About Kennedy Theatre

The Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is the home base for the productions of the Department of Theatre & Dance. Kennedy Theatre also typically hosts the Asia Pacific Dance Festival as well as numerous commencement ceremonies.  On occasion and schedule permitting, special events and performances by outside groups can be accommodated. Email Rick Greaver at greaver@hawaii.edu for information about non-T&D Department use of the facilities.

Opened in 1963, the building was designed by the internationally-known architect I.M. Pei, and features a beautiful 619-seat mainstage theatre and a 147-seat flexible “black box” space, named the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre after one of the department’s long-time faculty members.

The Mainstage is the site for elaborate Asian and Hawaiian theatre productions, Euro-American theatre classics, and contemporary works, as well as all types of dance performances. The Earle Ernst Lab Theatre focuses on experimental works and thesis work by students.

Click this link to view a list of all past Dept. of Theatre & Dance productions.