KPAC is one of 29 Hawai`i State Department of Education Student Learning Centers (SLC); it is the only SLC on the island of Kaua’i. SLCs are designed to expand educational opportunities for students with special talents and interests. KPAC is NOT a club, but rather it is a COURSE for elective credit offered to all public and charter middle and high school students on the island.
KPAC was founded in 1986 by Arnold Meister. Arnold Meister served as the KPAC director until he retired in 1999. In 2001, Dennis McGraw became the KPAC coordinator and served until he retired in 2017. Dr. Cheryl Ellwood took over from fall 2017 to December 2019, then Rachel Lasky served as coordinator from January 2020 to May 2021. Carla Kirk has been the KPAC coordinator since that time.
"The Sound of Music" tells the uplifting true story of Maria, a spirited young postulant whose zest for life and love of music lead her from an Austrian abbey to the home of Captain von Trapp and his seven mischievous children. Initially sent to serve as their governess, Maria wins the hearts of the children and their stern father through song, transforming their home from a place of strict discipline into one of joy and harmony. However, as the shadow of World War II looms over Austria, the family must find the courage to stand by their convictions and make a daring escape across the Alps to safety and freedom.
KPAC is dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of our students.
KPAC strives for excellence in theater training for middle and high school students. The medium of theater is used to engage, enlighten, and motivate our youth towards responsible, productive, and fulfilling lives as community members. We aim to provide broad access to theater experiences by reaching out across diverse backgrounds to engage youth from all across the island as both actors and audience. We work to ensure that each and every student who has the curiosity or the passion for theater has an equal opportunity to experience this life changing art form.
Experiences in theater build confidence, teach collaboration, and help young people to become better students and citizens. Theater provides a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression through an open, supportive, and productive environment.
Artistic expression connects diverse groups of young people from different ages, races, ethnicities, genders, orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds. KPAC’s arms are open to all public middle and high school students. KPAC builds community by accepting and supporting each individual as a critical component of the whole.
Quality theater is achieved through maintaining and understanding artistic discipline and working toward a common vision. Dedication and commitment to personal excellence and authentic collaboration are essential in classes, rehearsals, and productions.
