Arts
Maui Prep Theater
List of 4 items.
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100%
Lower School participation in Visual and Performing Arts -
2
Major Theatrical Productions each year -
6
Dedicated Arts Spaces
including Art studio, Chin Dance Studio, Graham Theater, Music Room -
K-12
Vertically-aligned curriculum
Musical Theater Productions
Two big shows a year
Theater at Maui Prep centers on two major productions each year, so students get real time on stage and learn the discipline and excitement of live theater.
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Lower School Production
Grades K–5
All Lower School students participate in the annual Lower School musical theater production, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to perform on stage as part of a large ensemble.This production introduces students to the rehearsal process, stage performance, and the collaborative nature of theater. The show is performed in the Bozich Center for Athletics and Performing Arts and is one of the most anticipated events of the school year. -
Middle & Upper School Production
Grades 6-12
Students in Middle and Upper School have the opportunity to participate in the school’s annual musical theater production. These productions are fully staged junior musicals that allow students to experience the process of professional theatre—from auditions and rehearsals to opening night.Students involved in productions develop acting skills, stage presence, rehearsal discipline, and ensemble collaboration while bringing beloved stories to life for the school community.
Maui Prep Performing Arts · 2025 Production
On Stage: Matilda the Musical JR.
Big voices, bold choices and a whole lot of heart. Watch highlights from our students' production of Roald Dahl's Matilda.
School Song
Hammer
When I Grow Up
Revolting Children
Bruce
Quiet
Kindergarten–5th Grade
Lower School Drama
Weekly 45-minute drama classes, led by Lower School Drama Instructor Sarah Gowans, build creativity, confidence and expressive communication through imaginative play, storytelling and performance. As students progress through the grades, they begin memorizing lines and performing scripted material while developing the skills needed for stage performance.
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Imaginative play and role-playing
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Storytelling and dramatic expression
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Voice projection and stage presence
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Character creation and emotional expression
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Improvisation and collaborative scene work
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Foundational elements of drama and theatre theory
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Grades 6-12
Middle and Upper School Theater
Middle and Upper School students participate in theater through the Performing Arts elective program, where they develop acting and production skills while working toward the school’s major theatrical productions.
These classes are taught collaboratively by Nathalie Smith, Director of Performing Arts, who leads acting and theatrical direction, and Sarah Gowans, who serves as Musical Director and vocal coach.
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Acting technique
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Character development
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Script analysis
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Stage blocking and movement
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Rehearsal discipline and ensemble collaboration
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Stage performance and storytelling
These classes are taught collaboratively by Nathalie Smith, Director of Performing Arts, who leads acting and theatrical direction, and Sarah Gowans, who serves as Musical Director and vocal coach.
Grades 6-12
Technical Theater and Production
Students also have opportunities to participate behind the scenes through technical theater and production roles, gaining experience in the many creative and technical elements that support a successful performance.
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Lighting and sound design
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Stage management
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Set construction and scenic design
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Prop creation
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Marketing materials and posters
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Social media campaigns supporting productions
These experiences allow students to understand the full scope of theater production while developing practical creative skills.
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Why Theater?
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Performance Opportunities
In addition to the Lower School production, students participate in additional performance opportunities throughout the year.These include:- Poetry recitals presented during school assemblies
- Arts Night performances on the outdoor stage
- Ho‘ike Celebration
- Lower School musical theater production
- Middle and Upper Schools musical theater production
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What Students Gain
Through theater, Maui Prep students develop skills that extend far beyond the stage, including:- Confidence speaking in front of others
- Creative expression and storytelling
- Emotional awareness and empathy
- Collaboration and ensemble teamwork
- Discipline and responsibility through rehearsal
- Communication and presentation skills
These experiences help students become confident performers and articulate communicators, skills that benefit them across all areas of academic and personal development.
Meet the Team
Program Leadership
The theater program at Maui Preparatory Academy is led by Nathalie Smith and Sarah Gowans.
Nathalie Smith, Director of Performing Arts. Nathalie directs the school’s theatrical productions and leads acting instruction for Middle and Upper School students. As Head of Performing Arts, she oversees the theater, dance, and music programs while directing major productions that bring the school community together through performance.
Sarah Gowans, Lower School Drama Instructor and Musical Director. Sarah teaches Lower School drama and serves as Musical Director for Maui Prep’s theater productions. She brings years of experience working with children and teens in singing, choir, and performance.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Utah State University and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education from Ricks College. Her background in child development and education informs her approach to teaching drama and vocal performance.
Find Us
About
Maui Preparatory Academy is a preschool through 12th grade private school located in West Maui.
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