The Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center (PAC) was open on Wednesday for a special showing of the IMAX documentary “Call of the Dolphins” with the film’s director Jonathan Bird.
Today, the PAC will present “Hawaii Storytellers: Where I Live — Kauai” with a diverse group of Kauai storytellers sharing their unique perspectives and experiences living on the Garden Isle.
“We’re busy,” said Gregory Von Hausch, the PAC director. “I just installed a video that lists a lot of the events taking place here from now until the holidays in December.”
Outside, a KCC staffer scoured the fence line separating the lo‘i. He picked through the wind-blown leaves and singled out wind-blown debris including cold drink cups, napkins, assorted sheets of paper, and more.
“This is leftover from the outdoor event at the PAC,” he said. “They haven’t gotten around to cleaning, yet so it’s a good thing I found this bag to put everything in. Now, let’s go enjoy some snack from the reception for ‘Call of the Dolphins.’”
According to Caitlin Fowlkes and the UH News, the PAC at KCC is undergoing a transformation from an empty building to a thriving community hub through the efforts of its new manager, 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,” he said. “We want to mae this a real hub of activity here.”
The film on Wednesday was in the wake of earlier excitement that included an outdoor concert by The Green, and the recent showing of “At Her Feet” with included special guest appearance by the film’s writer, producer and director Nadya Wynd, as well as Sydney Agudong, who was cast as Nani in the live action “Lilo &Stitch” movie.
When Von Hausch took over duties of the PAC manager, the facility had been vacant for four years after being closed in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic and remaining closed for renovations before opening in April 2024.
When Von Hausch opened the doors, be brought more than 50 years of experience in working with nonprofits. He used that background to start paving the road to busy.
“Now, the sprung dance floor in the separate Dance Studio behind the stage is being utilized by the Kauai Ballet Academy throughout the year,” UH News said. “Also, Kauai Community College student clubs and organizations are able to sell concessions and ticket to movie showings and benefit from the proceeds such as ‘At Her Feet’ that benefited the college’s Hawaiian Club.”
These movies are free to KCC students and employees while the general public pays $10.
Von Hausch is currently working with KCC 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.
“I think we’re just beginning to tap the potential,” he said.
Some of his other ideas include installing art showings in the lobby that were present during the screening of “Call of the Dolphins,” and farm-to-table film and food experiences.
For people who have a community-focused idea, or for nonprofits and groups that could utilize the Performing Arts Center, visit the website www.kauai.hawaii.edu/performing-arts-center, email kccpac@hawaii.edu, or call 808-245-8352.
Source: The Garden Island
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