Kauaʻi Community College’s Performing Arts Center flourishes with new, innovative leadership

From an empty building to a thriving community hub, the Performing Arts Center at Kauaʻi Community College is undergoing a transformation with its new manager, Gregory von Hausch.

When von Hausch was hired as manager in 2024, the Performing Arts Center had been vacant for four years after closing initially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During the closure, officials found damage to stage beams, and extensive structural work had to be completed before the center could be reopened in April 2024.

Utilizing his 50 years of experience in nonprofit work, von Hausch has transformed the Performing Arts Center into a hub for all artists and performers from across Kauaʻi and beyond.

“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.

The sprung dance floor in the separate dance studio behind the stage is used by the Kauaʻi Ballet Academy throughout the year, and Kauaʻi Community College students can now sell concessions and movie tickets to fundraise for their campus clubs and organizations.

These same movie showings are free to Kauaʻi Community College staff and employees and cost $10 for the general public.

Kauaʻi Community College Dean Kurt Takamine is also working with von Hausch to convert the production office into a music studio for students and community members wanting to record music or teach classes.

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

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

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.

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

Some upcoming performances and events include:

• HAWAIIAN STORYTELLERS: Where I Live – Kauaʻi on Friday, June 27;
• Kauaʻi Calls (“Hawai’i Calls | Advancing Hawai’i to the World”) on July 20;
• RENT from Thursday, Aug. 7 to Saturday, Aug. 10;
• Celebrating Queen tribute band in September;
• Stage production of Rocky Horror Picture Show from Wednesday, Oct. 22 to Saturday, Oct. 25;
• Renowned ʻukulele player Jake Shimabukuro on Sunday, Dec. 14. 

Tickets and a list of all upcoming events can be found online.

For community-focused ideas, or for those interested in utilizing the Performing Arts Center for a nonprofit or group, visit the Performing Arts Center’s webpage, or email kccpac@hawaii.edu.