ABOUT

Swaine Kaui, originally hailing from Hawaii, is now based out of NYC. Swaine received a degree in Artistic Direction and Cultural Fusion from Webster University, B.F.A, studying with Steve Woolf at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis; and Graduate Directing work at The University of Memphis, M.F.A.

Swaine started his career as a flourishing performer, working in American Regional theatres, as well as, travelling the world and performing in International theaters. Additionally, Swaine has performed for the world re-known Metropolitan Opera House, opening up the 2008 season in LaRondine. Select favorite roles include: Roberto Nuney (Working), Ito (Mame), Amiens (As You Like It), and Babby Bobby Bennett (Cripple of Inishmann).

Swaine has travelled to Thailand, directing a documentary on Thai Performing Arts, for which he won a Webbie award. Some of Swaine's favorite directing work includes: Next to Normal (TN), Hair (NY), The Wedding Singer (NY), The Little Prince (TN), Blood Wedding (LI), Songs for a New World (NY) and A New Brain (LI). Swaine has also directed new works in NYC such as: Do I have to Die..., Lulu Takes a Walk, Crossing Borders, and Creeping Hard, for which he won a Best Direction award.

Swaine won the NY Drama League Directing Fellowship for Musical Theatre, and has created two original Cabarets, opening the Bill Finn Cabaret space at Barrington Stage. Swaine has won awards for: Best Director of a New Play (NYTS), Best Director of Video(Webbies), Best Show in Lunchbox Series (Mertz), Best Show in Studio Season (Mertz), and the Carol Burnett Musical Theater Scholarship. Swaine is a proud member of AEA and SDC(a).