Frequently Asked Questions about HTY

What kind of theatre is HTY? Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) is a theatre for young audiences. Founded in 1955, HTY is the only professional nonprofit theatre in Hawai‘i and produces theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of young people, families, and educators in the state of Hawai`i.

Why does HTY present theatre? HTY believes that drama education and the theatre are unique, socially-based education and art forms that help participants and audiences walk in the shoes of others. These empathetic experiences help youth and families expand their imaginations, enrich their lives, and discover the infinite possibilities in the world they face. HTY envisions a future for Hawai`i in which people are culturally literate and imaginative, are critical thinkers and inventive problem solvers, with a respect for history and a sense of place in a complex world.

Where can I see HTY plays? Public performances are held on weekends at Tenney Theatre, on the grounds of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew. Most O‘ahu school shows are held there, too. HTY works primarily through the public and private school systems in the state to reach about 80,000 people each season with over 300 school performances and 80 public performances targeted to specific ages. This allows teachers and parents to select plays appropriate to the interest level and curricular focus of their students and children, from preschoolers to teenagers. HTY reaches out to all children in the state regardless of race, economic condition, or geographic location. On tour, HTY performs at many venues statewide. HTY has taken leadership in seeking out and developing new work for young people.

Does HTY do any new plays? Over one third of HTY’s productions have been world premieres, and the percentage is increasing. HTY sponsors writing classes and workshops, hosts writers' groups, and commissions new plays in order to develop and support a pool of writers who can speak to the concerns of, and in the language of, Hawai`i's children.

Are there drama programs for children, too? HTY drama specialists provide direct services through drama residencies at schools, weekend and summer community programs, workshops for in-service and pre-service teachers, and classes for teens that focus on writing and developing performances for the stage.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Honolulu Theatre for Youth looks to the development of new work that speaks to the children and families of the community, of and about their experiences and concerns, in new and fresh ways that will make the American theatre richer and more inclusive of its multi-hued constituency.

We invite you to explore HTY’s web site and learn more about Hawai`i’s professional theatre for young people and families! For more information, please contact us by email, phone (808) 839.9885, or write to Honolulu Theatre for Youth Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth is a proud member of:

American Arts Alliance
American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE)
ASSITEJ/USA
Hawaii Arts Alliance
Hawaii Arts Center for Youth
Hawaii State Theatre Council
Theatre Communications Group (TCG)