Humboldt Light Opera Company (HLOC)

Humboldt Light Opera Company (HLOC) Celebrating 50 years of magic, friendships, & joy. A community based performing arts organization.

In December of 1973 when the curtains went up on the first Humboldt Light Opera production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, the company founders probably had no idea how successful the organization would become. Although community is not in our name, it has always been at the heart of our organization. Our goal since 1973 has been to bring musical theatre to the people of our community - not just

as a viewing experience, but also as a performing experience for those who have dreamed of taking the stage themselves. The company has presented more than 100 major productions, which have in turn involved thousands of performers, actors, dancers, instrumentalists, directors, designers and choreographers. We seek to combine the arts of singing, drama, and dance to tell a story that will be enjoyed by audience and performers alike. HLOC continues to move forward as an organization - by exploring new literature, taking on new technical challenges, and providing a place for people to realize their dreams no matter how old or young they are. We eagerly look forward to the future... and fulfilling our motto:

Let your imagination take flight on wings of song!

We had such a great summer with these young people of the von Trapp family. We thank the teachers of Kidco for their ded...
09/07/2026

We had such a great summer with these young people of the von Trapp family. We thank the teachers of Kidco for their dedication to teaching the art of musical theater. Our fall Kidco musical theater training classes start this week. Go to hloc.org for details and registration.

Thank you to our Favorite Things Sponsors. With your support, we were able to bring The Sound of Music to the stage in H...
08/16/2026

Thank you to our Favorite Things Sponsors. With your support, we were able to bring The Sound of Music to the stage in Humboldt County. Our productions also support our educational programs - we have something for all ages! Visit our website at hloc.org to learn more about HLOC and to get your tickets for the last show on Sunday, August 16th.

Be sure to come see The Sound of Music before we say our so long farewells to this wonderful musical! Only three more s...
08/14/2026

Be sure to come see The Sound of Music before we say our so long farewells to this wonderful musical! Only three more shows - this weekend! Tickets at hloc.org.

A theater production is not only about the singing and acting but it is a host of elements that come together to create ...
08/11/2026

A theater production is not only about the singing and acting but it is a host of elements that come together to create an experience that transports the audience to another world. The singer actor brings the story to life, the unsung heros - the designers and their crews who work long hours to create an atmosphere that enriches the story. We thank Carlene Cogliati - set designer, Sanitago Menjivar - lighting designer, and Casey Vaughn - projection designer, for collaborating on Sound of Music to bring to life the beautiful world of the von Trapps! From the grandeur and mystery of the Abby and the cathedral, to the magnificent living room of the von Trapps, to the lush outdoor beauty of the terraces, to the sunsets and sunrises over the mountains, each scene brings a time and a place that amplifies the emotions in the scene. A thank you to all the people that helped bring Carlene, Santiago and Casey’s visions to the stage, for their dedication and artistry.

Four more shows with one today starting at 2 pm. Get your tickets at HLOC.org or at the door. The lobby opens 30 minutes...
08/09/2026

Four more shows with one today starting at 2 pm. Get your tickets at HLOC.org or at the door. The lobby opens 30 minutes before show time.

Youth performers in our summer KidCo camp performed before The Sound of Music for opening weekend. They were wonderful!
08/09/2026

Youth performers in our summer KidCo camp performed before The Sound of Music for opening weekend. They were wonderful!

Meet our sisters.Leilani Harling - Sister MargarettaLeilani is thrilled to be returning to the HLOC stage as Sister Marg...
08/07/2026

Meet our sisters.

Leilani Harling - Sister Margaretta
Leilani is thrilled to be returning to the HLOC stage as Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music! This marks her ninth production with HLOC, having previously appeared in Elf the Musical (as Deb), The Little Mermaid, SpongeBob, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Pirates of Penzance, King Island Christmas, Jane Eyre, and Beauty and the Beast. Leilani is grateful to study voice with Carol Ryder.

Offstage, she enjoys teaching Kindergarten at Arcata Christian School and spending time with her friends and church family. She gives all glory to God for His grace, mercy, and the opportunity to create truth, goodness, and beauty through the arts. She also thanks her sweet and supportive parents, encouraging friends, and incredible cast mates.

Tracey Barnes - Priestley - Sister Berthe
Tracey discovered the joy of community theater later in life and found a creative home with HLOC. Performing with this group has been a true gift. Playing Sister Berthe - the cast's affectionately dubbed "Grumpy Nun" - has been a delight!
She values the collaborative spirit that surrounds each production — the generous leads, talented director, dedicated production crew, musicians, and performers of all ages who bring creativity, support, and connection to the stage. She treasures the multigenerational connections that create something special both on and off the stage.

Tehya Tuttle - Sister Sophia
Tehya is excited to be appearing as Sister Sophia this year! She has been a part of the company since she was 5 years old, taking HLO KidCo classes. You may recognize her from past productions in roles such as Jovie (Elf), Pearl (SpongeBob), Ariel (Little Mermaid), or Norma Mushari (God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater).

Recently, Tehya has taken on leadership positions in the company as a lead teacher in HLO KidCo, and choreographer for The Sound of Music. Tehya would like to thank her amazing community of performers and family for their support over the years.

Meet two more of our cast members: Tyler Rich (Max Detweiler) and Katri Pitts (Elsa Schraeder).Tyler Rich - MaxTyler is ...
08/06/2026

Meet two more of our cast members: Tyler Rich (Max Detweiler) and Katri Pitts (Elsa Schraeder).

Tyler Rich - Max
Tyler is very happy to be returning to the stage with HLOC. He has been involved with the company since 2004 and it has long been a second family. You may remember him from past productions as Scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz), Laurie (Little Women), Chip (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid, and many more.

This show marks the first time in over 20 years that Tyler has done a show without the support of his amazing best friend and wife, Shae. Tyler would like to thank his family, coworkers, and everyone involved in this production for being the amazing people they are, and lifting him up and supporting him. He takes strength and inspiration from Shae's memory, and sends her his love, wherever she may be now.

Katri Pitts - Elsa
Katri began working with HLOC in 2000. She has been teaching musical theater classes for Humboldt Light Opera's KidCo program for 25 years and has served as chorus director and choreographer for a number of HLOC shows. Katri has also been seen on stage in a variety of different roles. A few of her past roles include Cinderella (Cinderella), the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz), and Karen the Computer (SpongeBob the Musical). She is also a board member of Humboldt Light Opera Company.

Katri has directed the music program for the Cutten/Ridgewood School district for 22 years, teaching TK-6th grade general music, band, strings, and choir.
She currently serves as the Past President of the North Coast Section of the California Music Educators Association. She is a member of the Eureka Symphony Chorus, the Humboldt Chorale, and the HLOC Babes Chorus. Katri is grateful to Carol Ryder for her inspiration and guidance and would like to thank her family for their love and support.

Cindy Cress as The Mother Abbess - Cindy is delighted to join HLOC once again on stage with three of her talented daught...
08/05/2026

Cindy Cress as The Mother Abbess -

Cindy is delighted to join HLOC once again on stage with three of her talented daughters. Sound of Music is a special show as it was her first with HLOC 32 years ago! Over the years, Cindy has enjoyed playing many different roles. Some of her favorites were Ursula (Little Mermaid), Ruth (Pirates of Penzance), and Dragon (Shrek).

Cindy was one of the original teachers of HLO KidCo - Fiona was actually in her first class. She continues to teach the advanced classes. Community Theater has been a very important part of her life and her children's lives, and hopes to be a part of the magic for many years to come!

Address

92 Sunny Brae Center
Arcata, CA
95521

Telephone

+17076305013

Website

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