Shaved ice anyone?

What is pictured below is heaven on earth also known as the famous Motsumoto's shaved ice. We got this paradise in a cone (multiple times) on our trip, and let me be the first to say I MISS IT!!! While everyone is running around having fro-yo this summer, I am wishing for one of the fro-yo joints on every corner would turn into a shaved ice place. I have googled it. I have wished for it. I have prayed for it. I have put a shaved ice machine on my Chrismas wishlist. This stuff is addicting. Whenever we went to Motsumoto's we would talk about how we loved filming one scene or we were really excited to see the script for another. In Haliewa I really appreciated the trip and enjoyed hanging out with my theatre family. Shaved ice was a big part of our trip. It was even mentioned in the film! We loved the way shaved ice and friendship went together, and friendship was a major reason for the CTE Hawaii trip.

Who wants to dance?

Is it possible to film in Hawaii without shooting a beach party scene? I don't think so!!! Here's a look at the filming of "Wipeout" with extra help from the amazing actors at Children's Theater of Oahu!!!

WE'RE BAAAACK!!!!

After our multiple adventures in Hawaii we are finally home! The jet lag has subsided. Most of the actors are back in school, but based on all the Facebook posts we all wish we were still in Paradise. In the next few days more details will be revealed about our fabulous trip! But for now check out our pictures on instagram by searching #ctehawaii2014

Are you kinakin?

Aloha! Our group has been on many adventures since we last updated you; and, frankly, they're working up a sweat! On Monday, the crew was planning to roll out of bed a tad later than expected, but we found out we have a rooster friend who likes to have false dawns. Yikes! After a hearty breakfast, we ventured to Kualoa Ranch, the site of many film and TV show sets. What better place for our kids. Check out this picture of the whole crew at the actual log that Dr. Grant, Tim, and Lexi hid behind in Jurassic Park!

We then went to Manoa Falls and filmed with Amy Swanson (Maria) and Cam Griffiths (John). Here's a picture of them emerging from the woods

Tuesday, we had much fun as we started the day at the Buddhist temple. Kevin and Mikey filmed their scenes while the rest of us wandered the estate. Here's some cool shots!

Afterward, some of us went to Kahana Bay for some beach time while others stayed to swim and run lines at the house. Then we all ventured to the Polynesian cultural center where Mariah and Cory were filmed playing the Tongan drums, but not before our own Jonathan Horn was called up to play with the performer. He really held his own! Take a look..

We wrapped up our visit with a traditional luau and Ha: The Breath of Life performance. Look at some of the luau!

Wondering what that word is in the post title? We learned that the word for being tired after eating is kinakin! Also, keki is the Hawaiian word for children. That's all for now! We'll give you an update soon on what we did Wednesday!

ALOHA! We made it!!

Nine hours after our 10:30 takeoff yesterday from O'Hare, we made it to Hawaii! Our whole group was breath-taken by the view and praising about the warm weather. Here's a picture of our kids on the flight!

After a very scenic drive, we arrived at our new digs where everyone rushed to jump in the pool! We ate well at the poolside barbecue.

We wrapped up the day by shooting our first scene in the Hawaii setting! The kids have been cursed until they learn their lesson! Take a look at this cool behind the scenes shot!

A new day ahead of us for more adventures. Til then, Aloha!!

3 Days 12 Hours!!!!

With the excitement of our trip growing the days seem longer and longer. Here's a flashback to the extremely snowy day that we finished our filming in Elgin. We can't wait to find out what happens to Emily and Tricia once they get to the Pacific Rim!!! :D

5 Days 13 hours!!

As the clock begins to dwindle, we remember all of our fun times on and off the set! This picture was taken at Sushi Station when most of our girls went out for a bite to eat after a long day of filming!

We're Almost Ready!

Last month, we wrapped up filming her in Elgin, but all of us are eager to embark on our Hawaiian adventure!
We fly out next Sunday, so throughout the rest of this week, we'll be posting pictures and videos taken from behind the scenes on filming days here. All the kids are getting packed and the chaperones are getting pumped. Just a little over 6 days to go!!
Here's a video taken by one of the cast members during our filming day back in January. Take a look at the shenanigans they're getting into!

Behind the Scenes!

CTE is making a film!

Aloha! All of us at Children's Theatre of Elgin are very excited to be diving into the world of film making, and we've got 16 awesome teenagers right in the middle of it.

We already did some of the preliminary filming right here in our hometown of Elgin, Illinois, but now we're all psyched up to wrap it in HAWAII! Throughout the adventure, we'll be posting updates so you can see where we are and what's happening.

So bookmark our blog and follow us across the sea!