MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE
Introducing children to the wonders of performance
MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE
Students take center stage this summer.
Watch your wallflower blossom in our creative arts training camp. Students, age 7 to 16, learn to act, sing and dance in Hawaii’s best summer theatre camp featuring guest artists. Productions foster team work, build confidence and cultivate imagination. The performing arts experience culminates in a performance on Diamond Head Theatre’s stage on July 30th & August 1st! Registration Opens February 24th!
For more information, call (808) 733-0277 ext. 308.
MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE I
This seven-week, half-day summer program that runs from June 8 to July 31st, is for students of all levels and requires no previous acting, singing or dance experience. Children are introduced to the wonders of the performing arts in a safe fun-filled environment.
Program Dates: June 8 – July 30
Two Options:
MTE AM FOR AGES 7 to 11: (8 am to Noon) | Cost: $1,695
Student performance will be held on stage at Diamond Head Theatre on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
MTE PM FOR AGES 12 to 16: (1:30 to 4:30pm) | Cost: $1,495
Student performance will be held on stage at Diamond Head Theatre on Thursday, July 30th, 2026.
MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE 2
MTE II is a 1-week intensive program for students ages 8-16 who would like to gain further knowledge of musical theatre and refine their talents. This all-day intensive encourages the students to further their theatrical skills. Previous performance experience is required.
August 3 – August 7 (8:30am-4:30pm)
Student performance will be held on stage at Diamond Head Theatre on August 8.
Cost: $495
OUR TEAM
PROGRAM DIRECTOR SAMUEL TAFOLO
Samuel Tafolo is a performer, designer, director, and choreographer! He has just completed his directorial debut for “In The Heights” at KHSPAC where he also served as co-choreographer. He had also done choreography/hair & makeup for KHSPAC’s “Beetlejuice Jr”. A few roles he has played are Kevin J./Ali in Come From Away, Raymond in DHT’s “Honeymoon in Vegas”, Hauna in MVT’s “Happily Eva Afta”, Mabel Mongoosette in MVT’s “Once Upon One Noddah Time”, Bushy in Moolelo’s 2022 “The Year Christmas Was Almost Cancelled”, Keanu in “A Timeless Princess”, and Pharus Young in TAG’s “Choir Boy”. He has also performed with the sketch comedy production“ PolyAF. Tafolo has done costuming, hair & makeup, choreography, directing, and production managing for various productions in theater, film, and dance over the past 14 years at KHSPAC/Kaimuki HS, Washington MS, EPOCH, St. Andrew’s Priory, St. Francis, HPU, UH Manoa ACM, and TAG. He is enthusiastically excited to be back at DHT for another Summer doing MTE! “Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” – Brene Brown
MUSICAL DIRECTOR PHILLIP FOSTER
Phillip Foster is excited to once again music direct for MTE Summer Program. He is a performer, musician, and educator working in Honolulu. He has a B.A. in Music from UH Manoā, where he studied voice, and a C.A. in Acting from HCPA at WCC. Mr. Phill has worked as a music, choir, band, and drama teacher at Saint Ann School from 2016 – 2020, Holy Family Catholic Academy from 2021 – 2025, and now teaches music at Maryknoll’s elementary school. He has also served as music director in programs and productions with Mo’olelo Studios, KPAC, CPAC, Saint Andrew’s Priory, MVT, and KOA. Mr. Phill also appeared on stage in musicals, plays, and operas with DHT, HOT, PTW, HCPA, MVT, KKT, and KOA. He is ready to once again share his love of Musical Theatre and singing with the students of MTE this summer.
Scholarships
Student Directors, or Interns, serve as assistants and helpers to the MTE Instructors. Diamond Head Theatre seeks enthusiastic leaders, who are passionate about theatre and work calmly and positively under pressure. Must be at least 13 years old, and previous theatre and other leadership experience is a plus. The position is unpaid.
Student Directors must be available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4:30 pm for the entirety of the summer camp. To apply, contact Erin McFadden at (808) 733-0277 x308 or email.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of 1 year of MTE Teens (PM) or MTE II or other relevant experience such as another arts/theatre program
- At least 13 years-old
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Experience in working with kids, ages 7 through 12
- Must be high energy and enthusiastic
