Standing back-to-back are ‘High School Musical’ cast members Troy Bolton (Bradley Duran), and Gabriella Montez (Lily Sebastien and Vivi Harlow). (Gabriel Wyatt Van Zyl produced by Youthclusive Team)
‘High School Musical’ cast members Troy Bolton (Bradley Duran), and Gabriella Montez (Lily Sebastien and Vivi Harlow) pose for a publicity shot. (Gabriel Wyatt Van Zyl produced by Youthclusive Team)

Youthclusive Inc., a community-based, youth-founded, youth-led performing arts nonprofit, will stage Disney’s “High School Musical” with performances March 20–22 at Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.

The full Broadway edition of the show is being presented in celebration of the its 20th anniversary year.

Following a breakout season in which Youthclusive sold out every performance of “SpongeBob The Musical,” the company has more than doubled in size this year, both onstage and backstage, expanding casts and youth leadership opportunities across every department of production.

“The result is a larger, more inclusive creative ecosystem where young people grow together, from the stage to the control room, learning skills that translate far beyond theater,” the company said.

Directed by Chloe Voigt, Disney’s “High School Musical” features choreography by Caitlin Weber and music direction by Alma Li, with Amelia Leonardi as assistant choreographer and assistant music director.

Starring the Youthclusive Company, the production follows the blossoming relationship between Troy Bolton (Bradley Duran), a high school athlete, and Gabriella Montez (Lily Sebastien and Vivi Harlow), the new academic standout.

When they decide to audition together for the school musical, they challenge expectations, navigate friendship and first love, and discover what it means to be fully themselves, on and off the stage. Sharpay Evans is played by Summer Christensen and Caitlin Weber.

“‘High School Musical’ is about breaking out of boxes – and that’s exactly why Youthclusive exists,” said Voight, 15, director and founder of Youthclusive. “For too many young people, theater can mirror the same exclusion they experience elsewhere.

“I was told I wasn’t ‘the type,’ so I built a free, open-access, youth-led stage where there is no ‘type’ — a safe, joyful place where differences are celebrated and every young person, onstage or backstage, knows they are part of the story and gets a real chance to belong and truly shine.”

Youthclusive believes everyone flourishes when everyone is included – and that the art itself becomes stronger when access is real.

Youthclusive’s mission centers on providing free, open-access performing arts experiences and education that promote participation, appreciation, and understanding of the arts for everyone in the community, not just some.

Youthclusive removes traditional gatekeepers and financial barriers that keep young people and their communities out of the arts, Voight said.

Youth are trained and empowered not only as performers, but also as creators and leaders across every facet of production, including actors, singers, casting leaders, writers, choreographers, producers, stage managers, directors, costume designers, script editors, lighting technicians, media managers, videographers, production assistants, and front/back of house teams.

“Youthclusive is a wonderful space for inclusivity and diversity because from the second I walked in I knew that I could make mistakes and learn and there would be no judgement. Everyone is so talented and we stand for something so important that I’m proud to be apart of it,” said Sophia Ogden, (Zeke) Youthclusive company member.

“Youthclusive is a fantastic company to be apart of if you’re interested in youth theater. Diversity isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated,” said Macie Martinez, (Martha Cox), Youthclusive company member.

This production is supported by the Santa Barbara Foundation Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, helping Youthclusive continue to grow a sustainable, youth-centered pipeline for arts participation and leadership.

In alignment with Youthclusive’s commitment to removing cost barriers from the arts, 25 free K-12 student tickets will be available at each performance, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation (student ID or parent ID required at the door).

Also, this year Youthclusive is partnering with Santa Barbara Opera, expanding access for Youthclusive youth to attend opera at no cost, broadening arts exposure.

Disney’s “High School Musical” performance dates and times:

  • Friday, March 20 – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21 – 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21 – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22 – 2 p.m.

Ticket prices:

  • Limited Front Row VIP: $43.50 (+ $2 online convenience fee)
  • General Admission: $28.50 (+ $2 online convenience fee)
  • Youth: $18.50 (+ $2 online convenience fee)
  • Free Student Tickets (K–12): $0 (25 per performance; ID required)

All sales are final (no refunds or exchanges). Seating is general admission unless otherwise noted. Late seating is limited once the performance begins.

For ticketing questions, contact Jim Sirianni at info@centerstagetheater.org.