By Allison Hambrick
Actor Lucas Grabeel, of “High School Musical” fame, brought his talents and expertise to Atlanta as part of SCAD’s third annual AnimationFest. The festival took place from Sept. 26-28 and celebrated the art form that is animation through special screenings, behind-the-scenes insights, and opportunities to hear from leading industry professionals. “Networking is important today, and I love that SCAD provides so many networking opportunities,” said Catherine Ramsdell, Associate Chair of Liberal Arts at SCAD Atlanta, “Not only do events like AnimationFest provide students unrivaled access to industry experts, but SCAD’s team of communication coaches helps prepare students for these opportunities.”
Grabeel was chosen to receive the SCAD AnimationFest Achievement Award in recognition of his experience in voice acting for shows such as “Sheriff Callie’s Wild West,” “Family Guy” and the first Netflix NickToon “Pinky Malinky.” Upon receiving the award at a screening of the Dreamworks film “Abominable” on Sept. 26, Grabeel remarked that he has been “overwhelmed with an incredible sense of welcoming” and that he feels “like a part of the [SCAD] family.”
In addition to receiving an award, Grabeel had his own panel preceded by a screening of an episode of “Pinky Malinky” as well as a student-only masterclass on Friday, Sept. 27, which I had the pleasure of attending. He discussed leaving home to get his start in acting back in 2003, leading to early successes such as his work on the Disney Channel, and how he transitioned to voice acting as a result of his sister working for a casting agent for “Family Guy.” Grabeel outlined methods of becoming a character through developing their unique voice, noting the importance of practice and persistence.
According to D.W. Moffett, Chair of Film and Television at SCAD Savannah and Grabeel’s former “Switched at Birth” costar, Grabeel is a “great example of someone who never gave up and got a break.” Indeed, Grabeel himself stresses having a mentality of learning and growing as well as being willing to put yourself out there. Moffett said, “Good luck only happens to those who are prepared,” which he felt described Grabeel, whom he respects greatly, adding that he loves it when the good guys win.
When asked what his advice to aspiring actors and creatives would be, Grabeel noted the importance of remembering “the same fire in you when decided you wanted to do this” and the need to “have a visualization of that moment and go back to it” in times when you are discouraged.
