HCT UPDATES!
Hawaiʻi Children’s Theatre honors the life and legacy of our beloved Vice President, Melissa McFerrin Warrack
(January 7, 1971 – November 7, 2025)
Melissa poured her heart into HCT. Her love for theatre, her belief in Kauaʻi’s youth, and her constant push for more creativity and opportunity shaped every part of our organization—from HCT Academy to Summer Stars. She gave her time, energy, and joy to this community, and her impact can be felt in every class, every rehearsal, and every child who found confidence on our stage.
We will miss her dearly. Melissa remains with us in all things HCT—her spirit, passion, and kindness continue to guide our work and inspire the programs she helped build.
Melissa’s family asks that donations be made to Hawaiʻi Children’s Theatre in her honor. Contributions will support the programs and young people she cared for so deeply, ensuring her legacy lives on through the work she loved.
Upcoming HCT Academy Classes!
Join the fun at HCT Academy, where creativity and confidence take center stage!
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Little Stars, Big Imagination (Ages 4–7)
Saturdays, Jan 10–Mar 14 • 9–10 am • Puhi Theatrical Warehouse
Playful intro to theatre with storytelling, movement, and music. -
Intro to Acting (Ages 8–16)
Saturdays, Jan 10–Feb 28 • 10:30 am–12 pm • Puhi Theatrical Warehouse
Learn acting basics and prepare to audition for the Spring Play! -
Spring Break Bootcamp! “Dinosaurs Before Dawn” (Ages 8–15)
Mar 16–20 • 9–10 am • Lihue
One week of acting, singing, dancing — ending with a student show! -
Spring Play “The Day the Internet Died” (Ages 8–16)
Auditions Mar 7 • Rehearsals Mar 28–May 30 • Shows Jun 4–5
A full stage production experience from audition to curtain call. -
Broadway Bound: Acting Through Song (Ages 12–18)
Jun 1–5 • 1–4 pm • Puhi Theatrical Warehouse
Musical theatre intensive with Broadway conductor Jason DeBord.
Meet HCT Alumni, Sydney Agudong!
From the Garden Island to the global stage, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong has stayed grounded by the people and place that shaped her. In this heart-centered conversation, she sits down with Hōʻike’s Tricia Allen to talk about her artistic journey, her family’s powerful support, and why Kaua‘i will always be home.
Sydney opens up about growing up with fellow performer (and sister!) Sienna Agudong, the sacrifices her parents made to support their dreams, and how her stage beginnings at Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre led to roles in At Her Feet, and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake. Plus, she gives us a peek into her music career as Jayne Doe, and the creative spark behind her song Welcome to Hollywood.
HCT PROGRAMS
See what Kauaʻi is saying about HCT...
I love Hawaii Childrenʻs Theatre! They teach me a lot about acting and performing and they do it in a fun way, and I get to meet other kids that enjoy it too.
Ululena Vincent
Our daughter, Aileia, has been a part of Hawaii Children’s Theatre for three years now. She looks forward to each production as she always makes new friends and gets to do what she loves to do, be on stage! As parents we’ve seen so much growth in her confidence, voice, and dance! Thank you, HCT!
Shelly and Joe Cassler
HCT has been life changing for our daughter. Not only has she got to pursue her passion of being on stage she has learned life long lessons around theater, auditions and has made life long friendships. She feels at “home” at the Puhi warehouse or War Memorial! Mahalo to HCT and all you bring to the keiki, the community and the island
Cristina Robert “Wonka’s Mom” aka Halley Robert
HCT gave me the space to imagine, challenges to grow from, and permission to mess up. I’ll always be grateful for the ways it shaped me—onstage and off.
Taj Gutierrez
We are grateful for the many opportunities Hawaiʻi Children’s Theater provides to not just learn about acting and performing, but also about stage and multi-media production. To see our keiki so happy and proud of everything she creates is what it’s all about for us.
Carden & Erika Vincent
Board of Directors/Staff
Jennifer Easterly
DIRECTOR
Debra Blachowiak
PRESIDENT/TREASURER
Carolyn Price
DIRECTOR
Mardi Maione
DIRECTOR
Dolly Kanekuni
SECRETARY
Melissa McFerrin Warrack
VICE PRESIDENT
Greg Doland
DIRECTOR
Anthony Vastola
DIRECTOR
Carol Lloyd
DIRECTOR
Tom Frascatore
ARTISTIC COORDINATOR


