In this photo from left: Foundation Trustees Ken Okamoto and Elizabeth Hokada; DHT Executive Director Deena Dray; Foundation Trustees Cathy Ching & Bob Fujioka; and Foundation Executive Director Tertia Freas.
The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has contributed $500,000 to Diamond Head Theatre’s newly constructed theatre and presented the check on November 30 at a special event that welcomed the first visitors for a behind-the-scenes tour of the nearly completed theatre. The new theatre has been under construction since Fall 2020.
“It’s been a long and exciting journey to make this dream a reality,” says Deena Dray, DHT Executive Director. “We plan to ensure that our theatre can be a place of entertainment, education, and escape for generations to come.”
The new facility is built directly next to the old theatre, which was demolished just a few weeks ago and will re-open to the public on January 20, 2023, with the first performance of “Cinderella.”
New theatre highlights include the following: an almost 500-seat auditorium and stage, expanded dressing rooms, orchestra pit, fly loft, additional restrooms, and an expansive outdoor entrance overlooking newly created green space. Other amenities will include an expanded scene shop, loading dock and ultimately, expanded spaces for class offerings that will nearly double enrolment capacity.
Each season, DHT offers six mainstage theatrical productions, including five major musicals, on a scale that rivals that of Broadway. Education has always been a vital part of the mission at DHT. From year-round classes in dancing, singing and acting for all ages, to a youth performing troupe, The Shooting Stars, DHT has remained at the forefront of arts education in our community.
