Train here. Work anywhere.
The Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts is O‘ahu’s premier professional actor training program. Students train with working professionals and develop their craft onstage at Palikū Theatre, building strength in performance, voice, and movement.
This is not theoretical training. It’s built for real outcomes.
74.9% of Conservatory graduates are actively working performers across film, television, stage, and video games, in an industry where unemployment can reach 90%. That level of placement is exceptional and reflects a program designed to prepare students for the realities of the profession.
Students don’t just train here. They step onto a global stage.
One of the top drama schools in the United Kingdom, the prestigious East 15 Acting School in London, has elevated their long relationship with Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts to a premium partnership.
This new status grants matriculating HCPA students $5000-per-year scholarships for East 15.
Next fall, eight graduates of HCPA will make this journey to East 15, continuing their training in BA programs in Acting, Stage Combat, Community-based Theatre, and Acting for New Media.
This is how artists from Hawai‘i build real, lasting careers.
What the Talent Has to Say
“The Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts is a pu‘uhonua for Hawai‘i’s emerging performance artists. This program is stewarded and cultivated in aloha by Hawai‘i’s best theater teachers. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and guidance that I have received.”
Kaipo Dudoit
Actor, Lilo and Stitch, Titus Andronicus
“This program has helped me tremendously in the art of acting, and many others who will come after me. Your contributions will not only benefit students, but also actors in the community who will be in future productions across our islands.”
Hio Pelesasa
Actor, Next Goal Wins, Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw
“The Conservatory provided the experience and foundation that helped me take the next step. With the support of this program, I’ve been accepted into acting programs at Pace University and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and received a scholarship to train in Ireland.”
Yasmin Kogake Galvis
Alumni, Class of 2025
“The Conservatory shaped my career as both an actor and teacher. I now teach acting and voice a recurring character in the ‘Like a Dragon’ video game series. The program gave me the tools to secure these opportunities and succeed in them.”
Noah Nakachi
Director of Voice Acting for Collective Imagination
Give with Purpose
Students learn by doing, performing, and refining their craft over time. Your gift expands access to the experiences that make that growth possible, from productions and travel to direct mentorship with working artists.
This Giving Day, your impact builds in two ways.
Every gift is matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000, doubling support for Conservatory students. And when 50 donors step up, an additional $10,000 is unlocked, expanding what this program can deliver even further.
Meaningful ways you can support Hawaiʻi CC today!
- Performance Arts Conservatory Fund
Fuel the full Conservatory experience. Your gift supports productions, travel to festivals and study abroad, and brings established and emerging artists to train directly with students. - Dr. Dennis Carroll Scholarship
Honor a legacy of local arts leadership. This scholarship directly supports Conservatory students and continues a lifelong commitment to developing Hawai‘i’s talent.
