Millions of screaming teens across the globe know Lucas Grabeel. They know his look, they know his sound, and they know his every move. That’s because Grabeel, at just 24, has achieved worldwide fame and recognition for his role as Ryan in Disney’s mega-hit High School Musical.
“Disney has given me an amazing start. I wouldn’t have had the resources and contacts (with which to pursue new creative ventures) without them,” said Grabeel, by phone.
Voted by MTV in early 2009 as Most Likely to Do Big Things, Grabeel will make good on the award when he is recognized at the 15th Annual Temecula Valley Film and Music Festival as The Pechanga Maverick Star Award for Outstanding Career Achievement in Film and Music.
“I was completely surprised (by the award). It’s pretty awesome to be recognized in this way,” Grabeel said, noting that he is also excited to perform at the Awards Gala at the Pechanga Resort & Casino on Sunday.
Without a doubt, Grabeel is an accomplished actor, dancer, singer, and songwriter. His recent feature films include High School Musical 3: Senior Year, The Legend of the Dancing Ninja with David Hasselhoff, and a supporting role in Milk, alongside Sean Penn. And his growing repertoire features an impressive list of television appearances on shows like Smallville, Boston Legal, and ‘Til Death.
What fans may not realize is that Grabeel also has ambitions for a role behind the camera. In 2007, he founded 14341 Productions-a production company in which he oversees a variety of creative projects as writer, director, and producer.
“I love being a part of the creative process from beginning to end. I want to continue to grow as much as possible and I want to see what I can do to be part of the next generation of film and music,” he said.
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Grabeel credits his family as being extremely supportive-”I’m lucky to have known at a young age exactly what I want to do”-and a broad spectrum of professional influences as inspiration. “I listen to a lot of different (music), whether the artist is well known or not, because I enjoy experiencing new things.”
In addition to his live performances at the black tie Gala on Sunday and at La Cereza Winery on Saturday at 7:20 p.m., Grabeel will debut two music videos at this week’s film festival and a short film entitled Chuckle Boy. Fans can learn more about this and more of Grabeel’s work at www.14341.com or by following him on Facebook and Twitter.
The MusicFest takes place on September 11-12 and celebrates the talents of numerous unsigned artists. Hosted by Adam Gaynor of Matchbox 20, the MusicFest finalists will perform live at La Cereza Winery on September 11-12 from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10. Semi-finalists will perform at several of Temecula’s restaurants and lounges, including Baily’s and Old Town’s The Edge.
Call 951.699.5514 or visit www.tviff.com for details and an updated listing of film screenings and musical performances.
