Disney's Launchpad for Young Stars

Disney Entertainment Television has been a stepping stone for budding actors since its start in 1996. In 2026, the company will celebrate two decades of "Hannah Montana" and "High School Musical", which launched the careers of stars like Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, and Ashley Tisdale.

Nurturing New Talent

Brenda Kelly Grant, the Senior Vice President, emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent for future projects.

The casting team at Disney understands that actors are still developing their skills. They offer support to help actors improve in areas like singing and dancing. This approach aims to create a supportive environment from the audition process onwards, encouraging actors to grow within the company.

Collaborations and Opportunities

Over the years, former Disney stars like the Jonas Brothers and Selena Gomez have returned to work with new talent. These collaborations provide young actors with valuable insights into the industry. It also allows former stars to explore new passions, whether on or off screen.

Grant highlights the vast opportunities available at Disney, from producing to voice acting. The company's senior leadership focuses on creating a welcoming environment for talent. This partnership approach allows actors to pursue their creative visions.

Exciting New Projects

With the release of Season 2 of "Percy Jackson and The Olympians", Grant is excited for audiences to connect with the young cast. Actors like Walker Scobel, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri bring the story of Camp Half-Blood to life. Grant hopes that the casting and performances resonate with viewers of all ages.

Inspiring Growth

Seeing the growth of actors like Walker, who started as a young kid and is now a young adult, is inspiring. Leah's enthusiasm for taking on new challenges reflects the company's goal. Viewers see themselves in these actors, relating to their stories and experiences. Disney aims to meet and exceed audience expectations with its talent and storytelling.