ORGANIZATION HISTORY
For the past 21 years, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival has continued to provide world-class training and performance opportunities to aspiring young professionals, both from Hawai‘i Island and worldwide. Following their time at HPAF, our esteemed alumni have gone on to work with some 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. In addition, esteemed alumni of our internship programs have also worked in film and television, on Broadway, National Tours, and regionally.
HPAF offers students summer internships in both the areas of production and artistic administration. Our well-known internship program provides a unique combination of practical, work, and educational programs, each designed to enrich their ongoing studies and further professional growth in the inspirational setting of Hawai’i.
Our interns join the program after gaining interest and some experience through their academic and professional studies. Interns work directly with noted professionals under the guidance of supervisors and staff from many of the best theaters, opera companies, and schools in the nation. Many of our interns have been invited to return to the festival for multiple seasons and have been promoted to various professional staff, technical, and design positions.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
I. ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION INTERN (2 AVAILABLE)
Artistic Administration Interns will participate in all artistic and company management duties throughout the summer season. Primary duties include assisting various members of the senior staff including but not limited to our Executive Director, Artistic Director, Assistant Artistic Director, General Manager, and Artistic Administrator, as assigned; welcoming and orienting students, professional artists, faculty, and staff; assisting in airport ground transportation and coordinating housing logistics for all festival participants; preparing and distributing artist itineraries; daily scheduling; working box office and front of house at concerts and events; and engaging in pre-season meetings via phone, beginning in early-May.
A successful applicant must have a classical music background; a successful employment history; good communication, people, organizational, and computer skills; a positive attitude; the ability to work calmly in a fast-paced environment; a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record; and must be 21 years old by June 15, 2026. Enrollment in an Arts Administration or Vocal Performance degree program is strongly preferred. It is our goal, that along with experiencing this intensive summer music training and performance program, all participants have the opportunity to enjoy the inspirational setting of Hawaii.
Arrival: Friday, June 19, 2026 // Departure: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 [IMPORTANT: All interns will be required to engage in pre-arrival virtual onboarding and administrative meetings, which will occur in the weeks leading up to the start of the Festival.]
There is a stipend of $500 for the duration of the internship. Full housing, ground transportation, and daily lunch will be provided. Due to the intense nature of these positions, a travel stipend of up to $750 is offered to assist interns in offsetting the cost of round-trip domestic airfare. Baggage fees are ineligible for reimbursement. Please note: If an intern does not fulfill the terms of his/her/their contract, they are responsible for any airfare, housing, and meal costs incurred by the festival on their behalf. We kindly request that you carefully review these terms before applying.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of four professional references to Rachel Copeland, General Manager at rcopeland@hawaiipaf.org.
Applications will be accepted beginning February 15, 2026. Please do not submit prior to this date. Review of applicants will begin on March 1st and continue until all positions have been filled.
II. PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (4 AVAILABLE)
Production Interns should be versatile in providing production support to live concerts and stage performances. Applicants must have experience in one or more of the following areas: electrics, AV, carpentry, costumes, and props. Applicants should be over 25 by June 15, 2026, have a valid driver’s license, and excellent driving record. It is our goal, that along with experiencing this intensive summer music training and performance program, all participants have the opportunity to enjoy the inspirational setting of Hawaii.
There is a stipend of $500 for the duration of the internship. Full housing, ground transportation, and daily lunch will be provided. Due to the intense nature of these positions, a travel stipend of up to $750 is offered to assist interns in offsetting the cost of round-trip domestic airfare. Baggage fees are ineligible for reimbursement. Please note: If an intern does not fulfill the terms of his/her/their contract, they are responsible for any airfare, housing, and meal costs incurred by the festival on their behalf. We kindly request that you carefully review these terms before applying.
Arrival: Friday, June 19, 2026 // Departure: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 [IMPORTANT: All interns will be required to engage in pre-arrival virtual onboarding and administrative meetings, which will occur in the weeks leading up to the start of the Festival.]
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of four professional references to Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator sleahy@hawaiipaf.org and Scott Skiba, Assistant Artistic Director at sskiba@hawaiipaf.org.
Applications will be accepted beginning February 15, 2026. Please do not submit prior to this date. Review of applicants will begin on March 1st and continue until all positions have been filled.
