PALC - The Performing Arts Learning Center

The Performing Arts Learning Center was founded in 1987 on the Hilo HS campus. Housed in an historic 700 seat auditorium built in 1927, PALC was developed as a magnet program for students interested in Theatre Arts. PALC accepts students in grades 7-12 who attend any public or charter school on the Big Island.

PALC presents three public shows during the school year, a fall play, the annual New Playwrights Festival, and a spring musical. In addition to our regular season, students also present performances for classrooms and special projects.

The PALC curriculum trains students in acting, dance, vocal performance, and technical theatre. We support social development and diversity through creative collaboration. Our students are able to access the latest technology and techniques of theatrical production. Many of our students go on to careers in the arts.