Students performing in High School Musical at Dartmouth High School are hard at work running lines, building sets and practicing choreography as they bop their way to opening night. 

The musical follows Troy and Gabriella as they face difficult decisions between love, school and their dreams. Some students like Bryce Clancy, 15, who plays Ryan  grew up watching the Disney movie.

He said he loves being able to perform “Bop to the Top,” and doesn't like being off stage. He loves how the show connects different social circles and can't wait for opening night.

"I'm excited for the audience to watch the progression of the main characters — seeing the school starting separated and coming together," Clancy said. 

For Mason Langlois, 17, this will be his final performance before the start of something new. Playing the part of Coach Bolton — he's ready for his senior show and said learning the lines has been difficult.

"My thing is in theater — I'm not doing it right unless I'm in the zone," Langlois said. "I kind of dissociate a little bit to try and get the characters whole sense."

While Langlois has to get into character, Raymond Gramlich, 18, said he he can stick to the status quo. As an athlete who found his love for theater later in high school, Gramlich embodies his character Troy Bolton.

When he's not at play practice he can be found on the lacrosse field. Gramlich said it gets tiring sometimes balancing conditioning for the lacrosse season and then coming and dancing.

"I like the music aspect and I didn't realize how much I loved singing until we actually did it," he said. "It's definitely a challenge to do some of these high notes and getting through the singing — but it's loads of fun."

Olivia Crane, 18, broke free of getting cast in the ensemble. Playing Gabriella — this is her first time as a lead and it's one she identifies with. 

"I've always been a bit more smarter rather than social," Crane said. "I'd say we're both kind of shy and trying to get out of our bubbles a little bit."

She loves her cast and crew and is grateful she's made so many friends from past performances.

"I don't feel weird about going up to anyone even if I don't know them," she said. "Even the freshmen — I love talking to all of them. Everyone is so fun and funny and different from the people I would have hung out with."

Assistant Stage Manager Tamryn Heys, 17, also held the same sentiment. Decked out in paint filled clothing, he said being on the tech team feels like family.

"I never really liked coming to school and then I joined tech. I actually feel motivated to go and do something after school," he said.

The tech team is all in it together preparing the stage for opening night. While Heys said it's been stressful due to the size of the set, he thinks everything should be in order for audiences to see. 

"I've never watched High School Musical," Heys admitted. "So I'm looking forward to the story because I genuinely have no idea what's happening. People make references and I literally don't know what they're talking about."

High School Musical opens Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. with additional performances on Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m and Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $18, student tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.dhstheatreco.com.