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Alyson Reed - High School Musical Script Lyrics

CUT TO: EXT. SKI LODGE, NEW YEAR’S EVE

High School Musical logo appears on screen.

CUT TO: INT. SKI LODGE, NEW YEAR’S EVE

The ski lodge is alive with excitement as the inhabitants enjoy the festivities. Gabriella Montez sits on the sofa reading as Miss Montez approaches.

MISS MONTEZ: Gabby, it’s New Year’s Eve. Enough reading.

GABRIELLA: But, Mom, I'm almost done

MISS MONTEZ: The teen party? I've laid out your best clothes, Come get ready.

GABRIELLA: Can I have my book back?

Miss Montez hands the book back to Gabriella.

GABRIELLA: Thank you.

MISS MONTEZ: Come on.

CUT TO: INT. SKI LODGE GYM, NEW YEAR’S EVE

Mrs. Bolton enters the gym and sees her husband and son shooting hoops.Coach Bolton bounces the ball to Troy Bolton.
COACH BOLTON: Keep working left, Troy. Got a guard in the championship game we're expectin', You'll torch 'em!

TROY: By going left?

COACH BOLTON: Yeah, he looks middle, you take it downtown.

TROY: Ok, like this?

Troy fakes left and makes a basket.

COACH BOLTON: Wooh! That’s it man. Sweet, I wanna see that in the game.

MRS. BOLTON: Boys?

TROY: Oh you’ll see that in the game, don’t worry about me.

MRS. BOLTON: Did we really fly all this way to play more basketball?

Troy and Coach Bolton look at each other.

TROY & COACH BOLTON: Yeah.

MRS. BOLTON: It’s the last night of vacation. The party, remember?

COACH BOLTON: Right. The party, the party, New Year’s Eve.
MRS. BOLTON: Troy, they have a kids' party downstairs in the Freestyle club.

TROY: Kids' party?

MRS. BOLTON: Young adults. Now go shower up.

Troy takes the ball from his father and bounces it once more.

TROY: Come on, one more.

Mrs. Bolton sighs.

TROY: Last one.

COACH BOLTON: Real quick.

Mrs. Bolton relents. Troy spins and makes the shot.

TROY: There we go, that’s the way to end it.

CUT TO: INT. FREESTYLE CLUB AT SKI LODGE, NEW YEAR’S EVE

The party is in full swing as Troy enters in a blazer and dress shirt, casually making his way through the crowd. Gabriella holds her book as she also shyly makes her way through the crowd as a partygoer tips an oversized hat in her direction.

PARTYGOER: Howdy, ma’am.
Gabriella laughs, sits on a chair, and reads.

An emcee stands on stage with a teen boy and girl at the microphones beside him.

EMCEE: Alright! How about that for a couple of snowboarders?

The audience cheers and the teens leave the stage.

EMCEE: Who's gonna rock the house next? Huh?

The emcee steps off the stage. Troy yawns as two spotlights move around the crowd and land on Troy and Gabriella. Troy puts his hands up in protest. Gabriella looks up confused. Troy’s friends point at him and cheer in excitement.

TROY: I can’t sing. No you go.

The emcee reaches a hand out to Gabriella.

EMCEE: And you! Yeah, come on.

Another partygoer with a horned helmet and noisemaker pushes Gabriella up. Gabriella is nervously led to the stage.

TROY: Look, I don’t sing, I can’t sing. No guys…

The boys with Troy push him onto the stage.

PARTYGOER: Get up there!

The emcee gets on stage with Troy and Gabriella.

EMCEE: Hey, you know what? Someday, someday you guys might thank me for this.

The emcee hands Troy a microphone. Gabriella holds her arms to her chest and looks away.

EMCEE: Or not…

The emcee walks offstage. Troy puts the microphone on the stand. He reads the song lyrics off a monitor.
Start of Something New
(Troy sings as Gabriella looks away. He is about to leave the stage when she begins to sing. He turns back and harmonizes with her. The crowd around them begins to gather. Troy removes his blazer and partygoers cheer, dance, and clap in rythmn. They begin to build up confidence and smile. Troy leans his microphone stand as he sings. They raise their arms up on a high note. Troy dances and Gabriella nearly falls offstage, being pushed back on by the crowd. They both hold their microphones and look each other in the eye as they sing.)

The emcee returns on stage and claps. Troy offers his hand to Gabriella.

TROY: Troy.

Gabriella shakes his hand.

GABRIELLA: Gabriella.

CUT TO: EXT. BALCONY OF FREESTYLE CLUB AT SKI LODGE, NEW YEAR’S EVE

Troy and Gabriella walk and talk. Troy has his blazer back on and Gabriella has a shawl. They both carry mugs.

TROY: But seriously, you have an amazing voice. You’re a singer, right?

GABRIELLA: Just church choir is all. I tried to solo and nearly fainted.

TROY: Really, why is that?

GABRIELLA: I took one look at all the people staring at me and next thing I knew I was staring at the ceiling. End of solo carreer.

TROY: Well, with the way you sung tonight, that’s pretty hard to believe.

GABRIELLA: Well that was the first time I did something like that. I mean it was so cool.

TROY: I know! Completely!

GABRIELLA: (tipping mug towards Troy) You sounded like you’ve sung a lot too.

TROY: Yeah, sure my showerhead is very impressed with me.

Gabriella laughs. The New Year’s Eve countdown begins and inside the Freestly club partygoers chant down to 1 as Troy and Gabriella look around, avoiding making eye contact. A red light casts their face and fireworks appear on the sky. Gabriella looks at Troy and he looks at her.

GABRIELLA: I guess I better go find my mom and wish her a happy New Year.

TROY: Yeah, me too. I mean, not your mom. My mom… and dad.

Troy and Gabriella nod.

TROY: Uh, I’ll call you! I’ll call you tomorrow.

Gabriella looks excited.

GABRIELLA: Yeah!

They both put their mugs down and take out their cellphones.

TROY: Here, put your number in. Here

Troy takes a picture of Gabriella with his phone. They swap phones.

GABRIELLA: You too.

TROY: Oh, okay.

Troy takes a selfie with Gabriella’s phone and puts in his number as Gabriella types on his phone.

TROY: Here you go.

They exchange phones back and Gabriella begins to leave.

TROY: Just so you know, uh, singing with you was the most fun I’ve had this entire vacation. So um... Where do you live?

Troy turns to look at Gabriella, but she is gone. He scans the crowd behind him then looks at his phone with a picture of Gabriella. He smiles and stares off in the distance.

TROY: Gabriella.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH AT ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, DAY

The “Wildcats Pep Theme” plays as the drawing of East High transitions to the real school. There are students gathering in front of school. A bus parks. Chad Danforth dribbles a basketball as a cheerleader tries to take it from him. Basketball players greet each other. Troy steps off the bus and the crowd cheers.

CHAD: Troy, how you doing man?

STUDENT: (Shaking hands with Troy) Hey Troy what’s up.

TROY: Hey guys, happy New Year.

CHAD: Yeah, it’s a happy wildcat New Year!

TEAMMATE: You’re the man!

CHAD: In two weeks we’re going to the championships with you leading us to infinity and beyond.

STUDENTS: What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats!

Students cheer.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAYS, DAY

Sharpay Evans and Ryan Evans strut down the hallway as Sharpay texts on her cellphone. A boy tips his baseball hat at Sharpay. As she passes by Chad, Zeke Baylor, Jason Cross, and the team, Sharpay raises he hands to shoo them out of the way. The team makes way and exclaims mockingly.

ZEKE: The ice princess returned from the North Pole.

CHAD: She spent the holidays the way she always does.

STUDENT: How’s that?

CHAD: Shopping for mirrors.

The friends laugh and walk past Taylor McKessie and the science kids.

TAYLOR: Behold the zoo animals heralding the New Year. How tribal.

The school bell rings. Gabriella, her mother, and Principal Matsui walk along another hallway.

GABRIELLA: Mom my stomach-

MISS MONTEZ: Is always nervous on first day at a new school. You’ll do great. You always do. (Miss Montez turns to hold Gabriella’s arms) and I made my company promise that I can’t be transferred again until you graduate.

PRINCIPAL MATSUI: I reviewed your impressive transcripts. I expect your light will shine very brightly here at East High.

Principal Matsui hands Gabriella a paper.

GABRIELLA: I don’t want to be the school’s freaky genius girl again.

Miss Montez holds Gabriella’s face in her hands.

MISS MONTEZ: Just be Gabriella.

Miss Montez gives Gabriella a kiss on the forehead.

PRINCIPAL MATSUI: This way.

Principal Matsui escorts Gabriella up the stairs. She looks back at her mom.

CUT TO: HOMEROOM, DAY

Ms. Darbus sits in a chair on a raised platform and students chat as they enter and take their seats. Troy, Zeke, Chad, and Jason toss each other a basketball and chat. Gabriella walks in and hands the paper Principal Matsui gave her to Ms. Darbus.

JASON: Do you remember the night before?

TROY: No, not at all. All I remember is like, pink jelly, I…

Troy spots Gabriella. She walks past Sharpay and Ryan.

GABRIELLA: Excuse me.

Sharpay sits at the desk next to Troy.

SHARPAY: Hi, Troy.

TROY: Hi.

School bell rings.

MS. DARBUS: I trust you all had splendid holidays. Check the sign-up sheets in the lobby for new activities, Mr. Bolton. (Troy lowers into his seat) Especially our winter musicale. We will have singles auditions…

CHAD: (to Troy in a low voice) You okay?

TROY: Yeah

MS. DARBUS: … for our supporting roles and pairs auditions for our two leads.

Chad points his thumb down and blows a raspberry.

MS. DARBUS: Mr. Danforth, this is a place of learning, (Miss Darbus walks past Chad’s desk) not a hockey arena. There is also a final sign-up for next week’s scholastic decathlon competition. (Chad and Troy look at each other) Chem club president Taylor McKessie (Taylor raises her hand) can answer all of your questions about that.

Troy pulls out his phone and calls Gabriella. Her phone begins to ring.

MS. DARBUS: Ah, the cell phone menace has returned to our crucible of learning.

Sharpay and Ryan look at their phones in confusion.

SHARPAY: Is it your phone?

MISS DARBUS: Sharpay and Ryan, cell phones. (Sharpay and Ryan place their phones in a paint bucket) I will see you in detention.

SHARPAY: Uh!

MISS DARBUS: We have zero tolerance for cell phones (Gabriella looks at her phone with a picture of Troy as Miss Darbus comes behind her) in class, so we weill get to know each other in detention. Cell phone!

Gabriella puts her cell phone in the paint bucket.

MISS DARBUS: And welcome to East High, Miss Montez. (Miss Darbus walks to Troy, who still has his phone out) Mr. Bolton, I see your phone is involved. So, we will see you in detention as well.

Troy puts his phone in the paint bucket. Chad raises his hand and points a finger.

CHAD: That’s not even a possibility Miss Darbus, your honor, see ‘cause we have basketball practice and Troy-.

MISS DARBUS: Ah! That will be fifteen minutes for you, too, Mr. Danforth. Count ‘em.

Chad’s face falls.

TAYLOR: (in a low voice) Could be tough for Chad. He can’t count that high.

MISS DARBUS: Taylor McKessie, fifteen minutes.

Talot looks stunned. Chad looks back at her and Jason smiles. Miss Darbus slaps a ruler on the desk.

MISS DARBUS: Shall the carnage continue? Holidays are over people. Way over! Now, any more comments, questions?

Jason raises a hand.

JASON: So, how were your holidays, Miss Darbus?

The class groans and looks at him.

JASON: What?

Miss Darbus sighs. The school bell rings and the students exit class. Gabriella gathers her belongings and Troy waits outside the hall as the others leave.

CHAD: Sorry man. See you in detention.

TROY: See you later. It’s all good.

Jason slaps Troy’s shoulder.

JASON: Uh, she’s crazy.

Gabriella finally exits and Troy leaps to reach her and grabs her shoulder.

TROY: Hey!

GABRIELLA: I don’t-

TROY: Beleive it!

GABRIELLA: Well, me-

TROY: Either. But how?

GABRIELLA: Well my mom’s company transferred her here to Albuquerque. I can’t believe you live here. I looked for you at the lodge on New Year’s Day.

TROY: We had to leave first thing.

Troy and Gabriella began walking down the hallway.

GABRIELLA: Why are you whispering?

TROY: What? Oh, uh.. Well my friends know about the snowboarding. Um, I haven’t quite told them about the singing thing.

STUDENT: Hey what’s up Troy?

TROY: (to student) Hey

GABRIELLA: Too much for them to handle?

TROY: No, it was cool. But you know my friends, it’s uh… It’s not what I do. That was like, a different person.

Gabriella suddenly turns and goes down a hallway as Troy finishes his sentence. He follows.

TROY: So, uh, anyway, welcome to East High! Oh and now that you’ve met Ms. Darbus I bet you just can’t wait to sign up for that.

Troy points to the audition sign-up sheet for the winter musical tacked on a bulletin board.

GABRIELLA: I won’t be signing up for anything for a while. I just wanna get to know the school. But if you sign up, I’d consider coming to see the show.

TROY: Yeah, yeah. That’s completely impossible.

Gabriella chuckles. Sharpay suddenly appears from behind the bulletin board.

SHARPAY: What’s impossible Troy? I wouldn’t think “impossible” is even in your vocabulary. Oh, so nice of you to show our new classmate aound.

Troy and Gabriella share a look. Sharpay signs her name in red ink in huge letters under “Pairs audition”. Troy and Sharpay grimace.

SHARPAY: Oh, were you going to sign up too?

Troy and Gabriella look at each other.

SHARPAY: My brother and I have starred in all the school’s productions and we really welcome newcomers. There are a lot of supporting roles in a show. I’m sure we could find something for you.

GABRIELLA: (shaking her head) No, no, no. I was just looking at all the bulletin boards. (Troy crosses his arms, smiles and nods) Lots going on at this school. Wow. Nice penmanship.

Gabriella walks off and Troy begins to walk off too.

SHARPAY: So, Troy, (Troy stops and looks back as Sharpay approaches) I missed you during vacation. What’d you do?

TROY: Oh, you know, uh, played basketball, snowboarding, more basketball.

SHARPAY: When’s the big game?

TROY: Uh, two weeks. (Troy holds up two fingers)

SHARPAY: You are so dedicated… Just like me!

TROY: Ah, ha.

SHARPAY: I hope you come watch me in the musical. Promise?

Troy nods, then turns to go.

SHARPAY: Toodles!

Troy turns back and gives a little wave. Sharpay frowns, glances in the direction Gabriella went, and walks off.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

Troy tosses up a basketball and catches it. Chad stretches on the floor. Behind them is the basketball team practicing.

TROY: So dude, you know that school musical thing? Is it true you get extra credit just for auditioning?

CHAD: Who cares?

TROY: It's always good to get extra credit... for college.

CHAD: You ever think LeBron James or Shaquille O'Neal auditioned for their school musical?

TROY: Maybe.

Chad gets up.

CHAD: Troy. (Chad stretches his arms.)Look, the music in those shows isn't hip-hop, okay, or rock, or anything essential to culture. It's like, show music. It's all costumes and makeup. Oh, dude, it''s frightenting.(Chad shivers.)

TROY: Yeah, I know. I just thought it might be a good laugh, you know. Sharpay's kinda cute too.

CHAD: So is a mountain lion, but you don't pet it.

Chad takes the basketball from Troy. Troy sighs.

TROY: All right, Wildcats! Pair up!

Troy claps his hands and runs back into the basketball team.
Getcha Head In The Game
(The basketball team runs drills. The players pass the balls to each other. They shoot baskets. Two players rotate around each other as they dribble and quickstep. Someone dribbles between their legs. A player snatches a spinning ball off another's finger. Zeke dribbles a ball of the floor.
Troy sings as the basketball players continue to practice. He shoots a ball. The team gathers around Troy to join the song. They break apart, continuing to throw balls across the court and sing. Troy shoots a basket. Troy throws a ball backwards and he grabs his head and shakes it, trying to focus on playing basketball.
The players form a circle in the middle of the court and Troy joins them. Troy circles and dances as the team throws balls.
The players take a knee as a spotlight hits Troy. When the lights return to normal, the players stand and Troy is thrown a ball. The players dance in place, slide on the floor, and shuflfe side to side in wide stances. They crisscross their legs and spin. Stepping in place, the players sweep their arms around. They slide towards Troy in the center and he shoots.
In formation, Troy and the team do tricks with their basketballs. They perform dance-like steps and dribble between their legs. Spinning in place, they dribble and take a shot.)

The team leaves the gym and Troy stays behind, picking up a ball.

CHAD: What team?

PLAYERS: Wildcats!

CHAD: What team?

PLAYERS: Wildcats!

CHAD: What team?

PLAYERS: Wildcats!

CHAD: Wildcats!

PLAYERS: Get your head in the game.

Troy shoots the ball and follows his team out.

CUT TO: INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Sharpay smirks and leans toward Gabriella, who glances repeatedly at a chalkboard as she takes notes.

SHARPAY: So it seemed like you knew Troy Bolton.

GABRIELLA: Not really. He was just showing me around.

SHARPAY: (snickers) Well, Troy usually doesn't interact with new students.

GABRIELLA: (glancing at the chalkboard) Uh, why not?

SHARPAY: Well it's pretty much basketball 24/7 with him.

GABRIELLA: (looking at the chalkboard) That should be sixteen over pi.

The pregnant science teacher turns to look at Gabriella.

TEACHER: Yes, Miss Montez?

GABRIELLA: I'm sorry, I was just... uh... Shouldn't the second equation read sixteen over pi?

Sharpay rolls her eyes.

TEACHER: Sixteen over pi? That's quite impossible.

Teacher shkaes her head and types in her calculator.

TEACHER: I stand corrected.

Gabriella writes in her notebook. Taylor gives Gabriella an interested look. and taps her pencil. The teacher turns back to Gabriella.

TEACHER: Oh, and welcome aboard.

Gabriella smiles. Gaping, Sharpay stares and backs away. She taps her fingers on the lab table.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAYS, DAY

Troy checks the audition list for the winter musical at the bulletin board. Ryan watches from nearby. Troy glances around, then looks closer at the names. He nods and walks away.

Sharpay walks past in the hallway. Ryan grabs her arm and brings her to the list.

RYAN: Troy Bolton was looking (points with thumb) at our audition list.

SHARPAY: Again?

Ryan lifts his brow.

SHARPAY: You know he was hanging aorund with that new girl and they were both looking at the list. (Ryan furrows a brow) There's something freaky about her. Where did she say she was from?

Sharpay scoffs and struts off. Ryan follows.

CUT TO: INT. LIBRARY, DAY
Ryan stands with one foot on a chair as Sharpay sits and searches up Gabriella's name. on the internet. She gapes as she opens up an article titled "Wiz Kid Leads School To Scholastic Championship", featuring Gabriella's photo.

RYAN: Wow! An Einsteinette. So why do you think she's interested in our musical?

SHARPAY: I'm not sure that she is. And we needn't concern ourselves with amateurs. But there is no harm in making certain that Gabriella's welcome to school activities that are... well, appropiate for her. After all, she loves pi.

Sharpay prints the article.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH THEATER, DAY

The screen reads detention.

MS. DARBUS: (to a student sewing) Gold! More gold!

Ms. Darbus walks past Chad and Troy, who are painting a tree rop with green paint. She passes Gabriella painting a moon. A student walks by costumed with a camel weaing sunglasses. Taylor excitedly approaches Gabriella with a bucket and a printing of the news article. Sharpay and Ryan watch.

TAYLOR: The answer is yes!

GABRIELLA: Huh?

TAYLOR: Our scholastic decathalon team has its first competition next week, and there is certainly a spot for you.

GABRIELLA: Where did those come from?

TAYLOR: Didn't you put them in my locker?

GABRIELLA: Of course not.

TAYLOR: Oh, well, we'd love to have you on our team. We meet almost every day after school. Please?

GABRIELLA: I eed to catch up on the curriculum here before I think about joining any clubs.

Sharpay steps forward.

SHARPAY: Well what a perfect way to et caught up, meeting with the smartest kids in school. What a generous offer, Taylor.

MS. DARBUS: So many new faces in detention today. I hope you don't make a habit of it, but the drama club can always use an extra hand. And while we are working, let us probe the mounting evils of cell phones.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

Coach Bolton leads basketball practice.

COACH BOLTON: Come on guys, huddle up! We got two weeks to the big game.

The basketball team huddles up.

COACH BOLTON: Where's Troy and Chad?

The team averts Coach Bolton's gazes.

COACH BOLTON: Don't make me ask again.

The team stays silent.

COACH BOLTON: (shouting) Where's Troy and Chad?

BASKETBALL PLAYERS: Detention.

Coach Bolton storms out and hands his clipboard off to another coach. The other coach blows a whistle and the team runs.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

Chad sleeps inside of the tree prop as Troy sits on top of it, tickling his face with a leaf.

MS. DARBUS: Perhaps the most heinous example of cell phone abuse is ringing in the theater. What temerity! The theater is a temple of art, a precious cornucopia of creative energy.

COACH BOLTON: (raising his arms in frustration) Where's my team Darbus? What the heck are those two doing in a tree?

MS. DARBUS: (to Coach Bolton) It's called crime and punishment, Bolton. besides, proximity to the arts is cleanzing for the soul.

COACH BOLTON: (pointing to him and Ms. Darbus) Can we have a talk, please? (to Troy and Chad) And you two, in the gym, now! (pointing to the floor)

Troy pulls Chad from the tree and they leave.

CUT TO: INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE, DAY

Coach Bolton and Ms. Darbus stand in front of PrincipalMatsui's desk.

COACH BOLTON: If they have to paint sets for detention, they could do it tonight, not during my practice.

MS. DARBUS: If these were theater peformers instead of athletes, would you seek special treatment?

COACH BOLTON: We are days away from out biggest game of the year.

MS. DARBUS: And we, Bolton, are in the midst of auditions for our winter musicale as well! This school is about more than just young men in baggy shorts flinging balls for touchdowns!

COACH BOLTON: Baskets! They shoot baskets!

PRINCIPAL MATSUI: Stop! Guys, listen. You've been having this arguement since the day you both started teaching here. We are one school, one student body, one faculty! Can we not agree on that?

Ms. Darbus and Coach Bolton share a look.

PRINCIPAL MATSUI: So coach, how's the team looking? Troy got 'em whipped into shape?

Mrs. Darbus groans and walks away. Principal Matsui shoots a mini basketball to a basket on the wall.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

COACH BOLTON: (as he walks down the line of players) West High Knights have knocked us out of the playoffs three years running, and now we are one game away from taking that championship right back from 'em! It's time to make our stand.
The team is you. You are the team. And this team does not exist unless each and every one of you is fully focused on our goal. Am I clear?

CHAD: (extending his arms) Hey, what team?

BASKETBALL PLAYERS: Wildcats!

CHAD: What team?

BASKETBALL PLAYERS: Wildcats!

CHAD: What team?

BASKETBALL PLAYERS: Wildcats!

Chad puts his arm down.

CHAD: Wildcats! (the team puts their arms down in a circle)

BASKETBALL PLAYERS: Get your head in the game!

Coach Bolton blows a whistle.

CUR TO: EXT. EAST HIGH, DAY

Tayor and Gabriella walk together.

TAYLOR: We've never made it past the first round of the scholatic decathalon. You could be our answered prayer.

GABRIELLA: I'm going to focus on my studies this semester, and help my mom get the new house organized. Maybe next year. But, what do you know about Troy Bolton?

TAYLOR: Troy? Hmm. I wouldn't consider myself an expert on that particular sub-species. However, unless you speak cheerleader, as in (Taylor and Gabriella walk through a group of cheerleaders and Taylor speaks mimicking a Valley-girl accent) "Oh, my gosh isn't Troy Bolton just a hottie super-bum?"

The cheerleaders giggle and exclaim praises. Taylor holds Gabriella's hand and leads her away.
TAYLOR: See what I mean?

GABRIELLA: I guess I don't know how to speak cheerleader.

TAYLOR: Which is why we exist in an alternate universe to Troy the basketball boy. (rolling eyes)

GABRIELLA: Have you tried to get to know him?

TAYLOR: Watch how it works in the cafeteria tomorrow when you have lunch with us. Unless you'd rather sit with the cheerleaders and discuss the importance of firm nail beds.

GABRIELLA: My nail beds are history.

Taylor and Gabriella show their hands to one another and laugh.

TAYLOR: Sister!

Taylor grabs hold of Gabriella's hand.

CUT TO: EXT. BOLTON HOME, DAY

Troy shoots baskets with Coach Bolton. They pause to catch their breath.

COACH BOLTON: Still don't understand this whole detention thing.

TROY: It was my fault. Sorry dad.

COACH BOLTON: Cross court (pointing)
You know Darbus will take any opportunity to bust my chops (Troy runs and Coach Bolton passes him the ball) and that includes yours too. (Troy shoots the ball)

Coach Bolton catches the ball and bounces it.

TROY: Hey dad?

Coach Bolton passes Troy the ball.

TROY: Did you ever think about trying something new, but were afriad of what your friends might think?

COACH BOLTON: You mean like going left? You're doing fine. Come on.

Troy spins with the ball.

TROY: Well... no. I mean what if you wannna try something really new and it's a total disaster and all your friends laugh at you.

COACH BOLTON: Well then maybe they're not really your friends. I mean, that was my whole point about team today. You guys gotta look out for each other and you're the leader.

TROY: Dad I'm not talking-

COACH BOLTON: There's gonna be college scouts at our game next week Troy. Know what a scholarship is worth these days?

Troy sighs and nods his head.

TROY: A lot.

COACH BOLTON: Yeah, focus Troy. Come on.

Troy spins and takes a jumpshot. Coach Bolton jumps to block and the ball goes in. Troy puts his hands on his knees.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH ENTRANCE, DAY

CUT TO: HOMEROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Sharpay hands Ms. Darbus a gift.

SHARPAY: Just something for you.

Sharpay walks to her seat as the students enter the classroom. Troy and Gabriella share a smile.

MS. DARBUS: Well, I expect we all learned our homeroom manners yesterday people, correct?

Troy looks back at Gabriella, who giggles.

MS. DARBUS: If not, we have some dressing rooms that need painting. Now, a few announcements. This morning during free period will be your chance for the musicale auditions, (Sharpay smiles back at Ryan and claps) both single and pairs. I will be in the theater until noon for thse of you bold enough to extend the wingspan of your creative spirit... (Ms. Darbus extends her arms)

CHAD: When's she due back on the mother ship?

Troy smiles awkwardly.

MS. DARBUS: ... Now today we are going to discuss the importance of Shakespeare.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAY, DAY

Troy slams shut his locker and Chad approaches.

CHAD: Yo, what's up man?

TROY: What's up?

CHAD: Hey, so um look so the whole team's hitting the gym during free period. What do you wanna have us run?

TROY: Dude you know what, I can't make it. I, uh, I gotta catch up on some homework.

Chad laughs.

CHAD: What? Hello, it's only the second day back. I'm not even behind on homework yet. And you know I've been behind on homework since pre-school.

Troy laughs and puts his arm against Chad's chest, barring him.

TROY: That's hilarious. I'll catch you later.

Chad looks puzzled as Troy hurries off.

CHAD: Homework? There's no way.

Troy slinks into a classroom and Chad follows. He watches Troy greet a few students.

CHAD: (whispering to himself) What's he doing?

A student shakes Chad's hand and enters the classroom.

CHAD: Hey, how's it going man?

Troy disappers and Chad looks baffled. In the hallway, Troy sneaks away behind him. Troy hurries down a stairwell. Farther up, Chad stares down with a confused look.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH, DAY

Troy strikes a casual pose as a teacher walks by. He sneaks ahead. Coach Bolton emerges from the building and Troy hides behind a wall. With a furrowed brow, Coach Bolton steps over to see no one.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GARAGE, DAY

Troy hurries through an auto class.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH, DAY

Coach Bolton has a curious look as he steps away.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GARAGE, DAY

Troy sneaks to a door past a faculty member, who notices him.

TROY: Short cut.

The faculty member looks at his watch. Troy opens the door to a hallway and leans on it.

TROY: I'm late for class.

The faculty member nods and Troy smiles, sheepishly running on. The faculty member shakes his head.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH THEATER, DAY

Troy walks backstage and hides behind a janitor's cart. He stops behind a prop camel and peers out. Troy glances across the stage at a piano, then eyes the camel's tassles and over-size glasses. He sneaks behind a curtain and watches as Ms. Darbus and theater kids walk in. Troy backs away as Ms. Darbus approaches the stage. Ms. Darbus claps for attention and takes center stage as the students sit down.

MS. DARBUS: This is where the true expression of the artist is realized, where inner truth is revealed through the actor's journey where - (school bell rings) was that a cell phone?

Students check their pockets.

KELSI: No ma'am, that was the warning bell.

MS. DARBUS: Ah, (touching her glasses) Those wishing to audition must understand that time is of the essence. (Troy walks though the auditorium still hiding behind the mop in the janitor's cart, stopping to hear.) We have many roles to cast and final callbacks will be next week. First you will sing a few bars and I will give you a sense of whether or not the theater is your calling. (tipping her glasses) Better to hear it from me now than from your friends later. Our composer (gesturing towards her) Kelsi Nielson will accompany you and be avaliable for rehearsals prior to callbacks. Shall we?

Kelsi plays piano for auditions and mouths the lyrics. Ms. Darbus listens as Sharpay and Ryan grimace.

GIRL: (singing off-key) It's hard to believe that I couldn't see that you were always right beside me. (snapping fingers) This feeling's like no other. I want you to know. (holding hands to chest and hesitating)

MS. DARBUS: Uh-huh, yes. Thank you. (yelling) Next!

ALAN: (singing monotonously) It's hard to believe that I couldn't (reading at hand) sneeze... see (Sharpay watches, mouth gaping) that you were always (Ms. Darbus shakes her hand in protest as she drinks from a travel mug) next to-beside me. This feeling's like no other...

MS. DARBUS: Alan, I admire your pluck. As for your singing, that's a wonderful tie you're wearing. (yelling) Next!

Alan touches his tie and smiles. Ms. Darbus takes notes.

GIRL: (leaning on the piano, singing off-key) It's hard to believe that I couldn't see that you were always right beside me. This feeling's like no other I want you to know.

MS. DARBUS: Uh, stop.

CINDRA: (high-pitched)So lonely before I finally found what I've been looking for...

Sharpay and Ryan cover an ear and grimace. Kelsi stops playing the piano. Ms. Darbus covers her ears.

MS. DARBUS: Ah, Cindra what courage to pursue a note that has not been accessed in the natural world. Bravo! Brava! Perhaps the spring musicale.

Kelsi gives Cindra a look. Cindra scoffs and heads off.

A student leaps onto the stage, pirohuettes and poses. Sharpay holds a hand to her chest. The sudent leaps in the air then continues off-stage. There is a loud crash. Kelsi and Ms. Darbus look concerned.

A pairs audition follows.

GIRL: It's hard to believe. (opening arms wide) That I could not see (covering eyes with hands)

BOY: See (covers eyes with hand in a sweeping motion)

GIRL: That you were right there beside me (the pair face each other and wiggle their arms) Thought I was alone (Ryan looks tranced) With no one to hold

BOY: To hold (the pair crouches on the floor and holds themselves)

GIRL: But you were right beside me (still crouching, the pair face each other and wiggle their arms)

The pair rolls around and crawls on the floor.

MS. DARBUS: Well that was just... very disturbing. Go see a counselor. Next!

The pair walks offstage.

Gabriella walks up to Troy, who is still hiding behind the janitor's cart.

GABRIELLA: Hey!

Troy is startled.

GABRIELLA: So you decided to sign up for something?

TROY: Uh... No! You?

GABRIELLA: No. Why are you hiding behind a mop?

Troy gives a chuckle and moves the cart away.

GABRIELLA: Your friends don't know you're here, right?

TROY: Right.

Both nod.

Onstage a student opens her mouth to sing, but hesitates, standing still.

MS. DARBUS: Thank you, next.

The student runs off.

TROY: Uh, Ms. Darbus is a little... harsh.

GABRIELLA: The wildcat superstar is afraid?

TROY: No, no. I'm not afraid. I'm just, scared.

GABRIELLA: Me too... usually.

MS. DARBUS: And for the lead roles of Minnie and Arnold, we only have one couple signed up, Sharpay and Ryan. I think it might be useful for you to give us a sense of why we gather in this hallowed hall.

The twins stand. Sharpay flings her sequin jacket over her shoulder and stops Ryan to walk in front. Ryan rolls his eyes. Gabriella and Troy take seats in the back. Shrapay and Ryan walk onstage. Kelsi puts a hand up.

KELSI: What key?

RYAN: Oh, we had our rehearsal pianist do an arrangement.

KELSI: Oh.

Ryan walks into place and puts on his hat. Students holds up their microphones. Sharpay snaps and the curtain closes.Behind the curtain, Sharpay and Ryan perform vocal excercises and hand movements.
What I've Been Looking For
(As the song begins, Sharpay and Ryan stick their hands out the curtain and snap. The curtain rises and they take the microphones to sing. They casually walk on stage and break into poses. They snap side to side and point to one another. Sharpay does a step-touch while Ryan does jazz squares. Ryan passes behind Sharpay. They point to one another. They turn, pretending to be lost, then sing back to back.
Sharpay hands Ryan the microphone and tap dances. Ryan hands Sharpay back her microphone and she continues to sing. Ryan does a one-handed cartwheel. Sharpay and Ryan lean on their knees and pretend to zip their mouths closed. Sharpay covers Ryan's eyes and taps his shoulder. Sharpay spins away from Ryan. Ryan sings directly into the microphone, lifting it up as he moves his head. Sharpay flips her hair back and points to the audience. Ryan and Sharpay walk and snap rythmically across stage. They stop and change directions. Sharpay bumps into Ryan and gives him annoyed look, quickly returning to a smile. They hug themselves and slide in front of/behind each other. They hold each other's microphones and dance. Ryan twirls Sharpay and does a jazzhand. They skip back and forth. Ryan and Sharpay strike poses then freeze in place.)

SHARPAY: (in a hushed tone) I told you not to do the jazz squares.

RYAN: It's a crowd favorite. Everybody loves a good jazz square.

Sharpay glares at Kelsi, who begins to clap, as do the stagehands. They bow and curtsey.

MS. DARBUS: (standing up) Well, are there any last-minute sign-ups?

RYAN: (speaking to a girl) Don't be discouraged. The theater needs more than just singers. It needs fans too. buy tickets.

Kelsi runs up to Sharpay.

KELSI: Actually, if you do that part with that particular song, I imagined it much slower.

SHARPAY: If we do the part?

Sharpay smirks and looks around.

SHARPAY: Kelsi, my sawed-offSondheim,I've been in seventeen school productions and how many times have your compositions been selected?

KELSI: This would be the first?

SHARPAY: Which tells us what?

KELSI: Uh, I need to write you more solos?

SHARPAY: No, it tells us that you do not offer direction, suggestion, or commentary. And you should be thankful that me and Ryan are here to lift your music out of it's current obscurity. Are we clear?

KELSI: Yes ma'am. I mean, Sharpay.

Sharpay smiles and holds the microphone close.

SHARPAY: (waving) Nice talking to you.

Sharpay saunters away.

MS. DARBUS: Any last minute sign-ups?

Gabriella looks at Troy.

TROY: (whispering) We should go.

MS. DARBUS: No? Good. Done.

Ms. Darbus starts to leave. Gabriella steps out.

GABRIELLA: I'd like to audition, Ms. Darbus.

TROY: (whispering) What!

Troy looks shocked and motions that his mind is blown. He spins and covers his eyes.

MS. DARBUS: Timeliness means something in the world of theater, young lady. The individual auditions are long over and there are simmply no other pairs.

TROY: I'll sing with her!

Troy steps out and puts his hand up.

MS. DARBUS: Troy Bolton, where is your sports possee or whatever it's called?

TROY: Team.

MS. DARBUS: Ahh. (walking towards the pair)

TROY: But I'm here alone. Actually I'm here to sing with her.

MS. DARBUS: Yes, well, we take these shows very seriously here at East High. I called for the pairs audition and you didn't respond. Free period is now over.

Ms. Darbus begins walking away.

TROY: She has an amazing voice.

MS. DARBUS: Perhaps the next musical.

Kelsi gets up from the piano bench and picks up a stack of music sheets. She trips and they go flying. Gabriella and Troy run over to her to help pick them up.

TROY: You're a composer. You wrote the song Ryan and Sharpay just sang?

Kelsi stares.

TROY: And the entire show?

Kelsi nods.

TROY: Well that's really cool. I, uh, (Troy holds out his hand) can't wait to hear the rest of the show.

Kelsi takes his hand and he helps her up.

TROY: So, why are you so afriad of Ryan and Sharpay. I mean, it is your show.

KELSI: It is?

TROY: Isn't the composer of the show kind of like the playmaker in basketball?

KELSI: Playmaker?

TROY: You know the one that makes everyone else look good. I mean, without you there is no show. You're the playmaker, Kelsi.

KELSI: I am?

Troy nods.

KELSI: Do you want to hear how the duet is supposed to sound?

Kelsi sits at the piano. Gabriella and Troy step over as Kelsi sets up sheet music and plays. Kelsi looks pointedly at the music then Troy.
What I've Been Looking For (Reprise)
(Troy and Gabriella sing the duet as Kelsi plays the piano.)

TROY: Woah, it's nice.

MS. DARBUS: (standing out) Bolton, Montez - you have a callback. Kelsi give them the duet from the second act. Work on it with them.

KELSi: All right. If you guys want to rehearse I'm usually here free period and after school, and even sometimes during biology class. You can come and rehearse anytime. Or you can come to my house for breakfast. I have a piano, we can rehearse there. After school, before school - whatever works. After basketball class...

Troy flips through the sheets.

TROY: What?

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH ENTRANCE, DAY

SHARPAY: (V.O.) Callback!

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAY, DAY

SHARPAY: Ahh!

Sharpay fans herself as she and her brother stare at the callback sheet.

RYAN: (reading from the Call Back sheet) Callback for roles Arnold and Minnie next Thursday, 3:30 PM. Ryan and Sharpay Evans. Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton.

SHARPAY: Is this some kind of joke? They didn't even audition!

RYAN: Maybe we're being punked.

SHARPAY: What?

RYAN: Maybe we're being filmed right now. Maybe we'll get to meet Ashton.

SHARPAY: Oh shut up Ryan!

Zeke, Chad, and Jason walk up beside them and laugh.

CHAD: What's wrong?

The basketball players read the list. Chad's face falls and the boys looks confused.

CHAD: What?

Chad glances at Ryan and Sharpay in disbelief before walking away. Sharpay storms off and the others step up for a closer look.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH CAFETERIA

(On the middle level of the cafeteria, Sharpay paces back and forth in front of the railing. Behind her is the thespian posse including Ryan and Kelsi.)

SHARPAY: How dare she sign up? I've already chosen colors for my dressing room!

RYAN: And she hasn't even asked our permission to join the drama club.

Sharpay slams the table.

SHARPAY: Someone's gotta tell her the rules.

RYAN: Exactly. (Ryan pauses) And what are the rules?

Sharpay scoffs and walks back to the railing. The camera pans to Chad at a table with jocks and cheerleaders. Behind them, Zeke paces on the platform.
Stick to the Status Quo
(Zeke begins to sing and gets his group's attention. He throws a ball to another guy. He steps up and puts his arms around Chad and another jock. The group encourages everyone to move closer. The group looks confused when Zeke tells them he loves to bake. The group dances and pushes down Zeke into his seat.

At the braniacs table, Martha reads a book and begins to sing. Her friends put their hands towards her and encourage her to share. Martha stands and strikes some hip-hop poses. The braniacs shake their hands no and motion to be quiet. The braniacs take their books and dance. They point to the books and wag their fingers at Martha.At the skater table, another guy begins to share his secret. He plays a cello and motions playing it with his hands. The skaters shake their hands and heads dramatically. They motion skateboarding and shake their arms.

Sharpay and Ryan watch the students at the lunch tables below in synchronized dance. The skater plays cello. A cheerleader plays with a basketball. A student break dances on the floor. Martha dances on a table with a jock. A cheerleader ruffles Chad's hair. He tosses a basketball behind him and rolls on the floor before leaping to his feet. The scene becomes more and more chatoic as the different groups begin to intermingle.

Sharpay sing in protest as she paces behind the rail. The students begin to become self-conscious and retreating back to their circles. Ryan joins Sharpay at the rail. Sharpay puts a hand up to stop Ryan and sing. They sing together.

The students are all seated. The skater pops up from the table and is pulled down by his posse. Martha stands and her posse shakes their hands. Zeke puts a knee up on the table seat, holding crème brûlée. The jocks put their fingers to their hands and Zeke's crème brûlée flips over.

Sharpay yells. Taylor and Gabriella walk in.)

GABRIELLA: Why is everybody staring at you?

TAYLOR: Not me, you.

GABRIELLA: (distressed) Because of the callbacks? I can't have people staring at me! I really can't!
(Cont.) Stick to the Status Quo
(The students perform a synchronized dance at the lunch tables. Sharpay and Ryan walk down the stairs as the other students continue dancing. Taylor and Gabriella walk through the crowd. Gabriella slips in milk and her cheese fries land on Sharpay.)

SHARPAY: Ahhh!

Gabriella tries to wipe Sharpay's jacket. The jocks stare.

GABRIELLA: I am so sorry.

Taylor steers her away. Chad grabs hold of Troy.

CHAD: You do not want to get into that man. (pointing to Sharpay) Too much drama.

TROY: Yeah.

MS. DARBUS: What is going on here?

The cafeteria stares at Sharpay. She takes a deep breath.

SHARPAY: Look at this! That Gabriella girl just dumped her lunch on me, on purpose. It's all part of their plan to ruin our musical. And Troy and his baskeball robots are obviously behind it. Why do you think he auditioned? After all the hard work you've put into the show, it just doesn't seem right!

Students move aside as Sharpay runs upstairs. Ms. Darbus walks off. Ryan looks down at the cheese fries.

TROY: (to Chad) What's up?

CHAD: What's up? Oh, let's see... um. You missed free period workout yesterday to audition for some heinous musical And now suddenly people are... confessing.

Chad pulls Zeke towards them. Zeke still hold the crème brûlée.

CHAD: Yeah, and Zeke. Zeke is baking. Crème brûlée!

TROY: Oh what's that?

ZEKE: Oh, it's a creamy custard-like filling with a caramelized surface. It's really satisfying.

Troy and Zeke nod their heads excitedly.

CHAD: Shut up Zeke!

Zeke's face falls and he walks up to the skater. The fist bump. CHad and Troy go to the table.

CHAD: Look, you see what's happening here man? Our team is coming apart because of your singing thing. Even the drama geeks and the braniacs suddenly think they can... talk to us. Look the skater dudes are mingling. (Chad points to the skaters talking with Zeke) Suddenly people think that they can do other stuff. Stuff that is not their stuff. They've got you thinking about show tunes when we've got a playoff game next week.

CUT TO: INT. MEN'S LOCKER ROOM, DAY

Coach Bolton sits at his desk. He has a pencil behind his ear and eats a sandwich. He reads a newspaper showing Troy shooting a layup. The headline reads, "Knights to battle Wildcats for District Playoffs". Ms. Darbus walks in. Teen boys in towels see her as they emerge from the showers and she averts her eyes. Someone throws a towel which nearly hits her. Ms. Darbus enters Coach Bolton's office, shakes her scarf, and removes her glasses. He looks up.

MS. DARBUS: Alright Bolton. Cards on the table right now.

COACH BOLTON: Huh?

MS. DARBUS: You're tweaked because I put your stars in detention and now you're getting even.

COACH BOLTON: What are you talking about Darbus? (putting down his newspaer)

MS. DARBUS: Your all-star son turned up at my audition. Now I give every student an even chance, which is a long and honorable tradition in the theater. Something you wouldn't understand, but if her is planning any sort of practical joke in my chapel of the arts-

COACH BOLTON: Troy doesn't even sing.

MS. DARBUS: Oh, well, you're wrong about that, but I will not allow my "Twinkle Towne" musicale to be made into farce.

COACH BOLTON: "Twinkle Towne"?

MS. DARBUS: See, I knew it. (wagging a finger)

COACH BOLTON: (smiling) Hey...

MS. DARBUS: I knew it. (putting on her glasses)

Ms. Darbus storms out.

COACH BOLTON: Sounds like a winner. Good luck on Broadway.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH CAFETERIA, DAY

GABRIELLA: Is Sharpay really really mad at me? I said I was sorry.

TAYLOR: Look, no one has beaten Sharpay out for a musical since kindergarten.

GABRIELLA: I wasn't trying to beat anyone out. We didn't even audition, we were just singing.

TAYLOR: You won't convince Sharpay of that. I'm telling you, if that girl could figure out a way to play both Romeo and Juliet, her own brother would be aced out of a job.

GABRIELLA: I told you, it just happened, but I liked it. A lot. Did you ever feel like there's this whole other person inside of you just looking for a way to come out?

TAYLOR: Not really, no.

They look at each other, smile, and chuckle. The school bell rings.

TAYLOR: Let's go.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAYS, DAY

Zeke walks up to Sharpay's locker.

ZEKE: Hey Sharpay. Um, I just thought since Troy Bolton's gonna be in your show...

SHARPAY: (puts a finger up to silence him) Troy Bolton is not in my show.

Sharpay pulls a shirt on a hanger from her locker.

ZEKE: OK, um. Well I just thought maybe, uh, you could watch me play ball sometime.

SHARPAY: I'd rather stick pins in my eyes.

ZEKE: Wouldn't that be awfully uncomfortable?

SHARPAY: Evaporate tall person!

Sharpay slams the locker and walks away. Zeke watches.

ZEKE: I bake! If that helps...

Looking dejected, he leans against the wall.The camera cuts to Gabriella at her locker. As she opens it, a piece of paper falls. She opens it and smiles. She puts it back in her locker.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH ROOFTOP, DAY

Troy waits at the garden rooftop as Gabriella climbs up the stairs, smiling widely.

GABRIELLA: (looking around) Wow, it's like a jungle out here.

TROY: Yeah, just like that cafeteria.

GABRIELLA: Well, I just humiliated myself into the next century.

TROY: No, come on.

GABRIELLA: So this is your private hideout?

TROY: Yeah, thanks to the science club. Which means my buddies don't even know it exisits.

GABRIELLA: You pretty much have the school wired, don't you Troy? Seems to me like everyone on campus wants to be your friend.

TROY: (laughs) Unless we lose.

GABRIELLA: Well I'm sure it's tricky being the coach's son.

TROY: Makes me practice a little harder, I guess.
I don't know what he's gonna say when he finds out about the singing.

GABRIELLA: You worried?

TROY: My parent's friends are always saying, "Your son's the basketball guy. You must be so proud."

Troy stares off solemly.

TROY: Sometimes I don't wanna be the basketball guy. I wanna be a guy. You know?

GABRIELLA: I saw the way you treated Kelsi at the audition yesterday. Do your friends know that guy?

Troy sighs.

TROY: To them, I'm the playmaker dude.

GABRIELLA: They don't know enough about you Troy. At my other schools I was the freaky math girl. It's cool coming here and being anyone I wanna be. When I was singing with you, I just felt like a girl.

TROY: (pointing) You even looked like one too.

Gabriela laughs. Troy sits beside her on a bench.

GABRIELLA: Remember in kindergarten how you'd meet a kid and know nothing about them. Than ten seconds later you play like you're best friends because you didn't have to be anything but yourself?

TROY: Yeah.

GABRIELLA: Singing with you felt like that.

TROY: Well, uh... I never thought about singing, that's for sure. Till you.

GABRIELLA: So you really wanna do the callbacks?

TROY: Hey, just call me freaky callback boy.

GABRIELLA: You're a cool guy Troy. But not for the reasons your friends think. And thanks for showing me your top secret hiding place. Like kindergarten.

They smile at each other and look away. The bell rings. Troy grabs Gabriella's hand and they hurry down the stairs.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH MUSIC ROOM, DAY

Kelsi plays the piano.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAYS, DAY

Troy leans on the stair railway reading sheet music.

TROY: (singing) We're soaring, flying. There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach...

Ryan heads upstairs and hears Troy singing. He presses his ear up to the door. He jiggles the door handle, but it's locked.

TROY: ...If we're trying, then we're breaking...

Troy notices the handle jiggling. Ryan drops to the floor and peeks through the gap in the door. He stands, looking puzzled.

CUT TO: INT. GIRL'S BATHROOM, DAY

Gabriella stands reading sheet music.

GABRIELLA: (singing) creating space between us til we're separate hearts

In the hall, Sharpay hears Gabriella and perks up. She enters the bathroom and Gabriella panics.

Sharpay glances towards the sink and sees no one. Sharpay eyes the stalls and kicks one open, giving a yell. She turns and looks at the mirrors, checking herself out. She leaves the bathroom and Gabriella emerges from behind a wall and watches her go, breathing a sigh of relief.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH MUSIC ROOM, DAY

Gabriella sits beside Kelsi, who plays the piano.

GABRIELLA: (singing) There's not a star in heaven that we...

The scene changes and it is now Troy practicing with Kelsi. He circles the piano while holding a mallet as a microphone.

TROY: (singing) ...flying. There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach...

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

COACH BOLTON: (walking down the line as the basketball players practice passing the ball) Let's go guys! Make it sharp! To the chest, come one! Pop it! Come on guys, step with it! Let's go!(pointing) Come on, move it! Let's go! Come on, guys focus! Focus! Get your head in the game! Move it!

Coach Bolton turns to Jason.

COACH BOLTON: You seen Troy?

JASON: No, coach.

Coach Bolton gives him ball, whistles, and walks away.

COACH BOLTON: Again, let's go.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH THEATER, DAY

Gabriella bobs her head and taps her foot as she sews a costume. She smiles and looks at Troy, who also bobs his head and taps his foot as he paints prop boxes. Troy stiffens when he notices Ms. Darbus looking. Troy and Gabriella look at each other again and resume.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH GYM, DAY

COACH BOLTON: That's it guys. Hit the showers. Good hustle. Let's see that in the game.

Troy arrives as the team leaves. Chad hands him a basketball.

TROY: I, uh, think I'm gonna stay awhile. Work on some free throws.

COACH BOLTON: Well since you missed practice, I think your team deserves a little effort from you today.

Coach Bolton stalks away. Troy wears a guilty expression.

Gabriella appraoches Troy as he takes a shot.

GABRIELLA: Wow, so this is your real stage.

TROY: Yeah, I guess you could call it that. Or just a smelly gym.

Troy hands Gabriella the ball. She takes a shot and makes it.

TROY: Woah! Don't tell me you're good at hoops too.

GABRIELLA: You know, I once scored 41 points at a league championship game.

TROY: No way.

GABRIELLA: Mmmhmm. And the same day I invented the space shuttle and microwave popcorn.

TROY: Microwave popcorn. Haha funny.

Troy takes a shot and makes it.

GABRIELLA: I've been rehearsing with Kelsi

TROY: Me too. And, uh, by the way, uh. I missed practice. So if I get kicked off the team it should be on your conscience.

GABRIELLA: Hey I wasn't the one who told you-

TROY: Gabriella, chill.

She takes the ball and runs.

TROY: Hey that's traveling. No, that's really bad traveling.

Troy catches up to her. He picks her up from behind and spins her. They laugh. Coach Bolton walks in.

COACH BOLTON: Miss, I'm sorry. This is a closed practice.

Troy smiles awkwardly.

TROY: Dad come on, practice is over.

COACH BOLTON: Not till the last player leaves the gym. Team rule.

GABRIELLA: Oh, sorry, sir.

TROY: Um, dad, this is Gabriella Montez.

Gabriella holds out a hand.

COACH BOLTON: Ah your detention buddy.

Gabriella's smile fades and she retracts her hand awkwardly.

GABRIELLA: I'll see you later Troy. (handing Troy the ball) Nice meeting you Coach Bolton.

Coach Bolton nods. Gabriella jogs away.

COACH BOLTON: You as well, Miss Montez.

TROY: Dad, detention was my fault, not hers.

COACH BOLTON: You haven't missed practice in three years. That girl shows up (pointing)

TROY: That girl is named Gabriella. She's very nice.

COACH BOLTON: Helping you miss practice doesn't make her very nice. Not in my book or your team's.

TROY: Dad, she's not a problem. She's just a girl.

COACH BOLTON: But you're not just a guy, Troy.
You're the team leader.
What you do affects not only this team, but the entire school. And withut you completely focused, we're not gonna win next week. The championship games, they don't come along all the time. They're something special.

TROY: Yeah, well, a lot of things are special Dad.

COACH BOLTON: But you're a playmaker, not a singer, right?

TROY: Did you ever think that maybe I could be both?

Coach Bolton looks taken aback. Troy drops the ball and walks off, revealing his teammates hiding by the gym door.

CHAD: Let's go.

The team follows Troy.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH LIBRARY, DAY

Troy looks for a book as Chad follows him.

CHAD: What spell has this elevated-IQ temptress girl cast that suddenly makes you (pointing) want to be in a musical?

TROY: (putting hands up) Look, I just did it. Who cares?

CHAD: Who cares? (grabbing Troy's shoulder) How about your most loyal best friend?

MISS FALSAFF: (emerging from between the bookshelves) Quiet in here Mr. Danforth

MISS FALSAFF: It's him, Miss Falsaff, not me. (to Troy) Look, you're a hoops dude (handing Troy a basketball) not a musical singer person.

Troy walks forward and tosses the basketball back to Chad. Chad runs up.

CHAD: Have you ever seen Michael Crawford on a cereal box?

TROY: (taking a book form a shelf) Who's Michael Crawford?

CHAD: Exactly my point!

Troy fips a page in the dictionary on a pedestal. Chad places his ball on top to stop him.

CHAD: He was the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Now my mom, she's seen that musical 27 times and she put Michael Crawford's picture in our refrigerator. Yeah, not on it. In it. So my point is if you play basketball you're gonna end up on a cereal box. If you sing in musicals, you're gonna end up in my mom's refrigerator.

TROY: Why would she put his picture in her refrigerator?

CHAD: One of her crazy diet ideas. Look I don't attempt to understand the female mind Troy.

Miss Falsaff pokes her head out and looks at them. Both boys looks away.

CHAD: It's frightening territory. (as the boys walk away)

Troy sits down with the book at a table. Chad puts one foot up on the seat beside him and places his basketball on the table.

CHAD: How can you expect the rest of us to be focused on a game if you're off somewhere in leotards singing (Chad motions jazz hands) "Twinkle Towne"?

TROY: No one said anything about leotards.

CHAD: Not yet my friend, but just you wait. We need you captain, big time.

MISS FALSAFF: Mr. Danforth

Chad puts his hands up, feigning innocence.

CHAD: I tried to tell him Miss Falsaff. (to Try) Really tried.

CUT TO: INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Zeke, Chad, and Jason enter the classroom as Sharpay sees from the hallway. She pulls Ryan towards her.

SHARPAY: Something isn't right.

They walk up to the door and watch the basketball players approach Taylor.

CHAD: Hey look, we need to talk.

TAYLOR: Go.

RYAN: (whispering) They must be trying to figure out a way to make sure Troy and Gabriella actually beat us out. (Sharpay grimaces) The jocks run most of the school, but if they get Troy into the musical then they've conquered the entire student body.

SHARPAY: And if those science girls get Gabriella hooked up with Troy Bolton, the scholastic club goes from drool to cool. Ryan, we need to save our show from people who don't know the difference between a Tony Award and Tony Hawk.

They saunter away.

TAYLOR: Do you really think that's gonna work?

CHAD: It's the only way to save Troy and Gabriella from themselves. So we on?

TAYLOR: Yeah.

CHAD: Good, so we start tomorrow then.

TAYLOR: OKay, the first thing.

CHAD: Nice. (to Jason and Zeke) Let's gp.

CUT TO: EXT. EAST HIGH ENTRANCE, DAY

A skater rides past a few students. Chad peers out from behind a stone post, then beckons Taylor. She rolls her bag over. Chad checks three watches on his wrist.

CHAD: So my watch is 7:45 Mountain Standard Time. We synched?

TAYLOR: Whatever.

CHAD: Alright then we're on go mode for lunch exactly at 12:05

TAYLOR: Yes Chad, we're a go. (waving her hand in his face) But we're not Charlie's Angels, okay?

Taylor hands Chad her laptop.

CHAD: I can dream, can't I?

Taylor rolls her eyes and walks away. Chad heads off, in a creeping motion.

CUT TO: INT. EAST HIGH HALLWAYS, DAY

Students filter down the stairs. The school bell rings.

CUT TO: INT. MEN'S LOCKER ROOM, DAY

Troy walks with a confused expression. He finds his teammates surrounded by various pieces of Wildcat memorabilia, including many trophies. Chad holds up a framed photo.

CHAD: "Spider" Bill Netrine. Class of '72. He was the MVP in the league championship game.

ZEKE: holding up picture frame Sam Nedler, class of '02. Also known a "Sammy Slamma Jamma". Captain MVP of the league championship game.

JASON: The "Thunder Clap" (team claps) Hap Hadden, '95. Led the Wildcats to back-to-back city championships. A legend.

CHAD: Yes, legends, one and all. But do you think that any of these Wildcat legeds became legends by getting involved in musical auditions just days before their league championships?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Get your head in the game!

CHAD: No. These Wildcat legends became legends because they never took their eye off the prize.

BASKETBALL TEAM: Get your head in the game!

CHAD: Now, who was the first sophmore ever to make starting varsity?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Troy!

CHAD: Who voted him our team captain this year?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Us!

CHAD: And who is gonna get their sorry butts kicked in Friday's championship game if Troy's worried about an audition?

BASKETBALL TEAM: We are.

TROY: Guys, come on. There's twelve people on this team, not just me.

CHAD: Just twelve? Oh no.

Chad makes a beckoning motion.

CHAD: I think you're missing a very important thirteenth member of our squad.

Chad hands an upside down picture frame to Troy. Troy flips it over and sees a teenage basketball player in a Wildcats uniform.

TROY: My dad.

CHAD: Yes, Troy. Wildcats basketball champion, class of 1981. Champion, father, and now coach. (shaking his head) It's a winning tradition like no other.

CUT TO: INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Gabriella sits on a stool. Taylor fronts the braniacs and presents on a laptop to her.

TAYLOR: From lowly Neandrathal and Cro-Magnon, to early warriors and medevial knights. All leading up to...

A student reveals a poster of a basketball player with a picture of Troy's head pasted on top.

TAYLOR: ...lunkhead basketball man. Yes, our culture worshipped the aggressor throughout the ages and we end up with spoiled, overpaid, bonehead athletes who contribute little to civilization other than (gesturing to the poster) slam dunks and touchdowns. That is the inevitable world of Troy Bolton.

Gabriella looks amused. A student puts up the poster.

TAYLOR: But the path of the mind, the path we're on, ours is the path that has brought us to these people: (each person mentioned appears on the slideshow) Eleanor Roosevelt, Frida Kahlo, Sandra Day O'Connor, Madame Curie, Jane Goodall, Oprah Winfrey, and so many others who the world reveres.

GABRIELLA: Ah, but what is... I've got Kelsi waiting for me to rehearse.

TAYLOR: Gabriella! Troy Bolton represents one side of evolution. And our side, the side of education (slams pointer) and accomplishment (slams pointer) is the future of civilization. This is the side where you belong.

CUT TO: INT. MEN'S LOCKER ROOM, DAY

TROY: Guys, if you don't know that I'll put 110 percent of my guts into that game, then you don't know me.

CHAD: But we just thought-

TROY: I'll tell you what I thought. I thought that you're my friends. Win together, lose together, teammates.

CHAD: (propping up the laptop) But suddenly the girl, and the singing.

TROY: Man, I'm for the team! (a teammate discreetly records Troy) I've always been for the team. She's just someone I met.

CUT TO: INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Gabriella waches a livestream of Troy talking and furrows her brow.

TROY: All right, the singing thing is nothing. Just a way to keep my nerves down. It all means nothing to me. You're my guys and this is our team. Gabriella is not important. I'll forget about her. I'll forget the audition and we'll go out and get that championship. Everyone happy now?

TAYLOR: Behold, lunkhead basketball man.

A tear rolls down Gabriella's face. The braniacs walk away, except Taylor.

TAYLOR: So Gabriella, we would love to have you for the scholastic decathalon. Did you wanna grab some lunch?

Gabriella smiles solemly and shakes her head.

TAYLOR: Well, we'll be there if you wanna come.

Gabriella nods.

CUT TO: INT. MEN'S LOCKER ROOM, DAY

CHAD: Wildcats!

BASKETBALL TEAM: Get your head in the game!,

The team cheers and leaves the locker room.

CUT TO: INT. SCIENCE CLASSROOM AT EAST HIGH, DAY

Gabriella hears cheering and steps to the window. Outside, students, band, cheerleaders, and basketball players gather and sing "Wildcat Pep Theme". Gabriella looks on sadly as the team lifts up Troy on their shoulders and he holds up a basketball. They chant his name.