"High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" is back for a third season, and the East High Wildcats are relocating to Camp Shallow Lake in California. What exactly are they doing there? Singing, dancing, and giving another performance of a lifetime, of course. This season, we'll watch as the Wildcats and the competing campers put on a "high-stakes" production of "Frozen." But who will lead the team to victory? Scroll through the gallery to find out who's joining the show for its third season and what new faces you might spot on the small screen.
Olivia Rodrigo is back in season three, defying all rumours that the up-and-coming pop star wouldn't be a part of the show due to her newfound musical success. Rodrigo reprises her role as Nini, and this season her character is ready to take on the stage yet again. It's confirmed Nini will have solo performances this season, but what else is in store for her?
When we last saw her in season two, she was gearing up to set her music career in motion. She also reconciles her relationship with Ricky (Joshua Bassett) as the two slowly become friends. Fans hope to see Nini take off in the music sphere this season, and they're definitely interested to know where her dating life will take her.
Matt Cornet returns for the third time as everyone's favourite theatre-jock, EJ. EJ sometimes gets a bad rep, as he doesn't often show the softer and more emotional side of his character. In season two, however, viewers come to understand that, deep down, he is a good person. If he were as self-centreed as we originally thought, he wouldn't have bought Gina a plane ticket so she wouldn't have to miss their show. I think we'll continue to see more character development in EJ as season three progresses, and we may even see some more on-screen sparks between him and Nini as well.
Gina Porter, played by Sofia Wylie, is back for season three and I can't wait to watch as her character develops even further. When we're first introduced to Gina, she comes off super reserved, but over time, as we get to know her character, we understand she only comes off that way because she's used to moving around and not having a permanent home. In season three, Gina will likely strengthen her roots at East High and her connection with Ricky, who seems to be the person she trusts the most.
Ashlyn, played by Julia Lester, has proved to be an incredibly kind and determined student at East High. Her passion for singing and performing is unparalleled and her talent will be spotlighted again in season three. At the end of season two, Ashlyn finally comes out of her shell. She's no longer just "EJ's cousin," but instead she's a confident teen. Her confidence is shown especially when she shows Big Red how much she likes him by kissing him. Where will their relationship head in season 3? I guess we'll have to watch to find out!
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Dara Reneé as Kourtney
Kourtney, played by Dara Reneé, is back as Nini's partner in crime. While she's involved with the theatre department, she's always there to be Nini's should to lean on when she's needed the most. Kourtney is a friend I'd love to have on my side, and Reneé is no stranger to the small screen. With previous roles in the reboot of Freaky Friday and ABC's Black-ish, I'm excited to see how her role progresses in season three.
Frankie Rodriguez joins the cast for a third season as Carlos. While he may not be serving as Mrs. Jenn's right-hand man this season, he'll definitely be involved in the Wildcats' production of Frozen in some way or another. His determination to be the best showrunner East High has ever seen will keep him motivated, and his friends will continue to encourage him along the way.
I have one word for Ms. Jenn: Legendary. I mean, who else would put on the best production of Beauty and the Beast done by any high school just to take down her ex-boyfriend who happens to be the drama teacher at East High's rival school, North High? Kate Reinders returns as Ms. Jenn, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for the Wildcats theatre group this season.
As a previous High School Musicalalum, Bleu will be offering up advice to the Wildcats and will serve as a mentor to the team. Corbin Bleu will make his highly-anticipated return to the franchise in season three, playing himself. Bleu starred in the original film trilogy as Troy Bolton's best friend Chad Danforth.
Hannah Montana star, Jason Earles, is joining the cast of HSMTMTS as Dewey Wood, director of Camp Shallow Lake. It will be interesting to see Earles f in a role as an authority figure, wherein in past roles he was more of a funny sidekick.