The Official Website of Olesya Rulin

High School Musical

When I found out that I had gotten the part of Kelsi in “High School Musical” I had no idea that the movie would be the big hit it became. I thought that the songs were great and the dance numbers were very entertaining. I did feel that young people would love the movie, but I don’t think any of us could have predicted the phenomenon of HSM. I’m very grateful for being a part of HSM and being able to share in the success of the franchise .

I’ve often been asked in interviews if I could define exactly what made HSM such a success. For me I love the movie because of its innocence and how it captured the imagination of, what I believe to be, a very sophisticated youth audience. So I think that the music and dance coupled with a feel good story is the reason why HSM has caught on with millions. The wholesomeness of the movie is something special and I think rare. Young people are looking to be entertained and feel good at the same time. “High School Musical” does that.

I was also really able to identify with the main theme of the movie which was the idea of being true to one’s self. The movie focuses on the barriers of belonging to a specific group. We live in a world that dictates our behavior because of the environment we live in. I can definitely identify with that. I was born in Russia and came here when I was very young. There was the culture shock and I did “assimilate” to my new environment, but I will always maintain my individuality. I don’t see myself as a rebel, but in my way I’m “out of the box”, and I’m able to merge things together into something cohesive that works for me. I think that was what I brought into the character of Kelsi. Kelsi plays cupid to the Troy and Gabriella character—she gets them together. She’s also the floater in the crowd, the girl who talks to everybody regardless of who they are. She’s the type who brings people together.,

“High School Musical” has definitely changed my life, but it hasn’t changed me. It’s opened opportunities that I never thought would be possible. Oh, and of course I had the BEST time shooting the movie.