Olesya Rulin (Kelsi the songwriter/piano player in High School Musical 1 & 2)

Olesya Rulin...
• On getting into acting: "I'm from Russia, I came here when I was 8. I was very shy, very Kelsi-like so it is kind of ironic that I play her. When I was 12, my mother made me participate in a mall talent search contest and through that, I got representation. I started acting as a hobby to make friends and work on my social skills and it has turned out to be so positive for me. I've made 5 other Disney Channel movies.
• On making her character more glamorous: "I kind of like Kelsi the way she is. She's kind of getting more social and confident. I'm hoping in the third one that she comes full circle and doesn't hide so much behind her hat and glasses, maybe with an attitude of, 'Hey this is me, take me as I am.'"
• On the most environmental issue facing the planet: "One of my top five would be global warming. We're seeing polar bears drown which has never happened, so that is a problem."
• On pursuing acting as a life career: "Yes, I think acting is wonderful. Life is huge and I have an opportunity to learn as much as I can from this industry. It is a huge marketing ground and that's what I am going to college for. I have a double major in business marketing and economics with a minor in psychology. As an actress, what I do is market myself and I deal with people, which is psychology. So I'm living my dream and having a great time."

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UD's Review of the High School Musical 2: Extended Edition DVD