HAWAII OPERA THEATRE
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Mission Statement
Hawaii Opera Theatre uses sound business practice to present a broad spectrum of world-class opera as well as a wide range of educational and artistic opportunities to the whole State of Hawaii.
About This Cause
Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) was founded in 1960 as part of the Honolulu Symphony Society, and was independently chartered as a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) in 1980. Defined as a cultural/educational institution, HOT is the only performing arts organization in Hawaii presenting Grand Opera, thereby increasing the public's awareness and appreciation of an art form that provides a unique combination of music, theatre and dance. Hawaii Opera Theatre's goal is to be recognized as an outstanding regional opera company, one that consistently produces performances of the highest quality while maintaining a strong financial position. HOT produces four fully staged opera productions each season. In 2014/15 this included Puccini's popular masterpiece, Madam Butterfly, Wagner's epic Flying Dutchman, Stephen Sondheim's darkly comic Sweeney Todd, and a contemporary opera by the English composer, Jonathan Dove: Siren Song, which was performed in a warehouse in the Kaka'ako district of Honolulu. HOT has a very active 55-member Board of Directors, consisting of a broad range of business and community leaders led by President James H. McCoy. Each director must be a member in good standing of Hawaii Opera Theatre, purchase a season subscription to opera productions and actively support and participate in HOT's activities, including the annual Opera Ball. The Board meets at least 10 times a year. In addition, they also sit on at least one of 10 active committees, including the development committee whose focus is on opening doors to gain community and business support. Those members who also sit on the Steering Committee attend additional meetings throughout the year. All members have a fiduciary responsibility to the organization. HOT has presented some of the world's finest operas for Hawaii audiences under the leadership of Henry G. Akina, who has served as general & artistic director since 1996. Mr. Akina oversees the company's artistic and educational programs and staff, and ensures the artistic continuity and quality of productions and programs. Simon Crookall recently joined Hawaii Opera Theatre in May 2013 as executive director, and is responsible for HOT's marketing, development, financial stability, and long-range planning. Prior to HOT, Crookall served seven years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Music has been part of the human experience from the beginning, and is integral to existing tribal cultures as a way to communicate spiritual and social lessons to its members. Hawaii's cultural renaissance includes a celebration of the music unique to our islands. Music is essential to the intellectual growth of children and HOT feels compelled to be part of the learning process. The goal of Hawaii Opera Theatre's educational outreach programs is to provide arts education to Hawaii's youth, some who otherwise might not be served. Since the late 1980s, HOT has helped to fill the gaps left by state and federal budgetary constraints by developing a full range of educational outreach programs statewide, providing Hawaii's people the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate opera and the arts. The menu of programs includes those designed to meet the needs of students in grades K through 12, as well as a transition program for college students and a number of outreach programs for adults. Cutbacks in arts education funding are an ongoing struggle. The National Endowment for the Arts’ 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts reveals that in 1982, nearly two-thirds of 18-year-olds reported taking art classes in their childhood. By 2008, that share had dropped below one-half to 2.2 million, a decline of 23 percent. Cuts in funding have persisted and in Hawaii, arts funding is at an all-time low. Hundreds of studies and program evaluations have been conducted to determine how the arts positively impact children. There is compelling evidence that the arts are necessary at all ages for children to achieve success in school, in life and in their adult careers. The arts teach interpersonal skills; how to work in teams; an understanding and appreciation for diversity in ideas and people; the ability to communicate effectively within and between groups; and leadership. They help young people to develop creativity, critical thinking, self-discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to identify and solve problems. Once successful in the arts a student can translate this success to other areas in school and life. Arts education has been found effective in keeping young people in school, in reaching and motivating at-risk students and those with distinctive learning styles, and in making education more interesting and therefore, more accessible. HOT's community outreach and educational programs provide Hawaii's youth the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate opera. It is our hope that as they grow into adulthood they will continue to enjoy, participate and support the opera and arts in Hawaii – creating the next generation of arts lovers and patrons.