OHANA ARTS STUDIO
Create. Perform. Belong.
Welcome to the Ohana Arts Studio—our dynamic after-school program for youth ages 6–18! We offer a wide variety of classes and workshops designed to build skills and technique in acting, music, and dance for students of all experience levels. Our musical theatre workshops culminate in fully staged productions presented at Tenney Theatre, the home of Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
Ohana Arts is proud to partner with Hanahauʻoli School for students in grades 1–6 and Pacific Buddhist Academy for students in grades 6–12 to offer a year-round musical theatre program that nurtures creativity, confidence, and community.
2026-2027 CLASSES
INTRO TO MUSICAL THEATRE
Grades K-2
Th, 4:15-5:15 PM at Hanahau’oli School
The Intro to Musical Theatre class, for grades K-2nd, will instill a love for musical theatre and further develop their skills as artists This intro to musical theatre class will focus on one of the principal thematic topics of theatre: good vs evil. Students will learn basic acting, movement, and singing tools to create their own superhero or supervillain characters in
a cumulative musical review.
INTERMEDIATE MUSICAL THEATRE
Grades 3-6, T 4:15-5:45 PM at Hanahau’oli School
This course offers students the opportunity to further develop their performance skills through vocal technique, character development, and movement for the stage. The class will explore musical theatre selections, focusing on storytelling through song and ensemble collaboration. Students will refine their ability to interpret lyrics and dialogue, enhance stage presence, and work cohesively as a performing ensemble. The session will culminate in a final presentation showcasing selected scenes
and musical numbers.
THE IMPROV PROJECT
August 8th-December 8th, 2026
Section 1 (Gr. 6-8): Mondays 3:30-4:30 PM
Section 2 (Gr. 9-12): Mondays 4:30-6:00 PM
Get ready to laugh, play, and think on your feet in this fast-paced improv class for young actors. Students will build confidence, creativity, and performance skills through improvisation games, character work, and ensemble exercises in a supportive and energetic environment. The session concludes with a fun holiday-themed improv showcase on December 8th at Manoa Valley Theatre full of seasonal comedy and short form games. Perfect for both beginners and experienced performers.
WINTER MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP:
Once on this Island Jr
January 11-March 13th, 2027
Grades 6-12, M/W/F 4:00-7:00 PM
at Pacific Buddhist Academy
The Ohana Arts Studio Winter Musical Theatre Workshop is for middle and high school students in grades 6-12 of all experience levels. In this class, students will learn to work and perform as an ensemble, explore and contribute to the various elements of theatre-making, and grow individually as performers through this hands-on opportunity to mount a staged performance of a musical. The production for the workshop is "JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR" ! Ohana Arts is proud to continue its tradition of casting all who want to learn. Please note that Students are expected to attend every class and study at home to memorize music, lines and choreography.
PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS w/Ms. Laurie Rubin (30-min)
Grades 3-12 at Pacific Buddhist Academy
Available time slots on Mondays and Fridays (In-Person) and Tuesdays & Thursdays (Virtual)
Join the Ohana Arts Voice Studio! You will receive 16-18 30-minute private lessons during the fall semester, and get a chance to study privately with world-renowned mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin! All students will be assigned a song to work on during lessons and have the opportunity to perform in a voice recital taking place on Sunday, December 13th.
Focus during lessons will be placed on:
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Breath control and support
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Resonance
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Chest voice, head voice, and mix
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Dynamics
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Vowels
Philosophy
Our goal in providing you with voice lessons is to help you create the most rewarding and meaningful interpretations of the music you perform. Sometimes, difficulties with vocal technique can create a barrier between us as the artists and the messages we are trying to convey in our music. Skill building, vocal exercises, and healthy singing practices will really make singing more effortless so that the emphasis can be placed on your artistry. We also feel that it is incredibly important for each of you to have your own, special sound. It is very common to listen to our favorite singers, and to wish for the voices they have. It would be similar to doing everything we can to look like the people we find attractive in the media. However, always remember that your voice is extremely precious and beautiful.
Making sure you keep that unique and sacred is my job as your voice teacher. I will never try to get you to sound like someone you’re not. I want you to be able to feature the best qualities of your voice.
Singing should be fun. However, I cannot assign you your favorite songs if I don’t feel they are healthy for you to be singing at this time. I will assign songs to you which I feel will widen your horizons,hopefully getting you to listen to music you don’t normally listen to, songs that flatter your particular voice, and most importantly, songs that will keep you singing healthy for where you are right now. If you don’t like the song I assign you, please feel free to voice your concerns, but also know that it may not be possible to accommodate songs in your desired top ten list.
MAKE-UP LESSONS:
If you are late, or if you miss your lessons, make-ups will not be accommodated unless you are ill. In the case of illness, I will do my best to reschedule your lesson time, but cannot guarantee this (especially not before the recital).