Staff | Board of Directors | Contact Information
Mission Statement
Responsive to cultural needs of the community, the Kahilu Theatre provides a home for the presentation, support, education and promotion of the performing arts.
Kahilu Theatre Staff
Janet
Coburn
Janet Coburn has been a non-profit administrator on the island of Hawaii for
over 20 years. Ten of those years have been spent in non-profit art administration,
first with the Kona Association for the Performing Arts and, since November of
2001 with the Kahilu Theatre Foundation. Prior to working in the arts Ms.
Coburn administered and coordinated the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and served
as the industry spokesperson for the Kona Coffee Council.
Under Ms. Coburn's leadership the Kahilu Theatre Foundation's programs have grown
significantly. The organization
feels strongly positioned with her as its leader to continue to meet the community's
needs for quality arts and culture experiences.
In her spare time Janet enjoys spending time with her three children, three dogs,
and two cats. Aside from chauffeuring her daughter around town, Janet is
an avid reader and when she has time, which is rarely, she also enjoys cooking.
Alva
Kamalani
Alva Kamalani was born and raised on Oahu. She relocated to Waimea
in July 1981. Alva started at Kahilu Theatre as a part-time Events Manager
in 2004 and began working full time in the Box Office in June 2004. In July
2006, she was promoted to Operations Director. Alva is the genius behind
the scenes who ensures that the theatre is run efficiently. Alva has extensive
managerial experience and is an asset to the theatre as she is extremely
detail oriented.
Alva's favorite pursuit is relaxation as an art. She is the kumu hula for Halau
Manu Le`a Hawai`i, with classes in Honoka`a and Hilo. Alva recently traveled
to India and enjoyed the people, the place and the food. It was an experience
and an opportunity to become a Oneness Facilitator.
Alva's love for the performing arts infuses her with on the job inspiration.
Diesel
Tucker (and Malina - Canine Activities Director, ready if needed!)
Diesel Tucker has been the Kahilu Theatre's Technical Director since January
2004. He
works with visiting productions to ensure technical excellence and satisfaction
with the back stage support. He also oversees the technical crew, prepares
the theatre for productions, and keeps up on general maintenance.
Diesel spent the first eighteen years of his life in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Always
considered a natural on the drums, at age thirteen he began performing in front
of live audiences. Diesel went on to study music at the Waldorf College
and at Drake University. He toured nationally and internationally with
rock-n-roll, country, jazz, and big bands. In fact, it was while on tour
with a musical in the late 80s that Diesel first set foot in the Kahilu Theatre.
He decided to make Waimea his permanent residence shortly thereafter.
James
Bracco
James Bracco started at the Kahilu Theatre in 2004 and is the Assistant Technical Director, Lighting Director and Gallery Coordinator. Born and raised on the island of Manhattan he is the culmination of all things ill. James brings to the theatre his passion for music and the arts. He is continually motivated and inspired by the world class talent that tours through the Kahilu.
James is married to Angel Prince of Prince Dance, with whom he shares a mutual love of music and dancing. In James' spare time he enjoys DJing, traveling, the ocean and surfing.
Alethea
Lai
Alethea Lai started with the Kahilu Theatre over a year ago as a grant
writer, and is now working full time as the Development Director. She
moved to the Big Island over 13 years ago and found the Kahilu Theatre shortly
after finishing her Masters degree. Alethea is excited to become part of
the development team that is dedicated to making the theatre grow and thrive
as never before.
Alethea is married to Dr. Olivier Lai, who aside from being an astronomer, is
going to begin presenting pre-concert lectures at the classical concerts this
season. They have a four year old son, Xander, who already performed in
his first performance at the Kahilu in May. Getting to experience the youthful
enthusiasm for the arts first hand from Xander helps Alethea stay focused on
what matters most at the Kahilu Theatre.
In her spare time, Alethea enjoys running, dancing, reading, gastronomy, naps,
and the beauty of the Big Island. Her favorite performances last season
were Pink Martini and Laurie Anderson. This season she is excited about
Tomas Kubinek, Badi Assad, and of course, the Trocks.
Nara
Samuels
Nara Samuels is the Kahilu Theatre's Box Office Manager. Hired in December,
Nara moved here from Portland, Oregon where she worked with the Portland State
University Women's Resource Center teaching a course in women's studies and providing
support services for non-traditional students.
Along with her impressive management and people skills, Nara is passionate about
education, community building, and sustainability. She is most energized
by the Theatre's active role in bringing arts education to the island's youth,
especially through the live youth concerts and the community projects like Disposable
Nation.
Nara loves being outdoors and spends her weekends camping, hiking, and gardening
with her husband Jeff. They are excitedly expecting the birth of their
first child in October, along with all the Kahilu staff who can't wait to cuddle
and play with a newborn!
Lisa
Shattuck
Lisa Shattuck started with the Kahilu Theatre as our part
time Box Office Personnel last December. Lisa will be our temporary
Box Office Manager while Nara is on maternity leave. Lisa first
started working at the theatre as a Summer Arts instructor, so she has
an intimate knowledge of the energy and enthusiasm of our kids programming.
Lisa
grew up in a musical family who jammed together using the piano, melodica,
trumpet, and stand-up bass. Not only would they play instruments, but
they would all sing together too! She now enjoys a wide range of music,
but especially choral and jazz. Lisa studied dance in college and has
brought her enthusiasm for dance performances to the job. Last season
Lisa picked Momix as her favorite, and for the upcoming season she is
thrilled about Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.
Recently,
Lisa has been taking to the water in her kayak and she, her husband,
and two daughters were recently certified in scuba. If you don't see her
in the box office, look for her down on the coast, conversing with the
fish and turtles.
Board of Directors
The Kahilu Theatre Foundation would
not be here today without the hard work of its committed board members.
Mahalo Nui Loa to the Board of Directors.
1. Evarts Fox, President
2. Mike Luce, Vice President
External Affairs
3. Rhoady Lee, Vice President Governance
4. Monique Allison, Vice President Internal Affairs
5. Vicki McManus, Secretary
6.Hanne Knoll
7.Adi Kohler
8. R. Ben Tsukazaki
Contact Information
To Reach the Administrative Offices:
Janet Coburn - Managing Director at 808 885-6019 - janet@
kahilutheatre.org
Alva Kamalani - Operations Director at 808-885-6017 - alva@kahilutheatre.org
Alethea Lai - Development Director at 808-885-7936 - alethea@kahilutheatre.org
Diesel Tucker - Technical Director at 808 885-6018 - diesel@kahilutheatre.org
James Bracco - Asst. Technical Director/Gallery Coordinator at 885-6018 - james@kahilutheatre.org
Nara Ann Samuels - Box Office Manager & Youth Programs Coordinator at 808
885-6868 - nara@kahilutheatre.org