Julia Lester Reveals What Being in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Means to Her
The wait is finally over. The second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is finally upon us, and we couldn't be more excited.
The new season premiered today, May 14, on Disney+, promising even more drama, more laughs and more incredible singing. We got the opportunity to chat with Julia Lester, who plays Ashlyn, about the big day, being a part of the show and what the role means to her. Keep reading to find out what she told us!
Sweety High: Where are all of the places we can catch your work at the moment? What roles are you most passionate about?
Julia Lester: Right now you can catch all of season 1 of HSMTMTS on Disney+, and season 2 is premiering today May 14th! Playing Ashlyn is a great example of a role I'm extremely passionate about. I love playing someone with lots of drive who grows with each episode.
SH: What does it mean to you to get to be part of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series? Were you a big HSM fan before all of this happened?
JL: I was a huge HSM fan growing up, so the opportunity to carry the legacy in some way is just an absolute dream come true. It's also a big honor to be playing a real-life theatre kid who loves the same things I'm passionate about!
SH: How similar are you to Ashlyn in real life? What things do you think fans of the show would be surprised to hear about you, based on the character you play?
JL: I definitely think Ashlyn and who I was at 15 are very similar. It's really fun getting to step into the shoes of my younger self and pull from personal experiences to help shape Ashlyn. I also wonder what fans would be surprised to find out about me! I feel like I'm an open book!
SH: What has it been like to grow up around entertainers your whole life?
JL: First off, loud in the best way possible! I grew up in a household where at least one person at all times was always singing. No, but really, growing up with a whole family who loves the same thing I love is extremely comforting and a wonderful gift. I always feel so supported and encouraged, not to mention the luxury of growing up with four acting coaches on hand.
SH: If you had to pick one moment as the highlight of your career so far, what would that be?
JL: One is hard! I will say a big stand-out moment was getting to travel to New York with the cast of HSMTMTS last year. We performed on Good Morning America at the end of a huge press week and it was such a surreal opportunity.
SH: What is the toughest thing about your line of work? What's the most rewarding?
JL: Something I'm trying to get better at is trusting myself as an actor! I'd say feeling proud of your work is the most rewarding feeling.
SH: Do you have any advice for people who admire you and want to accomplish the things you have?
JL: Always remember to find some element of fun within the work you do!
If you're obsessed with all things High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, click HERE to find out everything you wanted to know about Julia's HSMTMTS costar Olivia Rodrigo.