From empty to electric: Performing Arts Center lights up Kaua‘i CC

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

The Kaua'i Chamber of Commerce hosted a business Pau Hana event last month.

The Great American Circus performed at the PAC earlier this year.

The Kaua'i Ballet Academy have been able to use the separate dance studio behind the stage.

A packed house enjoyed David Sedaris' show this year.

Performing Arts Center at Kauaʻi CC

Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/jkr

The Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Kauaʻi Community College is undergoing a transformation from an empty building to a thriving community hub, thanks to new Manager Gregory von Hausch. 

“I want to establish this building as a resource for not only the college, but for the whole island to attract name talent; and to attract all kinds of performances, not just music, not just conferences, but something exciting—an explosion of arts, the whole nine yards,” von Hausch said. “We want to make this a real hub of activity here.”

Recent performances have included a concert by The Green and a showing of the movie At Her Feet, with a special guest appearance by Lilo & Stitch actress Sydney Agudong.

Upcoming highlights include:

HAWAIIAN STORYTELLERS: Where I Live – Kauaʻi, June 27, 

Kauaʻi Calls (“Hawai’i Calls | Advancing Hawai’i to the World”), July 20, 

RENT, August 7–10, 

Celebrating Queen tribute band, September, 

Rocky Horror Picture Show (play), October 22–25, 

Renowned ʻukulele player Jake Shimabukuro, December 14. 

There are also film festivals, musicals, movies, a free comedy show and more planned. 

Tickets can be purchased online. 

Partnering with the community

Von Hausch’s more than 50 years’ worth of experience in nonprofit work shows in the way he has transformed the PAC. When he started, the PAC had been vacant for four years after closing in 2020 due to COVID-19 and for renovations. The PAC reopened in April 2024.

Now, the sprung dance floor in the separate Dance Studio behind the stage is being utilized by the Kauaʻi Ballet Academy throughout the year. Also, Kauaʻi CC student clubs and organizations are able to sell concessions and tickets to movie showings and benefit from the proceeds, and these same movie showings are free to Kauaʻi CC staff and employees while only costing $10 for the general public. 

Von Hausch is currently working with Kauaʻi CC Dean Kurt Takamine on the conversion of the production office into a music studio for community members and students to be able to record music and teach classes. 

He’s got more big ideas including art showings in the lobby, farm-to-table film and food experiences, and has asked some celebrities to visit Kauaʻi to host Q&As alongside showings of their films. 

“I think we’re just beginning to tap the potential,” von Hausch said. 

If you have a community-focused idea, or if you have a nonprofit or group that could utilize the PAC, visit https://www.kauai.hawaii.edu/performing-arts-center, email kccpac@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 245-8352.

VIDEO:

BROLL: 1:06

Kauaʻi CC Performing Arts Center

Kauaʻi Ballet Academy at PAC

Honolulu Theatre for Youth

Hula rehearsal

Modern dance

Lighting grid

SOUND: 

Gregory von Hausch, Kauaʻi CC PAC manager (:23)

“I realize that this space is unique for Kauaʻi, and I want to make it the cultural hub of the island, whether itʻs theater, dance, music, poetry, there can also be town hall meetings, dissertations—utilize it so that it’s right here for them.”

von Hausch (:18)

“One of the things I’m looking at is an ongoing movie series, developing more variety in the programming, doing more theater, continuing to do the music we have and perhaps even opportunities for local high school and middle school kids to come here and intern.”