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Hawaii Performing Arts Festival

A world-class training and performance program on the Big Island of Hawaii

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Developing Singer

HPAF has been such a vital part of my growth into becoming an emerging professional artist. Having the opportunity to participate in HPAF for the last two summer has opened my eyes to the professional world of music and has helped me to understand who I am as an artist and what I hope to become in the future.
— Samantha Burdick

 

Who This Is For

This is our main vocal program and is designed for the developing singer. Our developing singers are mainly singers currently attending college undergrad and grad programs, or are post college and still developing career level skills.

Curriculum

We offer an intensive training and performance program, allowing participants to work alongside and under the guidance of some of the top professionals in the industry. Selected participants will be assigned a role in one of our fully-staged productions, accompanied by a professional orchestra.  In addition to the study and performance of a role, participants may perform on a concert and/or masterclasses with our esteemed faculty.

The primary curricular focus of this program will be on the study, staging, and performance of a role. Acting and movement instruction will be a part of the rehearsal process. Participants will receive five voice lessons while in-residence. Private coaching sessions will be ongoing and geared toward performance preparation. Additionally, there will be several optional classes which will focus on continuing education, career development, and/or audition skills.

ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS will receive education and experiences in traditional Hawaiian arts, history, and local landmarks. The beauty of the Hawaiian culture and ‘Āina are essential to the experience of our Festival.

Audition Requirements

For your recorded audition, you must submit the following:

  • Two contrasting musical selections of your choice, at least one selection must be in English.
    • If you are wishing to be considered for a specific role(s) in either production, please feel free to include that character’s aria or song in your submission.
    • If you are wishing to be considered for a role in The Marriage of Figaro, one of your two pieces must be in Italian (Mozart, preferred).
    • If you are wishing to be considered for a role in A Little Night Music, one of your two pieces must be a musical theatre selection in the style of the show (Sondheim, preferred).
  • A one minute monologue.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The total cost is $5,550 USD, which includes tuition ($2,950), housing ($1,550), and meals ($1,050).

  • Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required within 10 days in order to secure your spot.
  • Payment #1 is due 30 days after deposit has been received – $2,275
  • Payment #2 is due 45 days after Payment #1 has been received – $2,275

*If you have been awarded a scholarship, the total award will be deducted from your second tuition payment.

If you are applying for financial aid you must complete the HPAF Financial Aid Form along with your application on YapTracker. (Click on the “APPLY HERE” link) The financial aid form must be submitted with your application. Financial aid is limited and requests for financial aid are strictly evaluated and awarded only to qualifying applicants, based on the following three criteria: 

  • Verifiable financial need
  • Level of talent and skill
  • Casting needs

Housing includes shared accommodations on campus at Hawaii Preparatory Academy for 20 nights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on all days on-site, except performance tech days, and dark days. 

Roundtrip airfare to/from Kona (KOA) is the responsibility all participants. A rental car will be required for the duration of the Festival and can be shared amongst participants to lower the cost. Car shares can be arranged by contacting Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator, at sleahy@hawaiipaf.org, following the acceptance of an offer.

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2025 Productions

The Marriage of Figaro 
Arrival Date: June 22, 2025
Departure Date: July 14, 2025

A Little Night Music 
Arrival Date: June 29, 2025
Departure Date: July 21, 2025

High School Singers
Arrival Date: June 29, 2025
Departure Date: July 21, 2025

Audition Dates

Video Audition

Priority Deadline: December 1, 2024

Regular Deadline: February 1, 2025

There is no fee to apply to HPAF.

Applications are now open via YapTracker. Click here to apply!

Please note: All applications received by December 1 will be reviewed in our priority round of casting and receive consideration for scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Specific questions may be directed to Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator at sleahy@hawaiipaf.org.

Faculty

Our faculty is a carefully selected group of outstanding, experienced pedagogues, and world-class performers, stage directors, coaches, and teachers.

Meet Faculty

Location & Facilities

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival is set in one of the world’s most unique and inspiring settings— the Big Island of Hawai’i. Our headquarters are based at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, a world-class boarding school located in the beautiful town of Waimea.

Learn More

Questions

If you have any questions regarding our program or need assistance with the application process, please contact: Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator at
sleahy@hawaiipaf.org.

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65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

PO Box 474, Kamuela, HI 96743

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