The Hawai'i Theatre's Education Program is prepping for its second production, "The Tempest," with a call for apprenticeships for the 2007-08 season.

The youths are sought from public and private schools for the Hawai'i Young Actors Ensemble, to pair apprentices with mentors to study set design, costume design, lighting design, stage management and directing. The ensemble was involved in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" this year.

Applicants may apply for different slots but will be placed in only one, though there will be opportunity to study in several areas of theater, with hands-on classes as well as field trips, according to Hester Kamin, the project's director of education.

Lab fee is $200 for the season, with scholarships available.

Information: 732-0358.

'THE LION KING' EXTENDS ITS RUN

The highly anticipated "The Lion King," slated to open in September, has extended its Blaisdell Concert Hall run by six more weeks, from Oct. 30 through Dec. 9. The new block of tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. June 16 at the box office and Ticketmaster locations.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, a big "Lion King" fan, announced the extension yesterday in a press conference at City Hall. Also speaking at the event was Jack Lucas, president of WestCoast Entertainment, which is presenting the show. The show premieres at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 (preceded by preview performances at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 and 2 p.m. Sept. 16), and regular performances will be at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. There will be no performance on Thanksgiving and a 2 p.m. matinee has been added on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5. The show closes Dec. 9 with a 1 p.m. show.

Tickets are $30 to $85, depending on play dates, with $150 VIP packages (premium seating, souvenir program and a show merchandise item) available for all shows. Reservations: (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.

— Wayne Harada