ORGANIZATION HISTORY
For the past 21 years, Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) has provided world-class training and performance opportunities to aspiring young professionals from Hawai‘i Island and around the world. HPAF alumni have gone on to perform with many of the world’s most prestigious companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, English National Opera, Royal Opera House, Florida Grand Opera, and Los Angeles Opera. Alumni of our internship programs have also found success in film and television, on Broadway, national tours, and regional stages across the United States.
HPAF offers summer internships in both production and artistic administration. Our respected internship program combines hands-on work experience with educational and professional development opportunities—each designed to enrich participants’ training and support their artistic growth in the inspirational setting of Hawai‘i.
Interns are selected based on demonstrated interest and prior academic or professional experience. Participants work closely with respected professionals and receive guidance from a staff that includes artists and administrators from top theaters, opera companies, and conservatories across the country. Many interns return for multiple seasons, often advancing into technical, design, and administrative staff positions.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
I. ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION INTERN (2 AVAILABLE)
Artistic Administration Interns support all artistic and company management functions throughout the Festival.
Responsibilities include:
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Assisting members of senior staff (Executive Director, Artistic Director, Assistant Artistic Director, General Manager, and Artistic Administrator)
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Welcoming and orienting students, professional artists, faculty, and staff
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Supporting ground transportation to and from the airport
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Coordinating housing logistics for all Festival participants
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Preparing and distributing artist itineraries
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Assisting with scheduling and calendar management
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Working box office and front-of-house at concerts and events
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Participating in pre-season planning meetings (beginning in early May via phone/Zoom)
Qualifications:
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Background in classical music (required)
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Prior employment experience
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Excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills
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Positive attitude and ability to work calmly under pressure
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Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
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Must be 21 years old by June 15, 2026
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Enrollment in an Arts Administration or Vocal Performance degree program is strongly preferred
Program Dates:
Arrival: Friday, June 19, 2026
Departure: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
(Pre-arrival onboarding meetings required)
Compensation:
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$500 stipend for the duration of the internship
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Housing, ground transportation, and daily lunch provided
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Travel stipend of up to $750 for roundtrip domestic airfare (baggage fees excluded)
Please note: If an intern does not fulfill the terms of their contract, they are responsible for reimbursing any airfare, housing, and meal costs incurred by the Festival on their behalf.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter, resume, and four professional references to:
Rachel Copeland, General Manager – rcopeland@hawaiipaf.org
Applications open: February 15, 2026
Review begins: March 1, 2026, and continues until positions are filled.
Please do not submit applications before February 15.
II. PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (4 AVAILABLE)
Production Assistants provide essential technical support for all concerts, rehearsals, and fully staged productions throughout the Festival season. Interns work directly with the Technical Director, Assistant Artistic Director, production teams, and visiting designers to ensure smooth and safe operations in a fast-paced, professional environment.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
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Assisting with venue load-ins and load-outs
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Supporting lighting hangs, focusing, and operation
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Setting up AV equipment and managing media playback
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Helping with scenic builds, painting, and general carpentry
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Costume and prop tracking, maintenance, and quick changes
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Running backstage crew during tech rehearsals and performances
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Supporting venue transitions between events
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Maintaining a clean and organized workspace across venues
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Participating in daily production meetings and assisting with reports
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Assisting with rehearsals, as needed (e.g., scene shifts, cueing, setup/strike)
Qualifications:
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Prior experience in technical theater or live production (minimum one area: electrics, AV, carpentry, costumes, or props)
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Ability to lift and carry 40+ lbs and work on ladders or at height
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Excellent time management and the ability to remain calm under pressure
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Flexible, team-oriented attitude and strong communication skills
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Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and long hours as needed
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Strong attention to detail and professional demeanor
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Must be at least 25 years old by June 15, 2026
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Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record required
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CPR/First Aid certification and basic knowledge of safety protocols a plus
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Experience with QLab, ETC lighting consoles, or digital soundboards is an asset but not required
Program Dates:
Arrival: Friday, June 19, 2026
Departure: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
(Pre-arrival onboarding meetings required)
Compensation:
-
$500 stipend for the duration of the internship
-
Housing, ground transportation, and daily lunch provided
-
Travel stipend of up to $750 for roundtrip domestic airfare (baggage fees excluded)
Please note: If an intern does not fulfill the terms of their contract, they are responsible for reimbursing any airfare, housing, and meal costs incurred by the Festival on their behalf.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter, resume, and four professional references to both:
Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator – sleahy@hawaiipaf.org
Scott Skiba, Assistant Artistic Director – sskiba@hawaiipaf.org
Applications open: February 15, 2026
Review begins: March 1, 2026, and continues until positions are filled.
Please do not submit applications before February 15.
