About Us
The Castle Performing Arts Center
Our Mission:
"Entertaining today's audiences, Educating tomorrow's performers,
and encouraging the youth of Hawai'i to follow their dreams,
no matter what their chosen careers !"
For over fifty years through our internationally renowned performing arts programs, CPAC has been producing plays, musicals and special events. Designated as a public school Learning Center by the State of Hawaii Dept. of Education, CPAC programs annually serve hundreds of students in grades 5-12 in Windward Oahu.
While many of our graduates become professional actors, singers, dancers and technicians, we are committed to teaching the life skills for all of our students to become active, caring members of their communities no matter what their chosen careers!
Mr. Ronald E. Bright
Our Founder .
Affectionately known as “Mr. B.,” Ronald E. Bright inspired thousands of people around the world both young and old. His contagious energy and passion for the arts continually encouraged students to reach beyond their
capabilities. Always seen with a smile on his face and a hop in his step, Ron directed over 100 musicals and plays
in Hawaii since starting at Castle High School in 1963. As Castle's English and Drama teacher for over 40 years, (he retired in 1993) he always encouraged his students to be foremost responsible, respectful and productive citizens; acting was secondary. In 1992, in commemoration of Mr. Bright’s many years of educational excellence at Castle High School, the theatre there was renamed the Ronald E. Bright Performing Arts Center, now lovingly known as the Bright Theatre. Mr. B continued to direct occasional shows with CPAC after his retirement. In 2008, he began directing with our educational partners at the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.
During his life he received many national honors and lifetime achievement awards; the EDTA Hall of Fame from the International Thespian Society, named a Hawaii Living Treasure by the Honpu Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, and in 1990 he was awarded the National Milken award for teaching. Always humble, his family - which always included his beloved students - meant more to him that any notoriety. A dedicated family man, Ron and his wife of 55 years, Moira, began a family legacy in performing arts and education. Their children and grandchildren follow in Mr. B's footsteps as teachers and artists. After Mr. Bright's passing many of his former students created the I'm A Bright Kid Foundation, which continues Mr. B's love and enthusiasm for both the arts and education. CPAC is proud to carry on his legacy along side IABK.
