Karen Meyer
CPAC Program Director
Learning Center Coordinator, Bright Theatre Manager, Director and Set Designer
Classes: Play Production 1-4, Theatre Crafts 1, 2, and 3, Theatre Arts, Puppetry, Thespian Troupe #566 Advisor
An actress and designer in Hawaii for many years, Karen Meyer began her teaching career with the Alliance for Drama Education, teaching at over 100 schools on six islands, including residencies for the CPAC program since 1984. Now in her 20th year as CPAC Director, she received her graduate degree in Education from UH Manoa and a post-graduate certificate in Gifted and Talented Teaching from USC. For her work on stage she has earned several Po‘okela awards both for acting and design, and a national Army FORSCOM Award for costume design. Ms. M has appeared on local stages in everything from Shakespeare to musicals, including productions directed by her mentor, Mr. Bright. She has taught English, acting, health, social studies, and currently our Theatre Crafts and Saturday Classes. A proud Kaneohe resident, Ms. M can be found at the dog park with her immediate family members, Howie, a golden retriever with a theatrical resumé, and Lola, who gets whatever she wants.
Kami Wakabayashi
CPAC Faculty
KidStart Choreographer, Saturday Academy Classes, Castle Dance Ensemble Director
Classes: Creative Dance, Exploratory Drama, Acting 1-3, Early College, Tap Dance
Ms Kami has been performing since the age of 7. She has choreographed the last four years of productions of Annie Jr. to Aladdin Jr. for KidStart and S.H.I.N.E. at Waialae Baptist Church. She has trained at the Honolulu Dance Studio and Diamond Head Theatre in jazz, ballet, tap, and contemporary dance. Ms Kami earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Theatre with a concentration in Theatre Education from Manhattanville College.
Callie Doan
CPAC Faculty: KidStart Musical Director, Voice Technique
Callie Doan has worked with CPAC since 2007 as a Musical Director for our KidStart shows. She received her Bachelor of Music in Voice and Theatre from Ithaca College in NY, and performed professionally in NY and DC before moving to Hawaii in 2005. Callie has enjoyed performing at various theatres around the island and received a Po'okela Award for Lead Female in a Musical for her portrayal of Jenny in MVT's "It Shoulda Been You". She enjoys teaching Private Voice Lessons out of her home in Kaneohe and always welcomes new students. Callie is the principal singer at a Japanese wedding chapel, sings with the Worship Band at her church, and enjoys spending time with her husband Andrew and son, Alex.
Alana Morton
CPAC Costume Design and Costume Shop Manager
A proud Castle High School graduate herself, Alana attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, earning a Master's degree in fashion design. While at UHM, she was the youngest ever chosen for studying abroad and traveled to Italy for a semester. She has made a career in retail sales all while working with us for the past twelve years. She keeps the costume shop organized and running for our KidStart and musical productions!
Daren Kimura
CPAC Faculty: Musical Director and Conductor
Daren has been Musical Director for CPAC for the last 11 years and music directed shows at ACT, including "Zombie Prom." On stage, he has appeared in "Guys and Dolls", "My Fair Lady", "Flower Drum Song", "Titanic", "You Somebody" and "Les Miserables." An accomplished violinist, he has been Concertmaster for the University of Hawaii Manoa Symphony Orchestra. Daren has also performed at Carnegie Hall and the Sidney Opera House.
Alex Durrant
CPAC Faculty: WCC Early College Program and Saturday Academy Classes
Classes: Early College Stage Combat, Early College Film Acting, Saturday Ballet Workshop
Currently an instructor of performing arts at Windward Community College, Alex has taught many subjects over the last five years through our Early College program. Born and raised in England, Alex appeared in several West End productions in London, including "Beauty and the Beast" A professional dancer, he toured for many years with "Cats" performing throughout the world in various roles. More recently he appeared as MacDuff in the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival's production of "Macbeth" We are honored to have him with us!