Things are starting to shape up for the upcoming sequel of the Disney musical "High School Musical." After the studio announced that it would come up with a sequel to the smash TV movie that propelled Zac Efron to stardom, thousands of hopefuls showed up in the auditions in their bid to score one of the lead roles in the planned "High School Musical 4."

According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, the announced open auditions held at the Anaheim Convention Center last month attracted roughly 5,000 participants, who were even treated to a pleasant surprise when "High School Musical" alumna Corbin Bleu showed up and gave a pep talk.

It can be recalled that it was in March this year when Disney announced that fans can look forward to another "High School Musical," which is described by Disney Channel President Gary Marsh as part of Disney Channel's "DNA."

"It embodies all that we stand for. As a way of continuing to embrace that heritage, we're excited to announce 'the start of something new' as we launch a search for a new class of East High Wildcats to star in a fourth installment of the 'High School Musical' franchise," said Marsh in a statement.

The held audition was part of the studio's effort to discover new talents who will be given a shot at stardom via the planned roles for "High School Musical 4." It was earlier reported by E! Online that the sequel will feature five new major characters for the sequel of the hit musical.

Out of the thousands who auditioned, only five will be lucky and given the chance to breathe life to any of the upcoming "High School Musical 4" characters:

• Erin: She is described as a badass soccer player who always pushes herself to the limits and is the only girl on the team. 
• Derek: He is the bad boy from another soccer team whom Erin falls in love with. Despite his bad boy image, he is a soft-hearted family guy who teaches little girls dance lessons at his family's dance studio. 
• Campbell: Despite being a hot soccer captain, he finds himself in disappointment after finding out that the girl he likes, Erin, wants to be with Derek.
• Nathalie: She is an outgoing cheerleader and Erin's BFF. 
• Tamara: She is East High's former queen bee and a cheer squad member who will attempt to regain the attention that was given to her by everybody in the past.

As of this writing, a premiere schedule for "High School Musical 4" is yet to be announced.