SUMMER STARS
AM Program: Rising Stars + Keiki at Play
AGES: 5 – 15
The AM session focuses on nurturing creativity and building performance skills in a supportive environment. Participants are grouped by age and experience, with a dedicated instructor accompanying younger students (our Keiki). The program covers the triple-threat skills—singing, dancing, and acting—through classroom sessions, workshops, and personalized coaching. The session culminates in a Cabaret-style performance, ideal for small groups and adaptable to various levels, from first-time performers gaining confidence to experienced young artists honing their craft.
PM Session - Full Scale Production
AGES: 8 – 15*
The PM session is a production-oriented camp where students take the skills they’ve developed and put them to work in a full-scale theatrical production. This hands-on experience lets young actors dive into every aspect of bringing a show to life—from character development and stagecraft to teamwork and the excitement of performing for a live audience.
*Previous performance experience OR registration in AM Summer Stars session required.
Summer Stars is Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre’s flagship summer program, offering a dynamic and transformative performing arts experience for Kauaʻi’s youth. Over six exciting weeks, students of all levels gain hands-on experience in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre, culminating in live performances that showcase their talents and hard work.
🌈 A Program for Every Star
At HCT, we believe theatre is for everyone. Summer Stars offers scholarships and work-study opportunities to ensure all children have the opportunity to shine.
Whether your child is a first-time performer or an experienced artist, Summer Stars is the perfect place to ignite creativity, build confidence, and experience the joy of live theatre on Kauaʻi.
THEATRE ACADEMY
HCT Academy is Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre’s registration-based performing arts program, designed to nurture creativity, build skills, and inspire confidence in young people of all experience levels. Open to students ages 8–18, HCT Academy offers workshops and classes that focus on the fundamentals of theatre—including acting, voice, movement, improvisation, and stagecraft.
Led by experienced teaching artists and theatre professionals, each session provides a supportive and engaging environment where students can:
🎭 Learn and practice core performance skills
🎤 Develop stage presence and storytelling abilities
🎬 Explore creative expression through acting exercises and group activities
🌺 Build confidence, teamwork, and friendships
Unlike our audition-based programs, HCT Academy welcomes all students through open registration, providing a safe and encouraging space to explore the world of theatre. Whether your child is stepping onto the stage for the first time or looking to refine their craft, HCT Academy offers a fun, educational experience that’s tailored to their growth and development.
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION
Each fall, Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre’s Mainstage Production brings together Kaua‘i’s diverse talent—from keiki to kūpuna—for a fully staged, Broadway-style musical that lights up the island. This exciting, audition-based program is open to performers and crew ages 8 through adult, offering the chance to develop skills in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre while working as part of a dynamic, intergenerational team.
Over several months of rehearsal and preparation, participants learn the art of theatrical storytelling while building confidence, teamwork, and lasting friendships. Under the guidance of HCT’s professional directors, choreographers, and designers, performers experience the full magic of live theatre—from the first audition to the final curtain call.
🎭 Important Note: Participation in the Mainstage Production is based on auditions. Roles are cast according to the needs of the show and the talent demonstrated during the audition process. While we encourage everyone ages 8 through adult to audition, not all who audition will be cast.
AFTER DARK
HCT After Dark is Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre’s audition-based program for performers and creatives ages 15 and up. This bold and adventurous program offers a space for actors, technicians, and creatives to explore edgier productions, thought-provoking material, and advanced theatrical techniques.
Participants will have the opportunity to tackle more mature themes and complex characters, deepening their skills in acting, directing, and technical theatre. Under the guidance of HCT’s professional directors and designers, After Dark presents fully staged productions that challenge and inspire.
🎭 Important Note: Participation in After Dark is based on auditions. Roles are cast according to the needs of the show and the talent demonstrated during the audition process. While we encourage everyone ages 15 and up to audition, not all who audition will be cast.
If you’re ready to take on complex roles, dive into deeper material, and challenge your artistry, HCT After Dark offers a unique and rewarding theatrical experience.
