Bigbrolv (Future Producer)
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Olesya Rulin plays Kelsi Nielsen in the new movie, High School Musical 3: Senior Year
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Post by Bigbrolv (Future Producer) on Jul 7, 2008 11:44:00 GMT -5
High School Musical Series #8: Get Your Vote On!
(In School Meeting with Principal Matsui, Sharpay, Troy & Mr. Griffith)
(Sharpay and Troy are bored)
Griffith: Now, on the renovations budget. Mr. Bolton, Ms. Evans, would you please stand?
(They both stand)
Griffith: We have found some money in the budget that will cover the renovation of either the gymnasium or the auditorium.
(They both smile)
Griffith: Unfortunately, we don’t have enough money to renovate both areas. That means we’re going to have to make a hard choice.
Troy: Still, it’s great that East High gets any renovations at all.
Sharpay: Yes, it’s really wonderful! But how will you between two such worthy projects?
Griffith: That’s a very good question. In fact, the school board decided that this decision offers a great opportunity to demonstrate the power of the vote. For that reason, we’re going to let the student body choose which area should be renovated. Principal Matsui suggested that you two would be the best people to organize election campaigns and get students excited about participating in the democratic process. Starting on Monday, you will have one week to campaign for your cause. We’ll hold the vote next Friday afternoon at two p.m. That will give you five days to campaign.
(Sharpay was dreaming)
Matsui: Ms. Evans? Mr. Griffith was speaking to you.
Sharpay: Oh, sorry sir! My wheels are already spinning, trying to figure out the best and most honest way to run my campaign.
Griffith: Well, that’s good to her, young lady. We’re looking forward to seeing the campaigning process. As I was saying, keep it clean and fun, and try to get other students involved.
(Put hands on Troy and Sharpay’s shoulders)
Griffith: You can count on these two to run fine campaigns, sir. I know you will both keep the antics to a minimum and make sure East High comes out looking like a winner in the end.
Troy: Of course, sir.
Sharpay: Naturally, but the Drama Club will be the real winner. See you on the campaign trail!
(Go to their classrooms)
(In the gym)
Chad: Hey! How was the big board meeting, Mr. Bolton?
Troy: Actually, it started out pretty mind-numbing, but I have to say it got extremely interesting later on.
Zeke: How could a school-board meeting possibly be interesting?
Troy: Well, as it turns our, there is some money in the budget for a big renovation project, and……either the gym or the auditorium will get it.
Chad: Awesome!
Zeke: What do you mean, ‘either’?
Troy: Oh, I know. And I’m sure she’s already plotting away. She ran out of the meeting in such a hurry, there’s no way she and Ryan aren’t building their campaign as we speak.
Jason: Hey, Troy, if we win, we can get that new floor!
Troy: That was the first thing I thought of! So, I just wanted to let you guys know what was up. I’ll call Gabriella tonight and make sure she and Taylor and the Scholastic Decathlon team are on board. Okay, everybody think about what we can do for our campaign over the weekend, and we’ll meet on Monday to get this thing going.
Zeke: Right on!
Troy: Let’s do this!
(At Troy’s house & Gabriella’s house, Troy on phone with Gabriella)
Troy: Hey, Gabriella
Gabriella: Hi, Troy. How was the big meeting?
Troy: I have to run a campaign so that everyone could either vote for the gym or the auditorium to get some repairs.
Gabriella: Hmm. So the school board has already narrowed the choice down to either the gym or the theater?
Troy: Well, yeah. I guess they thought that since basketball games and musicals are the two biggest student draws, it would make the most sense to money there.
Gabriella: I guess that’s one way to look at it.
Troy: I thought you’d really be into this! You know, rockin’ the vote, getting down with the political process, learning how government works. Plus, how great will it be when we win? I can just see the look on Sharpay’s face.
Gabriella: That’s great, Troy. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. But I need to go. I have a lot of homework.
Troy: Wait! I wanted to ask if you and Taylor would join the gym campaign. With the two of you on our side, I’m sure we’d win by a landside.
Gabriella: Sure, I guess we can help out. Hey, did you still want to go to a movie this weekend? There are a couple that I’d love to see……
Troy: Yeah, sure. I gotta go, Bye.
Gabriella: Bye.
(The next day on the PA system of announcements in classroom)
Sharpay: Good morning, my fellow students! This is Sharpay Evans, everyone’s favorite East High icon. Wondering what I’m up to now? Well, I’m running a campaign for your vote. Yes, you! Ever sit in the auditorium, wishing you could see close-ups of your favorite performers? Maybe on a big screen? In high-definition? Well, you wishes could come true this Friday! Just cast your vote in favor of renovating the auditorium, and you will get all that and more! In fact……
Matsui: Okay, Ms. Evans. Thank you for you announcements.
Ryan: We are the Drama Club, and we approve this message!
Matsui: As I was saying, I’d like to thank Ms. Evans for her announcement…… I’d also like to point out that what you’ve just heard was a campaign speech. There will be a vote on Friday, and Sharpay Evans and Troy Bolton will campaign to convince you to vote for renovating either the auditorium or the gym. So, in the interest of fairness, Mr. Bolton will have his chance to make a short speech during tomorrow’s announcements. Looking forward to a well-fought but clean campaign all around!
(PA turns off and Matsui talks with Sharpay)
Sharpay: Hold on, making a speech during announcements was my idea!
Matsui: And it was a good one, Sharpay. But I have to give equal airtime to both campaigns. You understand that, don’t you?
Sharpay: Fine! At least I was first. I’m sure that made quite an impression on everyone at East High.
Girl #1: That would be incredible! So twenty-first century!
Guy #1: I don’t know. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of close-ups of Sharpay Evans……
Girl #1: Yeah, but still! It will make going to the auditorium so much more fun! You know, more like going to the movies!
Guy #1: I guess you’re right!
(Troy & Team enter, Guy & Girl leave)
Troy: You know what, guys? I think this campaign is going to be tougher than I counted on.
Chad: It’s Sharpay, dude! Like I said, you can’t underestimate the girl.
Jason: Nah, we have this in the bag! No one is going to vote to fix up an auditorium instead of a gym!
Zeke: That’s right! It’s just not going to happen.
Chad: I don’t know. Now all I can think about is seeing every pore on your face during your next big show.
Troy: Very funny. Look, I know you’re joking, but it’s time for us to get serious about this election or we’ll be tripping on the loose board in the gym until we graduate. Don’t forget about our first campaign meeting at lunch today……Gabriella and Taylor are in, too.
Chad: We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry
(Gabriella & Taylor come)
Troy: Are you all right?
Gabriella: Fine.
Troy: Okay. What’s first?
Chad: We need a slogan, man
Taylor: And we need a platform. People need to know what they’ll get if they vote for us.
Zeke: Yeah, what are we going to use the money for, Troy? Besides refinishing the floor, which is a given.
Troy: I think we should get a new scoreboard, for starters.
Zeke: Great idea! You know what else would be cool? Banners to honor some of East High’s past greats!
Chad: Not to mention the current stars!
Troy: Yeah! And there should be a big banner celebrating our championship, too.
Gabriella: Hold on, you guys! I wouldn’t be so sure that you’re going to win this election if I were you. Just because the basketball team is so popular doesn’t necessarily mean students will vote for you. Sometimes, it’s all about the underdog, and Sharpay, like it or not, is the underdog here. Just think of all the political upsets throughout history. When President Truman was reelected in 1948, no one saw it coming, especially his opponent! We don’t want that to happen to us.
Chad: Okay, Anderson Cooper! I’m pretty sure this one’s in the bag, but we sure do appreciate your optimism!
Gabriella: I’m just saying that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it! Well, I do have a few ideas……
(At lunch with Sharpay, Ryan, Alicia, Charlotte, Ashley & Eugene)
Sharpay: Welcome to the winning campaign! We are well on our way to getting a new light and sound system……
Eugene: Yesss!!!
Sharpay: As I was saying, we will also get the revamped dressing rooms we all deserved so much. Picture it! Spalike rooms for the stars of the show, painted in Zen colors, complete with piped-in music and waterfalls to relax us and keep us happy.
(Looks at everyone)
Sharpay: Don’t get any ideas, people! I will be the star! But you know I would never forget the little people. You will all have a common area with music and nice paint, too!
Alicia: Oh, and new chairs for the audience!
Charlotte: Yeah, those current ones make your butt hurt after a while!
Ryan: We haven’t won yet, and basketball is pretty popular at this school. We’re going to have to really sell the idea of renovating the auditorium.
Sharpay: Ryan, as campaign manager I expect you to exude confidence, optimism, and a firm conviction that we will not lose. After all, putting on a winning election campaign is just like putting on a successful show……and no one knows how to do that better than the Drama Club!
Ryan: Sorry, Sharpay
(Everyone left)
(Ryan and Ashley walking together)
Ashley: This is going to be great, Ryan! The auditorium really does need the renovation!
Ryan: I hope so! I mean, yes, you’re absolutely right! And thanks for helping us out, by the way.
Ashley: No problem! Sharpay has been so good to me; I really just want to give something back. Besides, I haven’t ruled out politics as a future career, so this will be good experience!
(Looks in Ryan’s eyes)
Ashley: You know, Ryan, you didn’t share any ideas on how to use the money. Is something wrong?
Ryan: Well, when I overheard the principal talking to Sharpay, he didn’t want any plasma-televisions. So, I think we lied to everyone about it.
Ashley: Oh…… I see. Yeah, I could see where you might be worried about that. Well, you know what? We don’t know that they won’t let us have plasma-screen TV, so it wasn’t really a lie.
Ryan: Thanks, Ashley. I’m really glad I mentioned it to you.
Ashley: You’re welcome! Well, time to go put up some posters! See you around!
Ryan: Yes, definitely! See you later!
(Ashley and Ryan head in different directions)
(In the hallway)
Troy: Gabriella! I can tell something is bothering you, and I’m not going to let you go until you tell me what’s up.
Gabriella: Honestly, Troy, it’s nothing.
Troy: Gabriella, I know you’re lying. One, because I know you really well. And two, because you’re a terrible liar. Come on! Please tell me what’s wrong
Gabriella: Well, it’s just that I feel like everything at this school is always about you and the basketball team or Sharpay and the Drama Club. I guess I just wish I played a bigger role in things!
Troy: Gabriella, you are the prettiest, smartest, most talented girl East High has ever seen. The only reason you feel left out is because you’re so good at everything! You don’t have to focus on just one thing, like me or Sharpay.
Gabriella: Is this part of your new campaign personality?
Troy: Yes. My name is Troy Bolton. Can I count on your vote?
Gabriella: I’m sorry, Troy. I don’t know what’s gotten into me! Anyway, the gym should get the renovation……so many teams use the space and so many events are held there. It’s the better choice.
Troy: See, this is why I need your help……you know just the right angle to play!
Gabriella: Thanks, Troy! Speaking of which……Can we meet after basketball practice? I have an idea I want to talk to you about.
Troy: You bet! See you then.
(In the locker room with Ashley & Troy)
Troy: Hey, Ashley. What are you doing here?
Ashley: (screaming) Hey!
Troy: Didn’t mean to scare you! What are you doing here?
Ashley: Oh, just some campaign stuff for Sharpay. To be honest, I think she wanted me to scope out the gym area to see if she could find out what you guys were up to.
Troy: Oh, really? So you’re working on Sharpay’s campaign? Well, I guess I better watch what I say around you.
Ashley: That’s right!
Troy: Listen, have you seen Gabriella? We’re supposed to meet here.
(Gabriella comes in)
Ashley: Hi, Gabriella.
Gabriella: Hi, Ashley.
Ashley: Well, I’m off. Now that the plasma-screen is probably a bust, we have to come up with a new strategy.
(Ashley leaves)
Troy: So the Drama Club can’t promise a super-state-of-the-art screen after all! That’s going to put a kink in their campaign!
Gabriella: You know Ashley came here on purpose to tell you that, Troy.
Troy: You think so? It seemed like she just let it slip out.
Gabriella: Troy, do you think she just happened to be hanging around outside the gym after school? No way. She was waiting to run into you and let you in on their little problem.
Troy: Well, so far her plan to woo me with inside information is a total failure.
Gabriella: So far?
(Chad, Zeke & Jason come from lockers)
Chad: Hey, Gabriella! Troy said you had a big idea you wanted to tell us about. So……?
(Gabriella leaves and brings Nathan James)
Gabriella: Okay, I know you’re all wondering why I’ve brought Nathan here to help with the campaign to get the gym renovated.
Chad: Um, yeah! No offense, Nathan, but you don’t seen like the kind of guy who even knows where the gym is.
Nathan: For your information, there is more to me than a razor-sharp memory and a brilliant intellect. I’ve also practiced the martial art known as tai chi for the last seven years, in order to enhance my mind-body connection, which has led me, on occasion, to the gym. And furthermore……
Gabriella: Furthermore, I decided that what we really need to win this election is a pollster. Someone who will interview people and find out what they’re thinking about the issues, how they intend to vote, and how we can make the best case to convince them to vote for us. That will give us the edge we need, and Nathan is just the right guy to do it.
Nathan: Indeed. Go team!
Chad: Let me get this straight. You want to help the basketball team? Since when?
Troy: Hey, come on, Chad! Gabriella’s right; we can use the help……
Nathan: If I may answer the question? I have no interest in helping you all get new helmets or whatever. I’m doing this for a very practical reason. Taking on a project like this could make all the difference on my college applications. It will add this extra dimension that will make me stand out from the crowd of average applicants. In fact, it could very well make me the most sought-after high school senior in the country!
Gabriella: No one’s smarter or more thorough than Nathan. And Taylor’s going to work with Nathan on the polling. I think they’ll do a great job. Now, let’s all get to the art room……we have some posters to make!
(In the Art Room with Nathan, Chad, Zeke, Troy, Gabriella, Taylor, Sharpay, Ryan & Ashley)
Gabriella: Wow, Sharpay! Your signs are fabulous. We really have our work cut out for us.
Sharpay: We? You know, Gabriella, you should come over to work for our side. You don’t really think Troy’s team is going to win the election, do you?
Gabriella: Of course I do! And I think the rest of the students will agree when they cast their votes on Friday.
Sharpay: Well, we’ll see about that! You and your winning team better get a move on. You can’t run on your precious basketball championship forever. We got our message out first during this morning’s announcements, we’ve got posters up everywhere, and we’ve already started to build a buzz. Face it, we’re already way ahead of you……and that’s just the beginning.
(Sharpay grabs Ryan and Ashley)
Sharpay: (yelling) Let’s go, people!!
(Sharpay, Ryan & Ashley leave)
Gabriella: Well, guys. Sharpay’s right about one thing. We can’t just assume we’ll win. We have to get out there and hit the hallways with our message.
Chad: Which is?
Gabriella: Get your vote on!
(In the hallway the next day)
Sharpay: (talking to random student) What exactly are you hoping for from the auditorium renovation?
Troy: We need your vote. Without the fans, the basketball team is just a bunch of guys bouncing a ball around. With the fans, we are school spirit; we are East High.
(Gabriella and Nathan run to Troy)
Gabriella: Troy! Nathan has some news to report. Can we talk in private?
Sharpay: What have we here? What is Nathan doing for you, Troy?
Troy: He’s just helping out behind the scenes. No big deal.
Sharpay: Oh, really? How very interesting!
(Looks at Nathan)
Sharpay: But why do you want to help get the gym fixed up? You’re so smart and cultured and, um, smart! I would think you would have a natural affinity for the theater!
Troy: Back off, Sharpay! Nathan’s working for us!
Sharpay: You may have gotten to him first, but he can still switch teams! If he wants to work for the winning team, that is!
Nathan: Actually, I’m not working for either campaign!
(Troy and Sharpay star at him crazily)
Nathan: I am working for the people.
Sharpay: The people? Who cares about the people?
Gabriella: We do! Because the voters are the ones in charge, not the politicians. And that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. The problem is that the people don’t care about us.
Troy: What do you mean?
Nathan: I’ll explain. My initial poll indicates that there is wide-spread apathy about this election among the student body.
Sharpay: In other words?
Nathan: In other words, they’re not going to vote for either of you. They just don’t care very much.
Sharpay: Why not?
Troy: Yeah, and what can we do to make them want to vote?
Nathan: I’m on it! That’s my next poll.
Gabriella: Come on, Troy! We have a lot of work to do. We should really get going.
Sharpay: Yes, you two go on and put your heads together. I’m sure you’ll come up with something great.
(In the auditorium with Sharpay, Ryan, Eugene, Ashley, Alicia & Charlotte)
Sharpay: Okay, people. What did I just hear? East High doesn’t care about the election! So what are we going to do? We’re gonna make them care! And how will we do that?
(Everyone is silent)
Sharpay: I said, ‘How will we do that?’
Ryan: In a way that only the Drama Club can! Wait till you guys hear the song I wrote for us to sing!
Ashley: Wait……what are you talking about? Nobody said I was going to have to sing.
Sharpay: Oh, don’t worry, Ashley. People will only be listening to me! You guys are just my backup. Today at lunchtime, we’re gonna rock the cafeteria! Then we’ll see about this apathy Nathan was talking about!
(From the PA system)
Matsui: Good morning, East High students! I have a quick update on the election. As you all know, the school board did find funds for school renovation……but the funds are not limitless. In other words, I’m sorry to say that, after pricing the plasma-screens used in theaters, we will not be able to afford one, no matter who wins, However, don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm for voting! There is still a choice to be made, and you, the students of East High, are the ones who will make it!
Sharpay: (to Ryan) Your song better be good!
Ryan: Have I ever let you down, sis?
(In the history class with Ashley & Troy)
Ashley: Hey, Troy! How’s your campaign going?
Troy: Great! But we need to get some election fever going in this school!
Ashley: I know, I heard. Whatever happened to the spirit of civic participation? I don’t get it. Doesn’t everyone know how important it is to vote?
Troy: That’s what I think, too. You know what one kid just said to me? He said that it didn’t matter if he voted, because everybody else would vote!
Ashley: No! Doesn’t he even care whether it’s the gym or the auditorium that gets renovated? That’s an extremely important decision!
Troy: That’s what I said! And then he said it didn’t make any difference to him one way or the other. How can we change that kind of thinking?
Ashley: It’s quite a challenge! I know that Sharpay thinks that offering the students some showbiz razzle-dazzle will do the trick……oops! I guess I shouldn’t have said that!
Troy: That’s okay, I’ll forget I heard anything. After all, I want to win this election fair and square……
Ashley: Especially since it’s supposed to be a huge secret that we’re going to sing a special song in the cafeteria today to rally people to our side. Oops, again!
Troy: I didn’t hear a thing.
Ashley: Really? You’ll forget I said anything?
Troy: My memory has been wiped clean.
Ashley: Thank you so much! I really wouldn’t want to damage Sharpay’s campaign in any way! I guess I just got carried away, because I know how much it means to you to get the gym renovated. And even though I would love to have nicer dressing rooms in the theater, I also really, really care about you being happy……
Troy: Um, yeah, thanks.
Ashley: And the rest of the basketball team, too, of course!
(Gabriella walks in)
Troy: Well, thanks so much; glad we could have this little chat; no reason for use to be enemies just because we’re on opposite sides. See you around!
Gabriella: Hey, guys! Glad to see you’re showing so much bipartisan spirit!
Ashley: What?
Gabriella: That’s what it’s called when two political parties work together. Except, you’re not really working together, right?
Troy: Oh, um, no. We’re just doing some bipartisan……chatting.
Gabriella: That’s what I thought.
(Ashley heads to her desk)
Gabriella: So what did she want, anyway?
Troy: Nothing much. I think we’d better put our campaign into overdrive, though. If we don’t, Sharpay could end up winning this election!
(At lunch with Troy, Chad, Zeke & Jason)
(Nathan runs to them)
Nathan: Hi, guys. Listen, I stayed up until midnight crunching the numbers from my latest poll. The results are fascinating. I discovered some very interesting patterns, especially when I did an analysis comparing the responses according to various demographic groups, such as the different grades. And the gender breakdown was also quite illuminating……
Chad: Dude, slow down and start over! You lost me somewhere after ‘Hi, guys.’
Nathan: Don’t worry, I’ll go over everything using one-syllable words when I’m done. Now, see, this is the most crucial bit of information that I extracted from all the raw data……
(Sharpay, Ryan, Alicia, Ashley & Charlotte get up on table & sing)
Sharpay: Hey, hey we want your vote!
Ryan: For that we’ll sing any note,
Alicia & Charlotte: Because we want a groovy stage,
Ashley: Now that musicals are all the rage!
(Everyone claps)
Chad: Well, there goes my appetite!
Zeke: Mine, too. And these tacos were really good.
Troy: I hate to admit it, but Sharpay’s idea was great. She knows how to get people excited about her platform.
Chad: So we just have to figure out how to beat her at her own game. There’s no way kids in this school would rather have some fancy theater lights than a cool gym!
Nathan: I’m afraid you’re wrong about that. As I was saying, support for the gym renovation shows a lot of weakness among non-athletes, who feel that they won’t get any benefit from it……
Zeke: But who’s going to benefit from fancy dressing rooms? The Drama Club, that’s who!
Nathan: That’s not the point. Sharpay has managed to frame her issue in a way that appeals to everyone. You heard the song: Now that musicals are all the rage! Everyone who went to Twinkle Towne……which is pretty much every person in this school……is going to think, ‘Oh, if I vote for Sharpay, we’ll get to see more great shows!’
Chad: So, you mean that because our man Troy here starred in that musical and did an awesome job, we’re going to end up losing out on an awesome gym?
Nathan: Well, that’s not quite the spin I would put on it.
(Everyone looks at Troy)
Nathan: Hey, guys, it doesn’t do any good to point fingers.
Troy: Yeah, let’s figure out how we can regain some traction in this election……and fast!
(At Gabriella’s house with Troy, Chad, Jason, Zeke, Taylor and Gabriella)
Troy: Okay, everyone. Sharpay did a great job today. We might as well admit it.
Chad: So the Drama Club sang a song! Big deal! That’s not going to be enough to get everybody to vote for the auditorium renovation!
Taylor: Sharpay doesn’t need everybody’s vote! She only needs to get one more vote than we get!
Troy: Right! So what can we do to fight back? We’ve got to think of a stunt that will get more East High students on our side!
(Everyone thinks)
Troy: How about this? We could hand out flyers explaining why voting for the gym makes more sense.
Chad: Good idea, dude, but it’s kind of……boring, you know?
Zeke: Yeah. I mean, the Drama Club sang! They danced! They had people cheering!
Jason: A flyer’s going to look pretty lame against that.
Gabriella: I don’t think it’s a bad idea! Sure, everybody got excited about their routine, but once they look at the facts……
Taylor: That would be great if people voted logically, but they don’t. As a scientist, it pains me to say this, but we won’t win the election through facts and figures.
Chad: Right! We need to come up with a really cool stunt that will be even better than Sharpay’s
Gabriella: I’m not sure we should be trying to think of a ‘stunt’. Take a look at this chart that Nathan made. So that means that, even if we come up with something great tomorrow, we’ll only have people’s votes until Sharpay comes up with something better. And in the meantime, no one’s even paying attention to the real issues.
Troy: You make a really good point, Gabriella. But I think these guys are right. My idea of creating flyers just won’t get the voters excited. Like it or not, we’ve got to beat Sharpay at her own game!
(The next day in the hallway; everyone is in one area)
(Sharpay and Ryan come in)
Sharpay: Hmm. I wonder what’s going on over there?
Ryan: I don’t know, but they look like they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Should we be worried, sis?
Sharpay: Of course not. When it comes to tricks, we can match and beat whatever they have!
(In the crowd with Troy, Chad, Jason, Zeke, Taylor & Gabriella)
Chad: Dude, we’ve really got Sharpay worried!
Troy: She should be! After all, thanks to you guys, we came up with not one, but two awesome ideas last night!
Taylor: I can’t wait to see their faces at lunchtime!
(Nathan runs over to show the results)
(They all become angry)
Chad: I can’t believe we’re losing!
Troy: They’re not that far ahead. We can still catch up!
Gabriella: Don’t worry! Remember, we’ve got a great event planned. I’m sure we’ll win over a lot of students today.
Taylor: Anyway, we haven’t lost until the last vote is counted.
Troy: That’s right! We’ve come from behind on the basketball court. We can do it here, too.
Nathan: Statistically, the closer it gets to Election Day, the harder it is to overcome any lead built by the opposing party. You only have a couple of days left.
(Sharpay comes in)
Sharpay: What is this I hear? Is Team Basketball getting worried?
Chad: In your dreams! Our only worry is how we’re going to celebrate our victory!
Sharpay: But as Nathan said, you only have a few days left, and even fewer ideas, I’m sure. Are you sure you don’t want to concede to me right now? It would really save everyone so much time and trouble.
Troy: Thanks for the offer, Sharpay, but I’m not ready to give in just yet! Although if you want to concede by the end of the day, feel free to give me a call.
(In the cafeteria)
(Cheerleaders come out with Troy, Chad, Jason, Zeke, Gabriella & Taylor)
Troy: Who always plays to win?
Cheerleaders: Wildcats! Wildcats!
Gabriella: Who needs a brand-new gym?
Cheerleaders: Wildcats! Wildcats!
Jason and Zeke: Who are the champions?
Cheerleaders: Wildcats! Wildcats!
Chad and Taylor: Vote, Wildcats! Vote, Wildcats! Vote, Wildcats!
All: Yay! Get out the vote!
Guy #1: Man, that was great! You’ve got my vote, for sure!
Girl #1: Yeah, I was going to vote for the auditorium, but the pep rally reminded me of how much fun I always have at basketball games.
Guy #1: And you guys won the championship! You totally deserve a better place to practice!
Chad: We can take this election to the bank!
Troy: Having a pep rally was incredible! That was a great idea, Taylor!
(Sharpay, Ryan and Ashley come in)
Sharpay: Yes, great idea. Though, of course, it was sadly derivative of what we did. If you want to keep the voters’ support, you should try to be a little more original.
Chad: Come on, Sharpay, lighten up! No one likes a sore loser!
Sharpay: Really? That’s an excellent piece of advice, Chad. You should keep it in mind on Friday……when you lose!
(Sharpay, Ryan and Ashley walk away)
Ryan: Wow, the cheerleaders really got that crowd fired up. My ears are still ringing!
Sharpay: Yes, yes, yes, their little stunt was quite impressive in its small, small way. And you know what? I’m actually glad!
(Ryan and Ashley stare at Sharpay)
Ashley: You’re glad that Troy might win?
Sharpay: Of course not! I’m glad that they’re finally offering us some competition. After all, it would have been hard to keep up the excitement all by ourselves. And this will spur us on and make us even more determined to win!
Ryan: You’re right. Tonight’s rehearsal should be great, now that we know exactly what we’re up against.
Sharpay: Ye-e-ss. But I was thinking more about using our newfound determination in slightly more, um, political way.
Ashley: I thought we were doing things in a political way. I mean, we’ve been painting posters and staging events and talking constantly to anyone who will listen to us about how important the auditorium renovation is……
Sharpay: Mmm, well, perhaps political wasn’t quite the right word. I guess what I really meant was that we should start doing things in a slightly more, well……
Ryan: A slightly more sneaky way?
Sharpay: Exactly! So, Ashley, I’ve noticed that you’ve been very friendly with Troy lately……
(Ashley looks scared)
Sharpay: I think that’s a very good approach. Keep talking to him, acting nice and cozy. He’ll let his guard down. That’s when you can sneak in a question or two about what they have planned.
Ashley: That’s a great idea, Sharpay! I’ll be sure to get on that right away!
(The next day in the halls with Troy, Chad, Gabriella & Sharpay)
(Nathan runs over)
Troy: So, Nathan, how’d we do?
Nathan: Well, it seems the pep rally was very effective. By a very slight margin……33 to 30 percent……more students are now planning on voting for the gym.
Sharpay: Those numbers can’t be right! The batteries in that little calculator you carry everywhere must be dead!
Nathan: I assure you, my calculations are always correct.
Chad: Yes! The new gym is ours!
Nathan: O wouldn’t get too carried away. My poll indicated that 37 percent of the student body is still undecided, which is a significant percentage. It’s still a wide-open race.
Sharpay: Ha! And we have something very special planned for today! What about you, Troy? Do you have anything to follow up your little pep rally?
Troy: Of course!
(Sharpay walks away)
Nathan: So, that’s it until tomorrow. I’ll do another poll this afternoon. Until then, good luck to you all.
(Nathan walks away)
Troy: Sharpay seems very sure of herself.
Gabriella: I know. I wonder what she has planned?
(In the hallway with Ryan & Ashley performing What I’ve Been Looking For)
(In the gym with Alicia & Charlotte performing Bop to the Top)
(In the classroom Sharpay, Ashley, Charlotte & Alicia perform “Dreamgirls”)
Sharpay: That’s the power of theater! Now everyone at East High knows what they’ll get when they vote for me……stunning, dramatic performances in a state-of-the-art auditorium that they will remember for the rest of their lives!
(Nathan popes in)
Nathan: Actually, no one will be voting for you
Sharpay: Excuse me?
Nathan: They will be voting for the auditorium renovation. Not for you, per se. For the auditorium.
Sharpay: Oh, well, whatever! The point is, I am well on the way to victory!
(Goes over to Troy)
Sharpay: Care to go ahead and admit defeat?
Troy: No way! You wait, Sharpay. This campaign isn’t over yet!
(They both walk away)
(In the library with Troy and Miss Falstaff)
(Ashley comes in)
Ashley: Having a hard time with the election? Or are you actually doing homework?
(Troy jumps)
Ashley: Sorry! I didn’t mean to disturb you!
Troy: That’s okay. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you’d be acting in some of the scenes that Sharpay’s been staging all over the school.
Ashley: I did a few scenes this morning, but I told Sharpay that I couldn’t participate this afternoon. I have a major geometry test coming up, and I’m terrible at geometry! I got permission to cine to the library during my lunch break so I could study.
Troy: Oh. Well, good for you. It takes discipline to focus on your studies……and it takes real guts to say no to Sharpay!
Ashley: (laughing) Thanks, Troy. Oh……is it all right if I join you? I’ll be as quiet as a mouse, I promise!
Troy: Sure. And it’s not like you’d be interrupting any deep thoughts on my part. I’m just making a list of things we need to do……
Ashley: If you want to bounce some ideas off me, go ahead!
Troy: Thanks, but I think I’ve got this wrapped up.
Ashley: Oh, okay. So, how are you feeling about the election? You know, since everyone votes tomorrow……
Troy: Good. Good, good, good. Excellent, in fact.
Ashley: Don’t worry, I won’t breathe a word of what you say to anybody else……not even Sharpay. After all, we’re sitting here as friends, right? And if you said something to me because I’m your friend and then I turned around and used that against you……well, that would be unethical, wouldn’t it?
Troy: Um……
Ashley: Don’t you trust me, Troy?
Troy: No, no, it’s not that. It’s just……
(Miss Falstaff comes in)
Falstaff: Troy, excuse me. I think I left my keys in the teachers’ lounge, and I can’t rest easy until I go find them. Would you mind answering the phone for me until I get back? It will only take five minutes, and it’s very quiet today……
Troy: Of course!
Ashley: Don’t worry. I’ll be here until the end of the lunch period trying to figure out this geometry! I’ll watch your stuff until you get back.
Troy: Thanks!
(Troy walks away and Ashley looks at notebook)
(In the hallway with Troy, Nathan, Chad, Gabriella and Taylor)
Nathan: Troy! Glad I caught you.
Chad: What is it, Statistics Man? Let me guess. You’ve been running some more numbers, right?
Nathan: Troy, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?
Troy: Let me hear the bad news.
Nathan: Okay. The bad news is that the dramatic readings Sharpay staged earlier today were very effective. The support for the auditorium renovation jumped twelve points.
Chad: That figures. After all, who can resist a good soliloquy?
Taylor: Wait, what does a twelve-point jump mean? Are we still ahead, or have we fallen behind in the polls?
Nathan: Excellent question. With twelve more points, Sharpay’s team has moved ahead. They are winning by nine points.
Chad: Nine points? It’s the day before the election! At this point, we should be dominating!
Troy: Don’t worry! Today’s our last push! The polls are open at two p.m. tomorrow, and all anyone’s going to be talking about is our last big surprise!
Taylor: Yeah, but who knows what else Sharpay has planned? You know she’s not going to stop now that the tide is turning her way.
Nathan: Well, there are still undecideds out there. And you do have……tomorrow until two p.m. to get them on your side. So, best of luck to you. I’m off to give my report to Sharpay now. I’ll see you guys later.
Chad: What? You’re going to tell her everything you just told us?
Nathan: Of course! I told you before; I’m a neutral participant in this election. I don’t support one side more than the other. In fact, if it were up to me, the school-board money wouldn’t be used for either the gym or the auditorium. After all, some students don’t really use either facility very often.
Gabriella: What would you use the money for, Nathan?
Nathan: Updating the computer lab, of course!
Chad: Of course. There’s a cause that will get everyone really excited.
Nathan: I realize that only the most academically gifted students care about such things. But if I couldn’t have a new computer lab, I guess I’d want……
Taylor: What?
Nathan: Well, it’s frivolous, I know. But it would be great to have a place to buy snacks in the afternoon after the cafeteria closes. Not junk, of course. I’m talking protein-rich brain food that would give every student the energy needed to study for that one extra hour that could make the difference between an A and an A plus!
(Chad grunts)
Troy: Well, today might be your lucky day, Nathan! Meet us in the courtyard right after school, and let’s see what we can do about hooking you up with a snack. Although, it might not be that healthy.
(In the courtyard)
Zeke: Step right up, folks, and hear all the reasons why you should vote for the gym! And by the way, enjoy a delicious treat at the same time!
Taylor: This is a great idea, Gabriella!
Gabriella: Well, everyone likes dessert!
Zeke: Especially when it’s a pastry.
Chad: Stop acting modest, Gabriella. You’re a political mastermind!
Taylor: When I run for president, I want you at my side.
Gabriella: Thanks, but Zeke’s the real hero. After all, if he didn’t know how to make awesome cupcakes, we would have been completely out of luck.
Troy: You were the one who created the basketball cupcake, though, Gabriella. That was a Valentine’s Day gift I’ll never forget.
Chad: And if we win the election, we’ll get a flashy, new high-tech scoreboard.
Girl #1: Cool!
Chad: It’ll flash slogans that people can chant! It’ll show instant replays from the game!
Girl #1: Awesome! Hey, can I have another cupcake?
Chad: Sure! In fact, you can have two.
(Sharpay, Ryan, Alicia, Charlotte, Eugene & Ashley come in)
Sharpay: What an interesting idea. Using food to woo the voters.
Chad: Interesting? Brilliant, you mean! Aren’t you sorry you didn’t think of it?
Girl #1: You know, I wasn’t going to vote for the gym, but I’ve changed my mind. These cupcakes are amazing!
(Nathan comes in)
Nathan: I can’t believe it! I haven’t had time to do a more precise analysis, of course, but my initial data indicates that the gym issue is now ahead. I just don’t understand it.
Troy: What’s to understand? Gabriella had a great idea, Zeke had a great recipe, and the rest, as they say, is just history.
Nathan: The reasons people are giving for their decision are so irrational! In fact, seventy-eight percent of the gym voters say they’re voting for the gym because they like cupcakes! Cupcakes! Although I do appreciate the after-school snack.
Zeke: Speaking of cupcakes……I know we’re on the opposite side and everything, but I would love for you to get to taste one of these delicious treats.
Sharpay: Thank you. But no. I have a feeling there might be something even better coming along.
(An ice cream truck comes)
Sharpay: Hello, East High! My name is Sharpay Evans, and I want your vote. Step right up to get your free ice-cream cone and to find out why you should vote to have our auditorium renovated so that it’s worthy of my talents!
Chad: I can’t believe it! She stole our idea!
Troy: Yeah. And she timed the ice-cream trucks to steal our thunder, too.
Gabriella: But how could she know we were going to hand out free cupcakes today? We all promised to keep it a secret.
Troy: I think this is my fault. Wow. Sharpay works fast!
Gabriella: What do you mean?
Troy: Of course, I can’t prove anything. But it seems like an awfully bid coincidence……
Chad: Dude, she totally spied on us to help Sharpay! I think we should have it out with Sharpay right now!
Gabriella: Wait a second! Troy’s right. We can’t accuse Ashley of doing anything wrong. And even if she did sneak a peek at Troy’s notebook, we don’t know that Sharpay asked her to. She could have been working on her own. You know, like a, a……a rogue operator.
Troy: You’re right. And there is an upside to this.
Chad: Okay, Mr. Positive, what’s that?
Girl #1: Mmm, I love butter pecan. I’m definitely voting for the auditorium. If Sharpay can pull this off, think what she’ll do to fix up the theater!
Girl #2: I still think it would be better to spend the money on the gym. Remember, there are dozens of events held there every month. The auditorium is only used a couple of times a week.
Girl #3: You know, at first, I wasn’t going to vote at all. But now, everyone’s talking about this election, and I’m getting kind of interested. And it is pretty cool that the school board is letting us decide……
Troy: That’s the upside, Chad. So what if Sharpay outmaneuvered us? At least we got everybody thinking about the election and excited about voting. And that’s what we wanted, right?
Chad: No, I thought we wanted to win!
(Sharpay walks over)
Sharpay: So, what do you think, Troy? Pretty amazing, huh?
Troy: Yeah, Sharpay, it was pretty amazing. In fact, it was great. I think we’ll have a great turnout when the polls open tomorrow. Although, of course, your free ice-cream cones were sadly derivative of our free cupcakes. You should really try to be a little more original, don’t you think?
Sharpay: Hmmph!
(Next day in hallway with Troy and the Wildcats)
(Nathan runs to Troy)
Nathan: When it comes to sweet treats, it’s official. East High students prefer ice cream to cupcakes, two to one.
Zeke: What? Cupcakes are pastries, lovingly stirred together, tenderly baked, and iced to perfection! Ice cream is just……frozen milk!
Nathan: Nevertheless, my polls don’t lie. Your campaign has fallen behind, and you only have a few hours until the election. All I can say now is……good luck.
(Nathan walks away)
Chad: He’s probably going to tell Sharpay the good news. Man, I don’t even want to think about how she’ll rub it in if she wins.
Gabriella: She probably will be pretty obnoxious
Taylor: She’s already unbearable! If she actually wins the election……she’ll be obnoxious to the tenth power!
Jason: That scoreboard would have been so cool
Zeke: And the banners. Don’t forget the banner.
Gabriella: Come on, guys, we can’t give up now! Remember, Troy gets to give a speech before the vote.
Chad: That’s true. And if anyone can convince people that renovating the gym is a good thing, it’s you, Troy.
Troy: Thanks, but it’s not all up to me. We’re a team, right? So what if we’re trailing by a few points! We still have time for a last-minute push. Let’s all divide up and talk to as many people as we can until two o’clock. With all five of us working the halls, we should be able to reach a lot of voters. Are you guys with me?
Taylor: You bet! I’ll get to every person in my chem lab. And I have a National Honor Society meeting right before lunch. I’ll talk to him, too.
Chad: I’ve got the south hall covered. And I’ll swing through the courtyard during free period.
Chad: Who’s going to win?
Everyone: We are!
(In the auditorium with everyone and Troy, Sharpay & Matsui on stage)
Matsui: Good afternoon, East High students! As you know, in a few minutes, you will begin voting on how our renovation money will be used. I would like to thank Troy Bolton and Sharpay Evans for running impressive and innovative campaigns. And I would like to thank all of you for the interest and enthusiasm that you have shown over this week for the election. Voting is a right and a privilege. I’m very encouraged to see so many young people who realize they can change their future by using the vote.
(Everyone claps)
Matsui: Now I’d like to invite Sharpay Evans to talk about why she thinks the auditorium and theater should be renovated. Sharpay?
(Sharpay walks up from the curtain)
Sharpay: Thank you, Principal Matsui! I have several reasons for why the auditorium should be renovated. One: We have an incredibly talented group of people in the Drama Club! Their hard work and dedication to theater should be rewarded! Two: Studies show that pleasant, well-kept surrounding can nourish the creative spirit. Think of how much better our productions will be if we have nicer dressing rooms and, perhaps, a new stage curtain. Three: Hel-lo? Primo musicals, anybody? You know we have the best shows in the state, if not the country! Yet other high schools have much better theaters and better equipment! Should East High lag behind? I say no! So, vote for the auditorium and keep theater alive!
(Everyone claps and screams)
Matsui: And now, Troy Bolton, to talk about why the gym should get your vote.
(Troy walks up from the curtain)
Troy: Well, um, I guess you guys all know that East High won the district basketball championship.
Chad: Woo-hoo!
(Everyone cheers)
Troy: Yeah, so, that was great. But we don’t have anything in the gym to show that we’ve got a top-notch sports program. Our scoreboard is missing a few bulbs. The walls haven’t been painted for years. We don’t even have any signs to celebrate our victories.
(Sharpay sighs)
Troy: And I don’t know whether people really know this, but the floorboards are in pretty bad shape. There’s one board that kind of sticks up, and it’s really easy to trip on……Plus, the games are kind of long, and I know that our fans get hungry. So I would also purpose building a concession stand, so people can get snacks at the game……
Sharpay: Wait, wait, wait! What’s this about a concession stand? You never mentioned that in your campaign material!
Troy: It’s a good idea, isn’t it?
Everyone: Yeah!
Sharpay: Well, I want a concession stand, too! In fact, I distinctly remember thinking of that last week! You stole my idea!
Troy: Sharpay, I think that if you examine my previous position statements, you’ll find that I have always supported concession stands at East High.
(Everyone cheers)
Troy: One more thing! Go, Wildcats!
(Everyone cheers)
(Backstage with Chad, Gabriella and Wildcats)
Chad: That was awesome! Where’s the victory party going to be?
Gabriella: Let’s not get too carried away!
(In the hallway on the TV screen; 534 GYM & 533 AUDITORIUM)
Troy: Here’s to a new gym!
(Sharpay, Ryan, Ashley, Alicia and Charlotte go to poll box)
(On the screen; 538 AUDITORIUM & 534 GYM)
(Sharpay, Ryan, Ashley, Alicia and Charlotte walk out)
Sharpay: Ha!
(The scores went up and down)
Taylor: Amazing! I’m adding up the totals in my head, and I think just about every student will end up voting!
Gabriella: Just think! Five days ago, people didn’t even care about the election! No matter what happens, this turnout is a victory for everybody.
Chad: I agree with you, Gabriella, but I’d still really like to see the gym renovation win!
(On the screen; 732 AUDITORIUM & 734 GYM)
Chad: Yes!
(Matsui comes in)
Matsui: The polls are closing in two minutes. Two-minute warning
(Everyone rushes to the polls)
(On the screen; 735 AUDITORIUM & 734 GYM)
(Sharpay grabs microphone from Matsui)
Sharpay: I’d like to thank every student at East High for this incredible honor……
Nathan: Wait! I can’t believe it! After all that work! I almost forgot to vote!
Sharpay: But I thought you weren’t taking sides!
Nathan: As a professional, I did my job in an objective manner. But as a citizen, I get to make my voice heard.
(Nathan goes to poll)
(On the screen; 735 AUDITORIUM & 735 GYM)
Sharpay: I can’t believe it!
(Sharpay points at Nathan)
Sharpay: This is all your fault! If you hadn’t voted for Troy……
Matsui: Exactly, students, this is an excellent demonstration of why every vote counts. And I’m proud of all of you for coming out today and making your voices heard.
Sharpay: Oh, who cares about voices being heard? No one won!
Ryan: We demand a recount! Maybe that computer system messed up! Maybe a circuit board overheated or something!
Eugene: The computer does not mess up!
Troy: Mr. Matsui, what does the tie mean in terms of the renovations?
Chad: Yeah. How will the school board decide who to give the money to?
Matsui: That’s a good point. Actually, I don’t think anyone made plans for this particular result.
Sharpay: Let’s have a runoff. I’m sure once East High students have a chance to think about their choices, they’ll decide to vote for me.
Troy: Bring it on. If some people switch their votes to you, I’m sure others will switch to my side.
Taylor: But then we’ll just end up with another tie!
Ryan: And we won’t get a better gym or a better auditorium
Gabriella: Could I make a suggestion? I think there is a third option here……
Sharpay: What are you talking about? Look at the ballot! There are only two things to vote for! One: auditorium! Two: gym!
Matsui: Wait a minute! Let’s hear what Gabriella has to say.
(Everyone looks at Gabriella)
Gabriella: Politics isn’t supposed to be about winners and losers, or at least not all the time. It’s supposed to be about compromise……figuring out the best way to help the most people, so that everyone gets a little bit of what they want. Sharpay wanted a concession stand for the auditorium. Troy wanted one for the gym. And Nathan……he was saying just the other day that it would be great to have a place to buy snacks in the afternoon, after the cafeteria closes.
Sharpay: What exactly is your point?
Gabriella: Why don’t we use the money to build a concession stand that is halfway between the auditorium and the gym? That way, basketball fans and playgoers can get something to eat when they’re at events, but all the other students will also benefit.
Sharpay: But what about getting our dressing rooms? And our new lights?
Eugene: And our new sound system?
Chad: Who cares about your light and paint? What about fixing our floor?
Zeke: And our banners and the scoreboard?
Troy: Wait a minute, guys. I think Gabriella’s idea is great. And maybe we’d have enough money for each group to get one thing they wanted, in addition to the concession stand. Would that work, sir?
Matsui: I’ll have to crunch the numbers, but I think it’s a real possibility! Why don’t we all meet in the library and see what we can figure out? Ms. Montez, I’d like to appoint you the mediator of the discussion. You’ve got just the kind of bipartisan approach that can really get things done!
(In the library)
Gabriella: Okay. I’m going to read what we’ve all agreed on. Ready? Instead of getting all-new lights, the Drama Club will get one new spotlight.
Sharpay: It is the most important light, after all!
Gabriella: Instead of an all-new sound system, they will get one new mixing board.
Eugene: Yeah!
Gabriella: And instead of having a decorator redo the dressing rooms, the basketball team will help the Drama Club repaint the rooms.
Chad: Maybe we can even work off some detention while we’re at it.
Gabriella: The gym floor will be fixed, but the basketball team will have to give up the new scoreboard. And the members of the Drama Club will help make banners to hang in the gym and will work with the basketball team to paint the Wildcats’ logo on the walls.
Troy: Agreed.
Gabriella: So, I’d kike a show of hands. All in favor!
(Everyone raises their hands)
Gabriella: All opposed!
(They put hands down)
Gabriella: Then we’re done!
(Everyone claps and cheers)
Chad: Now it’s time to grab some pizza! All this talk about politics has made me hungry!
(Everyone start to leave except for Sharpay and Ryan)
Troy: What are you guys waiting for? Come grab a slice with us!
Sharpay: Really? I mean, we did have a pretty hard-fought campaign……
Gabriella: And now we’re working together. Come on. The sodas are on me!
THE END!!!
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(kisses)