Spotlight on Theatre Parent Volunteers

Related: ‘The Lightning Thief’ Lights up the Stage  

By Carol Lockwood ’86, P ’24, ’27, PFA Performing Arts Co-Chair

Dillingham Hall is buzzing with excitement as more than 65 students in grades 6 – 12 prepare for Punahou’s fall production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” Performances will be held on Nov. 3, 4, 5 and 12.

On any given afternoon leading up to the performances, dramatic lines, soaring vocals, and the sounds of dancing and sword fighting ring through the rafters. When the curtain rises on opening night, however, it will reveal the work of not only the actors on stage, but the entire show’s production team – including the director; music directors; dance and fight choreographers; technical director; scenic, costume and puppet designers; house manager; and student crew. And supporting them all behind the scenes is a small army of devoted parent volunteers.

Spearheaded by myself and PFA Performing Arts Co-Chair Paula Choy, parent volunteers enthusiastically support Punahou Theatre productions by assisting with costume fabrication, hair and makeup training, cast and crew meals, performance ushering, cast and crew t-shirt preparation, costume and prop sorting and organization, production team gifts, and more. In return, theatre parents get to know the cast, crew and production team, share in the excitement of the developing show, and bond with fellow theater parents.

As described by parent volunteer and PFA Performing Arts Chair 2023 shadow Shauna Alam, “Volunteering allows parents to connect with Punahou Theatre productions on a different level: it allows us to witness – and contribute to – the inspiring creative process behind these exciting shows!”

Although large-scale productions like “The Lightning Thief” generate the greatest need, volunteer assistance is welcome throughout the year (especially for parents with relevant skills like sewing or carpentry) for other Punahou Theatre or Dance School productions, and for the annual Senior Class Variety Show during Carnival.

Learn more and purchase tickets to “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”

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