HCT Programs · Fall Production
Big Shows. Big Dreams. One Incredible Community.
HCT’s Mainstage production is the organization’s large-scale annual fall musical.
Season
August – November
Format
Audition Based
Performers
Youth & Adults
Production
Full-Scale Musical
Current Mainstage Production
The Wizard of Oz
HCT Mainstage presents The Wizard of Oz , a classic, magical, family-friendly journey down the Yellow Brick Road featuring a talented cast of adult and student performers from our community. Special Food Bank Fundraiser Pricing Sunday, Nov. 22 ONLY: $10 admission with the donation of a canned good or monetary contribution to a Kauaʻi food bank. HCT Mainstage presents The Wizard of Oz , the beloved musical adventure that has captivated audiences for generations. This special community production brings together talented adult performers and student actors to tell the timeless story of Dorothy, Toto, and the unforgettable characters they meet along the Yellow Brick Road. Together, this multigenerational cast brings Oz to life with heart, humor, music, and imagination as Dorothy searches for home and her friends discover courage, heart, and wisdom along the way. Filled with unforgettable songs, vibrant characters, and timeless themes of friendship and bravery, The Wizard of Oz is a magical theatrical experience for audiences of all ages and a celebration of the incredible talent found throughout our Kauaʻi community.
Performances
Nov 20 – Nov 29
Venue
Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St, Lihue
Cast & Families
Auditions are only the beginning. Mainstage involves months of rehearsal, technical work, performances, and a large team of families and volunteers.
Commitment
Casting depends on talent, the needs of the show, availability, preparation, and the ability to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule.
Financial assistance is available.
The Big One
About Mainstage
Each fall, HCT’s Mainstage brings together Kauaʻi’s remarkable talent from keiki to kūpuna for a fully staged, Broadway-style musical.
Performers and crew ages 8 through adult work as one intergenerational company, developing skills in acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre, teamwork, and professional production practices.
Take the Stage
Who Can Audition?
Performers ages 8 through adult are encouraged to audition. Mainstage is audition-based, and roles are cast according to the needs of the show, the audition, and availability.
Auditioning does not guarantee casting. Every person who auditions, however, has an opportunity to show what they can do.
From Sign-Up to Spotlight
The Audition Process
- ▸Sign up for an audition time.
- ▸Prepare the requested audition material.
- ▸Attend your audition ready to sing, act, move, and take direction as requested.
- ▸Callbacks may follow for specific roles.
- ▸The artistic team makes casting decisions based on the needs of the production.
- ▸After the cast list is announced, rehearsals begin.
August through November
The Rehearsal Experience
Mainstage rehearsals build over several months, beginning with music, choreography, blocking, and scene work and progressing toward full runs, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
The rehearsal calendar may change as the production develops. Cast members are expected to communicate known conflicts early and keep rehearsal and performance dates available.
Learn From the Pros
Professional Production Experience
Mainstage is a full theatrical production. Participants work alongside experienced directors, choreographers, music directors, designers, technicians, musicians, and stage managers from first rehearsal through final curtain.
On Stage and Off
Performance & Technical Opportunities
Mainstage needs more than actors. Students and adults may also help with stage management, sets, lights, sound, costumes, quick changes, props, orchestra, front of house, and other production areas.
HCT Mainstage
Cast & Parent Handbook
A guide to auditions, rehearsals, preparation, performances, volunteer expectations, theatre etiquette, and life backstage during an HCT Mainstage production.
Jump to a Section
Before Casting
Auditions, Casting & Supporting Your Performer
Before Casting
Auditions, Casting & Supporting Your Performer
Auditions are an important part of theatre, and they can also be emotional. Performers may be excited, disappointed, nervous, or surprised by the role they receive.
Helpful
- Let your child express their feelings.
- Encourage them to focus on what they can learn from the experience.
- Help them see opportunities within the role they receive.
- Celebrate preparation, courage, and growth.
Avoid
- Comparing your child to another performer.
- Asking the artistic team to change a role simply because your child hoped for another.
- Assuming that role size determines importance.
Casting is part of a larger production puzzle. Every role contributes to the story, and every cast member is expected to support the full company.
Commitment
Rehearsal Schedule, Attendance & Professionalism
Commitment
Rehearsal Schedule, Attendance & Professionalism
The rehearsal schedule and calendar are created after auditions and may change throughout the process. Not every actor is called to every rehearsal.
Conflicts
All known conflicts should be reported during auditions and before casting whenever possible. Once rehearsals begin, new conflicts should be communicated immediately.
- Arrive early enough to use the restroom, get settled, and be ready to work at the scheduled start time.
- Missing rehearsal may affect staging, choreography, scenes, or role responsibilities.
- If you must miss a rehearsal, notify the appropriate director or stage management contact as soon as possible.
- Study lines, music, choreography, and notes outside rehearsal.
- Use respectful language and behavior.
- Stay focused when other performers are working.
- Directors and designated artistic staff give acting, music, dance, and staging notes.
Putting It All Together
Technical Rehearsals, Dress Rehearsals & Other Special Calls
Putting It All Together
Technical Rehearsals, Dress Rehearsals & Other Special Calls
Technical Rehearsals
The company moves into the theatre and integrates lighting, sound, scenery, special effects, orchestra, and other technical elements.
Dress Rehearsals
Full costumes, hair, makeup, scene changes, technical elements, and performance conditions come together.
Sitzprobe
A rehearsal focused on integrating the singers with the orchestra or instrumental ensemble.
Costume Parade
Cast members appear in costume so the production team can inspect the complete look and make needed adjustments.
Be Prepared
What to Bring to Rehearsal
Be Prepared
What to Bring to Rehearsal
Clothing
- Comfortable, movement-ready rehearsal clothing
- Dancewear when requested
- Clean socks
- No bare midriffs
- No overly short rehearsal clothing
Shoes
- Closed-toe rehearsal shoes
- Dance shoes when requested
- Performance footwear as assigned
- No slippers
Other
- Water bottle
- Snack or meal as needed
- Script
- Pencil and eraser
- Music or other rehearsal materials
Your Character's Look
Costumes, Makeup & Personal Responsibilities
Your Character's Look
Costumes, Makeup & Personal Responsibilities
HCT supplies the primary production costumes, but cast members may be asked to provide basic personal items such as undergarments, undershirts, socks, shoes, or base layers.
Cast members may also be asked to provide their own basic makeup kit or personal makeup items for hygiene reasons.
Costume Care
- Treat costumes carefully.
- Do not eat or drink while in costume unless specifically allowed.
- Return costume pieces to the assigned place.
- Report damage immediately.
- Do not leave the theatre wearing production costumes or costume pieces.
The Village Behind the Curtain
Parent & Family Volunteer Roles
The Village Behind the Curtain
Parent & Family Volunteer Roles
Mainstage requires significant family and community support. Volunteer roles change according to the production, but opportunities commonly include:
Before the Production
Publicity, lobby displays, set load-in, set building, props, costumes, and production preparation.
During the Run
Lobby, baked goods, backstage support, hair and makeup, stage crew, concessions, and front-of-house assistance.
After the Show
Costumes, cast celebration, strike, cleanup, storage, and returning the theatre to its normal condition.
Showtime
Theatre, Backstage & Dressing Room Etiquette
Showtime
Theatre, Backstage & Dressing Room Etiquette
Backstage
- Stay quiet enough backstage for performances and cues to be heard.
- Keep backstage pathways clear.
- Remain in your assigned area unless directed otherwise.
- Be ready for entrances and costume changes.
Dressing Rooms
- Keep your area clean and organized.
- Keep food and drinks out of costume and dressing areas unless permitted.
- Respect the belongings, privacy, and space of other performers.
- Never take costume pieces that are not assigned to you.
- Leave valuables at home whenever possible.
Curtain Up
Performance Days & Call Times
Curtain Up
Performance Days & Call Times
Call time is the time a cast member is expected to arrive at the theatre. It is earlier than the public performance time so there is time for makeup, costumes, warm-up, notes, microphone checks, spacing, and other preparations.
Cast members should arrive by their assigned call time fully prepared with required items. Specific call times are communicated for each performance.
Bring to the Theatre
- Required makeup
- Performance shoes
- Assigned costume pieces
- Socks or underlayers
- Water bottle
- Meal or snack when needed
- Small container or bag for personal items
Community Performances
School Performances
Community Performances
School Performances
Some Mainstage productions include weekday school performances for Kauaʻi students. When scheduled, cast, staff, and required crew are expected to attend.
Families will receive the school performance dates and times in advance. When needed, HCT can provide participation information for schools and employers.
Performance Nerves
Helping Performers Manage Stage Fright
Performance Nerves
Helping Performers Manage Stage Fright
Feeling nervous before a performance is normal. The goal is not always to eliminate nerves, but to help performers use that energy and stay focused.
Accept
Let your performer know that nervousness is normal and does not mean they are unprepared.
Breathe
Slow breathing, stretching, and familiar warm-up routines can help calm the body.
Center
Focus on the story, the character, the music, and the work rather than on the audience or fear of mistakes.
Most importantly, remind performers to enjoy the experience. The opportunity to perform live is part of what makes theatre special.
The Language of Theatre
Mainstage Glossary
The Language of Theatre
Mainstage Glossary
Backstage
The area behind or around the stage that is not visible to the audience.
Blocking
The planned movement and positioning of actors during a scene.
Break a Leg
A traditional theatre expression meaning good luck.
Call Time
The time a cast or crew member is expected to arrive.
Cast Party
A celebration following the production.
Conflicts
Dates or times a performer is unavailable.
Costume Parade
A rehearsal or review where costumes are inspected by the production team.
Front of House
The public-facing area of the theatre, including lobby and audience spaces.
Load-In
Moving sets, costumes, props, and production materials into the theatre.
Off Book
Having lines, lyrics, and required material memorized without using the script.
Props
Objects used by performers or placed onstage as part of the production.
Sitzprobe
A rehearsal integrating singers and orchestra, traditionally with limited staging.
Strike
Removing sets, props, costumes, and equipment after the final performance.
Will Call
A location where reserved tickets may be picked up.
Need Help?
Contact HCT
Need Help?
Contact HCT
Phone: 808-246-8985
Email: info@hctkauai.org
Every Keiki Deserves the Stage
Financial Assistance
Hawaiʻi Children's Theatre believes finances should not prevent a young person from participating in theatre, and requests are handled confidentially and simply. Financial assistance is built right into registration:
- ✦ Select the financial aid payment plan option when you register.
- ✦ You'll be sent a form to complete afterwards.
- ✦ If approved, a credit is added to your account and you're notified through HCT's registration software — to accept it, simply continue as you were.
- ✦ If you need to drop, just let us know within a week.