We had the opportunity to chat with current sophomore Tehani Kekuawela (BFA Theatre Performance, Anthropology minor), who balances her time between classes at Chapman and performing as a cast member at Disneyland. She shared with us how her cultural roots inspire her passion for performance and future goals.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

CoPA: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Tehani Kekuawela: I am from Pāhoa on Hawai‘i island and am a sophomore BFA Theatre Performance major and Anthropology minor. I’ve been dancing hula since the age of 4, and have grown into a professional, competitive hula dancer.

What inspired you to pursue performance as a career?

My passion for hula made me fall in love with the stage. I feel a strong responsibility to share my culture and make my ancestors proud through storytelling. Perpetuating Hawai‘i’s legacy is very important to me.

Why did you choose Chapman’s College of Performing Arts specifically?

Disney! I auditioned for Chapman University and Disneyland around the same time, then committed to Chapman and got the job around the same time. Also, Chapman University radiates aloha spirit and makes me feel completely at home.

Tehani celebrating her 1 year anniversary of working for Disneyland

Speaking of that, how did you begin working as a cast member at Disneyland? What was the audition process like?

I dreamt of performing at Disneyland ever since I was little. I sent in audition videos during my senior year of high school and got a callback for an in-person audition with Disneyland’s casting director. I actually started training with Disney the same week as Orientation for Chapman.

What has been the most rewarding part of working as a performer at Disneyland?

So many things! Making magic, seeing the smiles on guests’ faces, and experiencing overflowing joy, having hugs from children when they never let go, and making my family and community back home in Hawai‘i proud.

In what ways do your experiences at Chapman and Disneyland complement each other?

Well, I like to say “I play at school and play at work”. And Disneyland is all-hands-on-deck, so I understand the importance of my contribution to a show as a performer. I’ve also learned confidence in how to present myself professionally, as well as how much networking benefits you. Making connections may open up opportunities like casting, new roles, and building a reputation that makes others genuinely want to work with you.

A lot of Chapman’s BFA acting classes center on presence, being fully in the moment, and connecting truthfully with others on stage. We learn how to stay in character while also engaging the audience in a real, meaningful way. That connects directly to what I do at Disneyland, where many interactions are pure improvisation. Each experience teaches me how to listen, respond honestly, and create a genuine connection in the moment, skills that are essential for a career as a performer.

What advice would you give to prospective Chapman students who want to pursue theatre and professional opportunities simultaneously?

Don’t let your dreams stay just dreams! Your goals are within reach if you are courageous enough to strive for them. “If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney

Tehani performing as The Rose in CoPA’s The Little Prince, 2025

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to return home to Hawai‘i and bring my knowledge of performing arts to my community, specializing in native Hawaiian storytelling.

To learn more about Chapman’s BFA Theatre Performance program that Tehani is part of, visit our website.