Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
Community Service
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Genie Hokulani Calagna

Haiku,HI

Summary

Dynamic director of performing arts with extensive experience in overseeing theater production, including casting, directing, and technical coordination. Proven leadership in planning and administration, consistently delivering high-quality performances. Achievements include creating a supportive environment that promotes creativity and professional development for artists.

Overview

24
years of professional experience

Work History

Roots School
Haiku, Hawaii

Director of Performing Arts Program
08.2018 - Current

Job overview

  • Directs 3 full productions yearly, presented at ProArts Playhouse
  • Develops and directs two shorter productions yearly, expanding opportunities for student engagement.
  • Collaborates with local playwright James Minniear to create original playscripts, enhancing program's unique diversity.
  • Designs and executes costumes, sets, lighting, and sound for all productions.
  • Teaches poetry, creative writing and art.
  • Integrates social emotional awareness and academic curriculum into artistic endeavors.
  • Develops all promotional material including production posters and programs.
  • Represents Roots School Performing Arts Program in grant-seeking efforts and fostered connections within the theatrical community to enhance resource availability.
  • Fosters partnerships with local artists and organizations for community engagement.
  • Coordinates schedules for rehearsals and performances among students and staff.
  • Manages budgets for productions, ensuring financial resources were utilized efficiently.
  • Collaborates with faculty to integrate arts into academic programs effectively.
  • Develops policies and procedures for auditions, rehearsals, performances, and other activities associated with the performing arts department.

Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Teaching artist
08.2012 - 06.2018

Job overview

  • Performed as a teaching artist for drama in Can Do! Day events.
  • Developed integration drama and curriculum lesson plans for Can Do. program.
  • Supported diverse learning by providing temporary teaching artist assistance in dance, visual arts, and music disciplines.
  • Attended teacher development courses that emphasized arts integration, slam poetry, and SEL.
  • Served as a drama integration specialist for the MACC Summer Institute, concentrating on teacher development.
  • Participated in professional development initiatives to refine and enhance instructional strategies.
  • Contributed expertise in integrating arts across various educational platforms.
  • Collaborated with educators to implement and advance innovative teaching practices across Maui.

Hui Malama Learning center

Teacher
01.2012 - 08.2012

Job overview

  • Developed tailored lesson plans addressing individual educational needs to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Taught life skills, speech and communication, poetry, and GED preparation classes to enhance student readiness for life challenges.
  • Directed and choreographed final graduation performance, showcasing student achievements and talents.
  • Delivered educational services in Maui, HI

MAPA

Actress / Puppeteer
06.2007 - 06.2009

Job overview

  • Performed in various theatrical productions, showcasing diverse character interpretations.
  • Collaborated with directors to understand vision and deliver compelling performances.
  • Participated in rehearsals, refining lines and blocking for optimal stage presence.
  • Performed at hundreds of schools across Hawaii, engaging diverse student audiences in educational performances.
  • Collaborated with M.A.P.A. and school administration to enhance coordination processes, streamlining event logistics.

Arts In Progress
Boston, Massachusetts

Program Coordinator
01.2005 - 06.2007

Job overview

  • Developed and taught arts integration courses, enriching curriculum and engaging students across multiple schools.
  • Collaborated with ArtsLit to expand access to arts education, positively impacting classroom experiences.
  • Instructed improvisational comedy classes, fostering creativity and enhancing performance skills among students.
  • Developed engaging productions for vulnerable youth alongside students.

Kea'au High School
Kea‘au, Hawaii

Artistic Director / Theatre teacher
06.2002 - 08.2004

Job overview

  • Directed annual full-length productions and one-act festivals to showcase student talent.
  • Oversaw production aspects, coordinating costume, set, lighting, and sound design to create cohesive performances.
  • Integrated improvisation techniques into curriculum, enhancing students' timing and ensemble skills.
  • Taught theatre history to enhance students' understanding of performance arts.
  • Created press releases and designed promotional posters to effectively promote each production.
  • Secured community donations for essential production materials.

Education

Emerson College
Boston, MA

MA from Theatre Education
06-2007

University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI

BA from Performing Arts
06-2002

Skills

  • Artistic direction
  • Production oversight
  • Script development
  • Stage management
  • Costume, set and lighting design
  • Community engagement
  • Arts integration and Educational programming
  • Performance coaching
  • Adaptability
  • Multitasking
  • Eternal optimist

Accomplishments

• Directed, costumed, set, sound and lighting designed over 20 productions
• Spearheaded Artslit program through Arts in Progress, Integrated theater techniques into ten high school English classrooms in inner city schools in Massachusetts, improving reading, writing and public speaking skills of over 30,000 students.
• Special course taught at Maui Arts and Cultural Center : Professional Development Summer Institute for Educators: How to integrate Drama with the concept of ALOHA into our classrooms.
• Cross currents two day workshop on Social and Emotional Learning through drama.
• Lihikai Family Day workshop for children and their parents focused on family connections and social and emotional learning.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Painting
  • Creative writing
  • yoga and pilates

Community Service

  • Community Work Day, Building gardens in schools and community settings all over Maui. Participating in beach clean-ups in Lahaina, Paia, Kihei, and Hana.
  • Volunteered to support the Lahaina fire victims through various organizations.

Timeline

Director of Performing Arts Program

Roots School
08.2018 - Current

Teaching artist

Maui Arts and Cultural Center
08.2012 - 06.2018

Teacher

Hui Malama Learning center
01.2012 - 08.2012

Actress / Puppeteer

MAPA
06.2007 - 06.2009

Program Coordinator

Arts In Progress
01.2005 - 06.2007

Artistic Director / Theatre teacher

Kea'au High School
06.2002 - 08.2004

Emerson College

MA from Theatre Education

University of Hawaii At Hilo

BA from Performing Arts

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Genie Hokulani Calagna