.
The 36 cast members, ranging from 13 to 18 years, are the pioneers of theatre company Epiphany Production's first summer theatre school, held at the Westpac Trust Mayfair Theatre in Dunedin.
The performers are four days into their two-and-a-half week rehearsal programme and are managing to rise to the challenge of their demanding schedule.
They rehearse eight hours a days, six days a week, in order to be ready for their first performance on January 29.
Epiphany Production director and producer Chris Fennessy, originally from Dunedin but now based in Brisbane. is committed to making the summer programme an annual event.
"It gives these kids the opportunity to see what a professional production is like," he said.
"There's nothing else like this in Dunedin."
Despite having to master multiple songs and dance routines every day, Mr Fennessy was confident the young people were on track for their first performance.
He was impressed with the standard of talent after just four days of rehearsals.
"The quality is very high.
"They're thriving in this environment and enjoying the challenge."
Disney's High School Musical is the recipient of multiple accolades such as Billboard Music Awards, Emmy Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
It has spawned video games, a book series, and an ice show.
However, opinion is mixed on the film High School Musical among the Dunedin cast.
"I hated it. To be honest, I can't stand it," said Jess.
But that did not halt her enthusiasm for the Dunedin production.
And she had a new appreciation for the original High School Musical.
Jordan Redding (18) and Lima Manu (17), who have leading roles, said they had not seen the stage show or the film until they were preparing for the auditions, but they enjoyed it.
Naturally, the original musical had many fans among the cast.
They included Katie Mason (15), who has a "huge obsession with it", and Lizzie Mackie (17), who has a leading role.
"I love it. I cried at the end of High School Musical 3," Lizzie said.
-Performances will be held at the Westpac Trust Mayfair Theatre from January 29 to February 7.
