HCT Programs · Summer
Three AM theatre bootcamps. One PM production. One incredible summer of theatre.
Summer Stars is Hawaiʻi Children's Theatre's signature summer performing arts program. Families can build the experience that works best for them by choosing from three AM theatre bootcamps, our PM full production, or a combination of programs.
Ages
AM 5–15 · PM 8–15
AM Program
Three Bootcamps
PM Program
Full Production
Current Schedule
See program listings below
Before You Register
Summer Stars is a collaborative theatre experience. Attendance, preparation, and professionalism matter because every performer is part of an ensemble.
For Families
Everything from daily schedules and what to bring to volunteering, pickup policies, tickets, safety, and FAQs is in our online Parent Handbook.
Summer Stars Programs
AM Summer Stars · Ages 5–158:00 AM – 12:00 PMThree separate two-week bootcamps, each with its own focus. Join one, two, or all three for a whole summer of theatre.
Rehearsals & performances at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse
Financial assistance is available.
PM Summer Stars · Ages 8–151:00 PM – 5:00 PMA full-scale theatrical production working with a director, music director, choreographer, designers, and technicians from first rehearsal to final bow.
Rehearses at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse · Performs at the KCC Performing Arts Center
Financial assistance is available.
AM Program · Bootcamps 1 & 2
Bootcamps 1 and 2 are two-week musical theatre production experiences for ages 5–15. Students spend the session rehearsing a mini musical or theatrical production through acting, singing, dance, blocking, character work, and ensemble rehearsal.
These first two AM bootcamps follow a production-style rehearsal structure, with larger rehearsal blocks devoted to building the show.
Each bootcamp culminates in a public performance. Current production titles, dates, times, locations, tuition, and registration information are listed above.
AM Program · Bootcamp 3
Bootcamp 3 is intentionally different from the first two. Students rotate through four workshops each day, exploring different areas of theatre and performing arts with HCT teaching artists and guest instructors.
The workshop lineup changes depending on the summer's teaching artists and opportunities. Possible workshops include:
PM Program · Full Production
The PM program is a full-production experience for ages 8–15. Students work with a director, music director, choreographer, designers, technicians, and other theatre artists to rehearse and perform a complete production.
Rehearsals use larger production blocks for music, dance, blocking, scene work, run-throughs, and polishing the final show.
Current production titles, dates, times, performance schedules, locations, tuition, and registration information are listed above.
Flexibility
Students may participate in one AM bootcamp, two AM bootcamps, all three AM bootcamps, the PM production, or a combination of AM and PM programs.
Program schedules may vary by session. Students enrolled in both AM and PM may stay for the supervised lunch period between programs.
Summer Stars Parent Handbook
Use this handbook before and during Summer Stars for program information, daily schedules, what to bring, volunteering, attendance expectations, safety policies, FAQs, and other important information for families.
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Program Information
AM Summer Stars · Ages 5–158:00 AM – 12:00 PMThree separate two-week bootcamps, each with its own focus. Join one, two, or all three for a whole summer of theatre.
Rehearsals & performances at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse
Financial assistance is available.
PM Summer Stars · Ages 8–151:00 PM – 5:00 PMA full-scale theatrical production working with a director, music director, choreographer, designers, and technicians from first rehearsal to final bow.
Rehearses at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse · Performs at the KCC Performing Arts Center
Financial assistance is available.
Program schedules may vary by session. The typical-day examples below show the general flow of a Summer Stars day.
Daily Rhythm
AM Bootcamps 1 & 2
Production-style mornings
AM Bootcamp 3
Workshop intensive
PM Production
Full-production rehearsal
This is a sample structure, not a minute-by-minute promise. Directors may adjust the day depending on what the production or workshop needs.
Come Ready to Work
Students need to be able to move, stretch, dance, sit on the floor, and rehearse safely. Leggings, athletic pants, dancewear, fitted shorts, T-shirts, and similar rehearsal clothing work well.
Avoid restrictive clothing, very short bottoms, clothing that exposes undergarments, unsafe footwear, and clothing with inappropriate words or images.
Performance costumes, shoes, makeup, or special supplies will be communicated separately when needed.
It Takes a Village
Summer Stars depends on family volunteers. Help may be needed before, during, and after performances, including lobby, hair and makeup, setup, baked goods, costumes, load-in, strike, and other production needs.
Posters, production setup, load-in, lobby displays, and other preparation.
Lobby, concessions or baked goods, hair and makeup, front of house, and other show support.
Costumes, cleanup, strike, cast celebration, and returning the space to normal.
Current volunteer roles and sign-ups are available on our volunteer page.
SUMMER STARS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPDaily Logistics
Students enrolled in both AM and PM may stay for the supervised lunch period. They should bring a packed lunch.
Parents or guardians are responsible for following the sign-in, sign-out, self check-out, and authorized pickup procedures communicated for the program.
Repeated or significantly late pickup may result in a late pickup fee. Details will be communicated to enrolled families.
Professionalism
Theatre is a team activity. When a student is absent, the people sharing scenes, songs, choreography, and staging with them are affected too. Students should arrive on time, prepared, focused, and ready to work.
Families should report known conflicts before casting and as early as possible.
Missing a Week
If a student will miss a week or more of PM rehearsals, HCT may recommend an AM program instead.
More Than 3 Days
Students missing more than three rehearsal days may not be eligible for lead roles.
Unexcused Absences
More than three unexcused absences after casting may result in a student being removed from scenes, songs, choreography, or roles.
Casting is based not only on talent, but also on attendance, preparation, reliability, teamwork, and the needs of the production.
Respect & Responsibility
HCT wants Summer Stars to be safe, welcoming, and productive for every student. Our core expectations are simple:
Staff may use progressive consequences such as a warning, removal from an activity, parent contact, or administrative review. Serious or repeated behavior concerns may result in dismissal from the program.
In an emergency, students must follow staff directions immediately. HCT staff will use the response appropriate to the situation, including evacuation or sheltering in place.
Memories of the Show
HCT may arrange professional photos of Summer Stars rehearsals, showcases, or productions. Families will be told how those photos are shared when available.
Video recording varies by production because licensing rules differ from show to show. Some footage may be available privately to families or used only for archival purposes.
Public sharing of full licensed productions may be restricted by performance rights.
Performance Time
Ticket policies, included family tickets, show dates, venues, and additional ticket sales may vary by Summer Stars program and year.
Current performance information is listed with each Summer Stars program and shared with enrolled families.
Questions Families Ask
In general, Summer Stars rehearsals and classes are for students and teaching artists so performers can focus and work independently. HCT will let families know when observation or special events are appropriate.
Students are responsible for taking care of scripts and materials issued to them. Contact the production team if a replacement is needed.
The artistic team will share music, tracks, scripts, choreography, or other rehearsal resources as needed.
Casting is only one part of the theatre experience. Families can help students focus on the responsibility, growth, and opportunities within the role they receive.
Once casting is complete, roles are generally not changed simply because a performer prefers another role. Changes may occur when required by attendance, safety, production needs, or other circumstances.
HCT works to make programs inclusive and accessible. Contact HCT as early as possible so the team can discuss the student's needs and reasonable accommodations.
Keep These Handy
Why Summer Stars?
Summer Stars gives young performers a welcoming environment to build confidence, creativity, friendships, performance skills, and a lifelong love of theatre. Whether it's a first taste of the spotlight or another summer on stage, every student is supported by caring teaching artists and a community that feels like family.
Who Can Participate?
The AM bootcamps welcome youth ages 5–15, and the PM production is designed for ages 8–15. Experienced performers find real challenges and growth, and children trying theatre for the first time find an encouraging place to begin.
What Students Experience
Every Keiki Deserves the Stage
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:
