LIHU‘E — Registration for the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre summer programs is now under way for both the Summer Stars program in Lihu‘e and the HCT West program at the historic Waimea Theatre.
“Growing our youth programs with year-round classes and reaching out to other areas of our island is important to us at Hawai‘i Children’s Theater,” said HCT President Dolly Kanekuni.
“We have seen firsthand how caring for our kids by offering them opportunities to truly be themselves in supportive peer groups grows them into confident and creative adults. We are so grateful for our community’s generous support to make these programs possible,” Kanekuni said.
Due to growing demand for engaging educational programs for youth, HCT is expanding this year’s summer program by n an additional 30 students participating through the HCT West program at the historic Waimea Theatre.
Marly Madayag, one of the most experienced directors and teacher with HCT, is heading up HCT West Summer Theatre Bootcamp that will run daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for two weeks starting June 15 and culminating with three performances of “101 Dalmatians, Kids” that will be held on the final Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, of the bootcamp.
“Many families have had the chance to enjoy this historic Waimea Theater through feature films and community programs,” Madayag said. “I jumped at the chance to use this facility for stage performance and share this wonderful resource with Kaua‘i’s keiki, their families and our whole community.”
During the HCT West and Summer Stars programs, students have the opportunity to “play” with each other on stage and try different characters while learning theater fundamentals such as diction, inflection, projection, facial expression and physical expression.
These skills are valuable not only for first-timers, but also for youngsters preparing to audition for other upcoming productions. The key is collaboration and self expression — all young people will be encouraged and learn to take the stage with confidence, the women said.
Internships
Both the HCT West and the Summer Stars programs also offer opportunities for interns ages 15 and older. This includes a dedicated workshop and an opportunity to work alongside experienced instructors in the classroom and behind the scenes during performances.
HCT is also planning more programs for older students, including the annual After Dark Show in August, and a new message theatre troupe starting this year.
Summer Stars
Entering its 20th years, the Summer Stars program has grown to a six-week summer theater arts education program for youth ages 5 through 15 as well as internships for students older than 15.
Summer Stars is held at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse from June 8 through July 16, culminating with performances at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center July 16 through 19.
Kanekuni will be joined by a team of experienced instructors to offer daily training in acting, singing and dancing, with rotating workshops highlighting theater skills such as improvisation, costuming and makeup, stage combat and set design for students in the AM Rising Stars program.
The PM Rising Stars program will be led by Director Rebecca Hanson and focuses on the production of a musical, from auditioning to final performance. This year’s presentation is Disney’s “Moana Jr.,” and will feature performances starting with the Showcase Gala on July 16, and four additional stagings July 17 through 19.
Keiki Creative Director Jeremy Brown takes the lead in the Keiki at Play program for youth ages 5 through 7. This is a modified version of the AM Rising Stars to provide keiki with a theater experience geared for younger students.
Space is limited in these programs, and parents are encouraged to apply early to ensure spots. Financial aid is available to welcome all Kaua‘i keiki and youth.
Info: hawaiichildrenstheatre.org or 246-8985
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
