PUHI — Space is still available for young people ages 8 to 13 to get involved before “The Wizards Behind the Curtain” rises Saturday at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse.
The Wizard of Oz-themed production class series focuses on the behind-the-scenes production aspects of theater, including directing, set design, lighting, costumes, stage management, and more creative and technical skills that go into making show magic happen.
“Since our annual fall show could not be produced this year, we designed a theater experience for kids that respects social-distancing rules and offers an opportunity to be creative and collaborative — in person,” said Dolly Kanekuni, president of the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre.
“Many of our theater families were missing the camaraderie and experiences that come with participation in an HCT fall show, so we looked for another angle that would allow kids to get together and share their creativity, but in a small group format. The result is taking the kids ‘behind the curtain,’ to learn about the aspects of theater they might not have a chance to get involved in at their age. For many, the love of tech starts early. Some of our teen interns who learned the art of stage lighting at Kalaheo School are working on adult productions today. It’s a great time to introduce these skills early, and spark these interests.”
Students are invited to join the six-week adventure on Saturdays starting Oct. 17 through Nov. 21 with Director Julia Benson and special guests from a variety of theater-arts disciplines, including Directors Marly Madayag on lighting, and Laurel Petterson McGraw on set design, and accomplished stage managers Bailey Hutton and Taj Gutierrez on what it takes to put all the pieces together and organize a full-scale production.
“Often in a production, you are focused on your own role,” said Erin Gaines, HCT administrative manager. “This is an opportunity to go behind the scenes with top professionals and learn the tricks of the trade in a socially-distanced, small-group setting. The goal of the program is to train children in all aspects of theater to better equip them to lead the next generation of young, aspiring artists and create future productions with Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre and beyond.”
Student class size will be limited to eight students in each group, with social-distancing and face masks required.
“We picked the ‘Wizard of Oz’ as a theme because many kids know the story, and there are so many versions of it to inspire them,” Benson said.
“In fact, I was set to direct ‘The Wizard of Oz’ this spring in Kilauea, so when the opportunity came to use all that preparation to ‘play’ in another way during the pandemic, I jumped at the chance. This kind of program appeals to me because these are kids who love theater and want to know how it all works. There are also kids who want to create, but don’t necessarily see themselves as performers. We are excited to introduce new kids to theater as well as create something for kids who are missing the theater experience.”
Information and registration: hawaiichildrenstheatre.org or 246-8985.
