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
The Developing Singer Program is Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival’s premier training program for singers who are building their technical skills, performing credentials, and artistic voice. Participants typically include undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals who are continuing to develop the creative, technical, and professional skills necessary for successful careers in opera, musical theatre, and related vocal performance fields.
Curriculum
The Developing Singer Program offers an intensive three-week training and performance experience, allowing participants to work alongside and under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty, directors, conductors, and guest artists.
Selected participants will be cast in one of our fully-staged mainstage productions with professional orchestral accompaniment. In addition to preparing and performing a role, participants will be featured in concerts, masterclasses, and other festival performance opportunities.
The primary curricular focus of the program is the study, rehearsal, and performance of a fully realized role. Acting and stage movement instruction are integrated throughout the rehearsal process, while participants receive individualized vocal coachings designed to support both artistic growth and performance preparation.
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.
Audition Requirements
For your recorded audition, please submit the following:
-
- Two or three contrasting musical selections of your choice. At least two 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 or three contrasting musical selections of your choice. At least two selections should be performed in English.
-
- One one-minute monologue.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The total program cost is $6,150 USD, which includes:
- Tuition: $3,250
- Housing: $1,750
- Meals: $1,150
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): $2,325
- Payment #2 (due 30 days after Payment #1): $2,325
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. Applications open on October 1, and all financial aid materials 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 22 nights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on all scheduled program days, with the exception of designated performance, technical rehearsal, and dark days.
Participants are responsible for their own roundtrip airfare to and from Kona International Airport (KOA). A rental vehicle is required for the duration of the Festival and may be shared among participants to reduce costs. Carpool arrangements can be coordinated following acceptance through the Festival administration.
