"So, I’m lying on the cafeteria ground where we had staged our opera, on top of leftover food and candy wrap litter, pretending to be hurt, and all of a sudden, hear little kids seated in the front row asking me if I’m okay."

A chat with Erik Haines, Director of Education Programs —
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‍As our Education programs are fully underway, we wanted to chat with Erik Haines, Director of Education Programs to chat about his 30-year career with HOT, some memorable moments, and his hopes for the future.

‍How did you first get involved with HOT? What led to your role as Director of Education Programs?
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‍I’ve actually been singing for HOT since 1986! It all started when Beebe Freitas, the Artistic Director at the time, asked if I’d be interested in a small role in The Tales of Hoffmann. It was just a small part, but it turned out to be the beginning of my relationship with HOT. Over the next few years, I sang in their chorus and took on other small parts—Beebe was a mentor to me and coached me extensively and in exchange did some work around the house. I’m not sure if that’s the fairest of trades, but that was how partnership evolved.

Fast forward to 1991, HOT launched the Opera for Everyone program and around that time, we had received an education grant that was used to support an extra performance of the opera Candide that was specifically for students. They had the brilliant idea to include the student interns in the production and I was hired to not only coordinate the participating students, but to also write the education materials for the teachers to use in their curriculum. I did that job for another year, and then HOT officially hired me to become their full-time Education Coordinator—and I’ve been here ever since!

‍You have such a long history with HOT – what was your favorite experience as a performer with us?
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‍About 12 years ago, we were on tour with Opera Express performing Turandot, and there was a moment in which the prince was thrown onto the ground. I was the prince. So, I’m lying on the cafeteria ground where we had staged our opera, on top of leftover food and candy wrap litter, pretending to be hurt, and all of a sudden, hear little kids seated in the front row asking me if I’m okay. It was adorable.

Another favorite experience of mine was on the mainstage, where I was the Mandarin in Turandot. It’s such a cool experience because the atmosphere is electric and buzzing with anticipation, and I get to stride to downstage center, dancers to my left and right and sing the opening of the show.