Ross Lynch seems to juggle a hundred things at once and somehow keeps up. The 17-year-old is headed into a summer packed with work and travel. Season three of the TV show Austin and Ally is about to begin filming, his band R5 hits the road on an international tour, and a new movie titled Teen Beach Movie is slated for release on July 19. The mix shows a performer who thrives on variety, taking on acting, music, and live performances all at once.
Teen Beach Movie blends acting with song and dance, starring Lynch alongside Maia Mitchell. The plot follows Brady and McKenzie, a couple in a high school romance whose plans collide when McKenzie reveals she will be heading off to college. During a surf session they tumble into Brady’s favorite 60s style movie, Wet Side Story, pulling the teens into that film’s storyline. Now the duo must steer the plot to a happy ending while navigating the chaos of two worlds colliding.
Details from a recent conversation reveal that Lynch excitedly shared his thoughts on the new film and his Canadian stops with R5. The discussion moved to life on tour and the balance between studio work and stadium days in the near future.
Filming took place in Puerto Rico, a backdrop Lynch described as uplifting and adventurous. The island offered warm water, lively beaches, and plenty of opportunities to catch waves and explore on days off. The experience left a lasting impression, tying the cast to the place in a memorable way.
Being on location with the group bred easy camaraderie. Lynch joked that Maia Mitchell was his closest partner on set since they share many scenes, yet the whole cast clicked right away. The Hawaii vibe was heavy on the friendship and professional trust behind the scenes.
Surfing features prominently in the movie, and Lynch admits he learned as he went. He had surfed a bit before, but the role pushed him deeper into the sport, and he found himself hooked and craving more waves whenever the schedule allowed.
Fans have their favorite moments too. Lynch cites several moments as standouts, including a scene where the fictional world starts slipping as other characters fall for the film’s couple. The moment is playful and funny, with a dash of real emotion when Brady discovers that McKenzie might be leaving for college later on.
Filming a musical offered a special rush for Lynch. The process felt like a party, with constant singing and dancing, and though he admits nerves at first about starring in his first feature, the result was exhilarating and rewarding for everyone involved.
Asked to compare a TV show shoot with a film, Lynch notes both sides of the coin. Austin and Ally moves fast with several cameras rolling, demanding bigger, broader expressions. Teen Beach Movie uses a single camera and tight framing, which makes performances feel intimate and in your face, even when the scenes are cinematic.
Beyond the film, the summer tour with R5 adds another layer of excitement. Two Canadian dates in Calgary and Toronto have fans buzzing, and Lynch says he loves visiting the country and its people. He jokes that Canada’s beauty rides on the kindness of the fans and locals alike.
The band R5 is a family affair, built from Lynch’s siblings and a close friend. The group’s chemistry comes from long years of playing together, and the honesty is part of what keeps their sound honest. If something isn’t working in a performance, there is no filter, and that directness helps the group stay tight. Even though they are family, playing music brought them even closer, and they are probably the closest siblings you could ever meet.
Before stepping on stage, the band shares a quick ritual, gathering in a huddle and shouting together to build up energy. The call to energy then shifts to a ready and rock moment that sets the tone for the show.
On tour Lynch carries practical items that make life on the road easier. An iPod accompanies him for downtime, and he and the others bring blankets to stay warm on the bus. He even built a portable studio with a laptop, an apogee and a microphone, letting him capture ideas wherever inspiration strikes.
Staying energized comes from focus and gratitude rather than caffeine alone, with a daily reminder of the opportunities at hand. He believes that staying hungry and thankful keeps him motivated and ready for what comes next.
Fan encounters are a constant, and while most moments are endearing, some stay with him forever. Mothers in particular are drawn to the band, and tour days have produced memorable moments, including funny run-ins where fans mistook him for his on screen character. These stories show the strong connection between the performers and their supporters, and Lynch takes them in stride with a smile.
With the film’s summer release and the tour on the horizon, fans can catch Teen Beach Movie on the Family Channel this summer. If tickets for the Big Ticket Summer Concert are on anyone’s list, they’ll want to secure them soon to see R5 live in action.
(Images courtesy of Disney Channel)