High School Singer

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 study and performance opportunity designed for serious young artists who are interested in furthering their educational training under the guidance of some of the most well-respected industry professionals worldwide. Each year, a small cohort of singers is selected from a pool of applicants worldwide. High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2024-25 academic year are eligible to apply.

Participants develop their talent, artistry, and creativity, through the study of voice, acting, movement, improvisation, and audition technique. Program participants planning to prepare for college-level auditions will receive guidance and insight regarding financial, logistical, and practical skills and strategies helpful in the college and conservatory application and audition process.

Spend three weeks in paradise developing your total-body-instrument alongside fellow high school singers from across the world!

Curriculum

High School Singers receive specialized instruction through our intensive curriculum including:

Two private voice lessons per week
Daily private and and/or ensemble coaching sessions
Daily classes covering a range of topics including acting, movement, interpretation, diction, physical and vocal characterization, improvisation, and audition technique
Master classes with the internationally-acclaimed HPAF faculty

Upon acceptance, repertoire is assigned at an appropriate level and may include opera, musical theatre, and art song. Participants receive specialized instruction through our intensive dance and acting classes. In addition, all participants will receive five voice lessons and individual and group coaching sessions. Masterclasses and workshops supplement the individualized training and group classes throughout the season. Program participants present their final showcase at the end of the Festival, featuring an evening of fully-staged opera and musical theatre scenes, arias, and songs.

Throughout the summer, participants will build countless connections, working one-on-one with faculty from some of the nation’s leading universities and conservatories, including New York University, Oklahoma City University, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, and more. Alumni of this program have earned scholarships to attend many of these programs, and have recently appeared both locally (Kahilu Theatre) and nationally (National Tour of Wicked).

Performance Opportunities

Participants perform on multiple featured 2025 Festival events:

High School Singer Showcase – a staged production of scenes and monologues
Perform in the chorus of the mainstage opera production, accompanied by professional orchestra
Masterclasses and workshops

Program Dates

Students accepted to our Young Singer Program should make note of the following dates:

Arrival: June 29, 2025
Program Dates: June 30-July 20, 2025
Departure: July 21, 2025

Audition Requirements

For either live or recorded auditions you must submit the following:

Two contrasting musical selections of your choosing (classical and/or musical theatre)

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: