I recently graduated from Penn State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and signed with a new agent. I am so grateful for my time at HPAF — my foundation.
— Aidan Wharton, Ensemble/Fiyero (cover), Wicked National Tour
Who This Is For
The High School Singer Program is an intensive summer training and performance experience designed for talented and motivated young singers who are eager to accelerate their artistic growth in a supportive, collegiate environment.
Designed for students currently enrolled in grades 9–12, the program welcomes a select cohort of singers from across the United States and around the world. Participants receive individualized instruction from internationally recognized faculty while developing the musical, theatrical, and professional skills necessary for success in high school, college, conservatory, and beyond.
Whether preparing for college auditions, refining performance technique, or exploring new artistic challenges, students leave the Festival with greater confidence, stronger musicianship, and lasting friendships.
Spend three unforgettable weeks in Hawaiʻi developing your artistry alongside fellow young singers from around the world.
Curriculum
The High School Singer Program provides an immersive three-week training and performance experience designed specifically for talented young artists preparing for collegiate study and future careers in vocal performance.
Selected participants will be cast in one of Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival’s fully staged mainstage productions, performing alongside Developing Singers and Encrantz Vocal Fellows with professional orchestral accompaniment. Throughout the Festival, students gain invaluable experience working in a professional rehearsal environment while receiving individualized instruction from internationally recognized faculty, directors, conductors, and guest artists.
Repertoire and casting are assigned based on each participant’s age, experience, and artistic development. Acting and movement instruction are integrated throughout the rehearsal process, while participants receive individualized vocal coachings designed to support both artistic growth and performance preparation.
Throughout the Festival, participants build meaningful connections while working alongside faculty and artists from many of the nation’s leading universities, conservatories, and professional organizations. Alumni of the High School Singer Program have gone on to receive scholarships to prestigious collegiate music programs and have appeared in professional productions throughout the United States, including appearances on national tours and Broadway.
All program participants also engage with the rich culture and traditions of Hawaiʻi. Educational experiences in Native Hawaiian arts, history, language, and local landmarks are woven throughout the Festival, offering a meaningful connection to the people, place, and spirit of the islands.
Performance Opportunities
Performance is at the heart of the High School Singer Program.
Each participant will be cast in one of the Festival’s fully staged mainstage productions, rehearsing and performing alongside Developing Singers and Encrantz Vocal Fellows under the guidance of internationally recognized directors, conductors, and faculty.
Additional performance opportunities may include solo and ensemble performances, masterclasses, and educational workshops.
Audition Requirements
Please submit the following:
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- Two contrasting musical selections of your choice. Both selections should be performed in English.
- If you wish to be considered for a specific role in one of our productions, you are encouraged to include a selection associated with that character or in the style of the role.
- If you wish to be considered for a role in Come From Away, one of your selections should be a contemporary musical theatre selection in the style of the show. Please demonstrate strong storytelling, authenticity, and contemporary vocal technique.
- If you wish to be considered for a role in The Threepenny Opera, one of your selections should reflect the style of the work. Classical crossover, legit musical theatre, cabaret, or art song repertoire that demonstrates strong theatrical instincts and interpretive ability is encouraged.
- Two contrasting musical selections of your choice. Both selections should be performed in English.
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- One one-minute monologue.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The total program cost is $6,750 USD, which includes:
- Tuition: $3,250
- Housing: $1,750
- Meals: $1,150
- Ground Transportation Fee: $600
The Ground Transportation Fee covers supervised transportation throughout the Festival, including airport transfers, rehearsals, performances, and other required Festival activities.
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $1,500 enrollment deposit is required within 10 days to reserve your place in the program.
Payment Schedule
- Enrollment Deposit (within 10 days of acceptance): $1,500
- Payment #1 (due 30 days after deposit): $2,675
- Payment #2 (due 30 days after Payment #1): $2,675
If you have been awarded a scholarship, the total scholarship amount will be deducted from your final tuition payment.
Applicants requesting financial aid must complete the HPAF Financial Aid Form as part of their application through YapTracker. The financial aid form must be submitted with the application.
Financial aid is limited and awarded competitively based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Artistic merit
- Casting needs of the Festival
Housing includes shared accommodations on the campus of Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy for 20 nights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the Festival, with the exception of designated performance, technical rehearsal, and dark days.
Roundtrip airfare to and from Kona International Airport (KOA) is the responsibility of each participant.
