Young artists looking to jump-start their careers as performers are invited to participate in the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival's (HPAF) annual professional fellowship program.
The HPAF is based at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, a world-class boarding school located in Waimea on the Big Island. Its mission is "to promote the appreciation and advancement of classical music and musical theater, to offer a world-class music training and performance program in the inspirational setting of Hawaii, and to improve the education and elevate the spirit of all who participate, especially the local community," according to the organization's website.
The festival attracts young performers from all over the world to study and hone their crafts, the website noted. The HPAF hosted more than 20 concerts and performances during the 2022 summer festival.
"The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival is a training program that provides the necessary tools for young, aspiring singers," Cecilia Violetta López, a soprano opera singer, said of the HPAF. "The opportunity to hone one's craft on the Big Island is something magical! Being a part of the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival was an experience of a lifetime for me: I made long-lasting friendships, relationships with mentors and now colleagues, [and] got to prepare and perform an opera role with [an] orchestra, all while being fully immersed in the beautiful Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit."
The 2023 summer program will feature three vocal programs: the Developing Singer Program, the Encrantz Professional Fellowship Program, and the Young Singer Program, according to the website. Other opportunities provided by the HPAF include the Collaborative Piano/Assistant Music Director Professional Fellowship Program, the Directing Professional Fellowship Program, and the Stage Management Professional Fellowship Program. Learn more about each program by visiting the HPAF website.
The Margareta and Staffan Encrantz Professional Fellowship "is intended for exceptional young artists who are career-ready," the website noted. It includes five voice lessons, training, and workshops from professionals. Students will perform a leading role in one of two performances in 2023: "The Magic Flute" and "Into the Woods."
Applicants for the fellowship must have "completed at least one recognized young artist program" (such as an opera) and "have regional leading and supporting credits, understudy, and/or swing experience, or be able to demonstrate that level of ability in audition and application materials," according to the website.
The primary focus of the program is to develop students' acting and performance skills through private coaching and voice lessons, the website noted. They "will receive education and experiences in traditional Hawaiian arts, history, and local landmarks." Students of the Encrantz program have performed on Broadway and in many operas across the U.S.
Auditions open on Sept. 15 and can be submitted via video online, according to the website. The priority deadline for auditions is Dec. 1 and the regular deadline is Feb. 1, 2023. All Encrantz fellows' tuition is waived, and students stay for 20 nights with meals included. Students are responsible for their airfare. For more information, contact Shayna Leahy, artistic administrator, at sleahy@hawaiipaf.org.