2026 - A Year to Grow Talent & Raising Voices
Community Plays and Performances
Kupuna 'Fun with Drama' Nights
Since launching in July 2023, Kupuna Fun with Drama Nights have become a meaningful gathering space rooted in connection, laughter, and respect. In partnership with the Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA), CTOM hosts monthly evenings that bring our kupuna together for shared meals and engaging drama-based activities, including games, readings, and improvisation. These gatherings honor kupuna as the keepers of the light—carriers of wisdom, memory, and guidance within our community. Through creative play and storytelling, this program nurtures belonging, reduces isolation, and affirms the vital role kupuna continue to play in shaping and illuminating the generations that follow.
Youth Career Development Program
Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai’s Youth Career Development Program supports advanced high school students through seasonal internships that build leadership, responsibility, and real-world arts experience. In 2025, this pathway expanded to include free college-level courses in creative media, giving students the opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills and work toward certification while exploring how their passion for the arts can grow into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Film Productions
In summer 2026, Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai continued expanding beyond the stage through a student-produced music video created in collaboration with Akakū Molokai, Visual Resonance Media, and local musicians Da Jukes Music. Released by Akakū in June, the project gave CTOM students the opportunity to script, perform, and help develop an original visual interpretation of the song Better Now. While principal filming and professional editing were completed by Visual Resonance Media, students experienced the creative filmmaking process from concept to final production, witnessing firsthand how storytelling, performance, cinematography, and editing come together to create a finished music video. Building on CTOM’s 2025 film initiatives, the project reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities in both the performing and digital media arts while inspiring students to continue their creative journey through CTOM’s college-level filmmaking and editing pathway on Molokai.
- Season Highlights: Since its founding, Hōkūlani Children's Theatre of Molokai has continued to expand opportunities for youth through meaningful theatrical experiences. In 2026, CTOM entered an exciting new chapter with our first original musical, The Enchanted Forest, inspired by our youth writing class and developed collaboratively through student storytelling, original music, and live performance. This fall, students will continue their artistic journey with A Thousand Cranes, a moving play inspired by the true story of Sadako Sasaki that explores themes of hope, courage, friendship, and peace. Performances will be held December 2–4, 2026, as our young actors bring this timeless story to life while continuing CTOM's mission of developing confidence, creativity, empathy, and leadership through the performing arts.
- Skill-Based Training: CTOM offers beginning & advanced performing arts workshops designed to meet students where they are and support their growth over time. Training now includes stage and film acting, choir, storytelling, and ensemble work, allowing students to build both foundational skills and more advanced performance techniques.
- Collaborative Camps: Throughout the year, CTOM participates in three-day performing arts camps held in collaboration with partner organizations across Maui County and other professional guest. These immersive experiences bring young performers together for focused training, creative exploration, and shared performance opportunities, strengthening both artistic skills and inter-island connections.
Kupuna 'Fun with Drama' Nights
Since launching in July 2023, Kupuna Fun with Drama Nights have become a meaningful gathering space rooted in connection, laughter, and respect. In partnership with the Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA), CTOM hosts monthly evenings that bring our kupuna together for shared meals and engaging drama-based activities, including games, readings, and improvisation. These gatherings honor kupuna as the keepers of the light—carriers of wisdom, memory, and guidance within our community. Through creative play and storytelling, this program nurtures belonging, reduces isolation, and affirms the vital role kupuna continue to play in shaping and illuminating the generations that follow.
Youth Career Development Program
Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai’s Youth Career Development Program supports advanced high school students through seasonal internships that build leadership, responsibility, and real-world arts experience. In 2025, this pathway expanded to include free college-level courses in creative media, giving students the opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills and work toward certification while exploring how their passion for the arts can grow into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Film Productions
In summer 2026, Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai continued expanding beyond the stage through a student-produced music video created in collaboration with Akakū Molokai, Visual Resonance Media, and local musicians Da Jukes Music. Released by Akakū in June, the project gave CTOM students the opportunity to script, perform, and help develop an original visual interpretation of the song Better Now. While principal filming and professional editing were completed by Visual Resonance Media, students experienced the creative filmmaking process from concept to final production, witnessing firsthand how storytelling, performance, cinematography, and editing come together to create a finished music video. Building on CTOM’s 2025 film initiatives, the project reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities in both the performing and digital media arts while inspiring students to continue their creative journey through CTOM’s college-level filmmaking and editing pathway on Molokai.