Diamond Head Theatre

Diamond Head Theatre, known as the "Broadway of the Pacific," is the third oldest continuously operating community theatre in the United States, with a history dating back to April 28, 1915, when it was founded as The Footlights. Over the years, the theatre has become a cornerstone of Hawaii's performing arts scene, involving the local community as audience members, stage crew, and performers. Initially entertaining troops during World War II, the theatre has grown to produce six major productions each season, including five large-scale musicals. It also offers educational workshops, year-round classes in theatrical arts, and a summer program for children and teens, highlighted by the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars, a youth performing troupe. In 1934, The Footlights evolved into the Honolulu Community Theatre, and in 1952, it found a permanent residence at Ruger Theatre on Oahu's iconic Diamond Head. The theatre was renamed Diamond Head Theatre in 1990 and has since been undergoing reconstruction to become a modern live theatre center. As an independent, local nonprofit organization, Diamond Head Theatre is supported by a dedicated staff, a board of directors, and community contributions to its capital campaign. The new theatre complex opened in 2023, continuing the legacy of this historic cultural institution.