Disney Channel's Blockbuster Hit "High School Musical" to Make San Diego Stage Debut on March 15, 2007

SAN DIEGO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 1, 2007 -- Young Actors Theater (YAT), a premier non-profit theater production organization offering a full range of theatrical training for young aspiring actors, today announced it is the first youth theater group in San Diego County awarded the right to produce and stage the Emmy® Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie and pop culture phenomenon "High School Musical," a rousing musical comedy with irresistible songs, dazzling dance numbers and a fresh young cast that has become a worldwide sensation among kids, tweens and families.

YAT's new full length musical adaptation of "High School Musical" will debut in San Diego at the beautiful Sherwood Auditorium, located at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037, on March 15, 2007 and will run through March 24, 2007. Tickets are now on sale.

"High School Musical," which began as a Disney Channel Original Movie and became the highest-rated original program in the history of the network, has reached 58.7 million total viewers (unduplicated) worldwide and is projected to reach approximately 100 million by the end of the calendar year. The "High School Musical" soundtrack currently is the #1 album of the year and was the first-ever TV movie soundtrack to make it to #1 on Billboard's Top 200, where it spent two weeks in the top position. It has also become the #1 best-selling DVD during its home entertainment debut, and the fastest selling TV-on-DVD title in home entertainment history.

Jean M. Isaac, executive director of YAT, notes, "Being the first theater company in San Diego County to secure the rights to this venerable production is a huge honor, and validates our mission and commitment to producing innovative, enriching works for the stage that are accessible to -- and appropriate for -- everyone. I'm thrilled the dedicated, multi-talented young stars in our troupe have this wonderful opportunity to bring to life one of the most popular musicals on stage today."

Performing the hit songs from "High School Musical's" triple-platinum-selling sound track are the multi-talented young stars of YAT, who range in age from 8 to 22. A "break into song" production, this musical comedy tells the story of a group of high school students who are struggling with issues of popularity, first love, balancing education with extra curricular activities, and the value of friends and family. With positive themes like the importance of expressing yourself, believing in yourself and following your dreams, this is a family-friendly show for audiences of all ages.

"High School Musical" follows "Troy," a popular high school basketball star, and "Gabriella," a shy, academically gifted newcomer, who both discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High's rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar. In a desperate effort to maintain the status quo, the "jocks," the "brainiacs" and even the drama club regulars hatch plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage. By defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, Troy and Gabriella inspire other students to go public with some surprising hidden talents of their own.

As a non-profit, YAT depends on contributions and support from corporate and business partners to foster their high quality productions and educational programs. The company has confirmed that San Diego-based national radio and television personality Jeff Isaac, widely known locally as "The Lawyer in Blue Jeans," will appear in the production in the guest-starring role of Coach Bolton -- a hard-headed father who wants his son to stay focused on Basketball above all else. Isaac notes, "I'm thrilled to participate in this initiative as my singular effort to show the community, by action rather than just words or financial support, the extent to which I endorse positive youth programs of this nature. It'll be a lot of fun."

More information on YAT's staging of "High School Musical" and ticket sales can be accessed online at www.yatsandiego.org. Or, you may reach them via telephone at 619-670-1627. Ticket prices are $18 for adults & $15 for students & seniors.

About Young Actors Theater

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Spring Valley, California, Young Actor's Theater is a non-profit organization providing life-changing theatrical experiences and training to youths of all ages in a positive and supportive environment. Lead by Jean M. Isaac, Young Actors Theater offers year-round classes for children ages 6-20, and its educational outreach initiatives bring drama workshops, residencies and teacher training to schools and community groups throughout San Diego. Young Actors Theater has received numerous honors including the Playbill® "Billy" and a variety of National Youth Theatre Awards. The company can be reached through its Web site at www.yatsandiego.org or via telephone at 619-670-1627.

Note to Editors: Free tickets are available to journalists seeking to attend this event for professional review purposes. Please contact Merilee Kern, merilee@kerncommunications.com, 858-577-0206, with desired attendance date, press credential and full mailing address.

Contact Information: Press Contact: Merilee Kern Principal Kern Communications 858-577-0206 Email Contact Company Contact: Jean M. Isaac Executive Director Young Actor's Theater 619-670-1627 Email Contact