The next installment of the highly successful "High School Musical" TV movie franchise is coming to theaters on October 24, 2008 and Disney announced today that it has added three young talents to the cast of High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

Joining the well-known cast of Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman will be Matt Prokop, Justin Martin, and Jemma McKenzie-Brown as sophomore "Wildcats" in the movie.

Matt Prokop Photo: Business Wire

Justin Martin Photo: Business Wire

Jemma McKenzie-Brown Photo: Business Wire

Director Kenny Ortega commented on the announcement:

“Peter Barsocchini’s exciting script for ‘High School Musical 3’ called for the addition of three sophomore characters, so we set out on a massive casting search across North America and England to find just the right young actors to play the parts. We think these talented performers will bring lots of humor, new twists, and musical fun to the film. Jemma was one of the many young actresses that we met in London, and she impressed us with her singing and dancing, in addition to being very exciting and effervescent. Matt has a terrific personality, and a great sense of comedy and fun. And Justin had a great presence and charisma, besides being a wonderful comedic actor who could really dance. I am confident that the three new actors joining our original cast will help to bring great musical thrills, surprises and a lot of fun to Senior Year and the halls of East High.”

In High School Musical 3, high school seniors Troy and Gabriella are facing the prospect of being separated from one another as they head off in different directions to college. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.

Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Press Release