What started out as a made-for-television movie that grew to an international phenomenon has made its way to Dawsonville.

Students ages 6 to 18 performed in “High School Musical, Jr,”  April 16 through 18 at the Dawson County High School Auditorium.

Sponsored by the Dawson County Arts Council, 25 students dedicated three months preparing for the adaptation.

Auditions, which were held in January, consisted of a song and cold readings.

“We were so lucky that talented kids came and auditioned,” said Director Kaeli Brooke Caldwell.

The young actors spent 4-6 hours per week in rehearsals together. “What we mainly did in rehearsals was work on music and choreography,” said Caldwell.

Outside of group rehearsals, seventh grader Brittany Barron did everything she could to get into her character, Martha Cox.

“She is this super dorky girl. I [had to] be like ‘bam, here’s Martha.’ I had to take away Brittany. My friends would call me Martha. I would dress up and act like her at school. Even my principal started to call me Martha,” said Barron.

The one-hour show consisted of all scenes from the original “High School Musical.”

Caldwell said the show was a success.

“I think the turnout was better than we expected,” she said. “Without the support from the arts council, the production team, and all the hard work from the parents and their kids, this show would not have been possible.”