 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
About Opera in Focus
![[Maestro Tosci] OPERA IN FOCUS Collector's Poster #1](../images/minitosci_white.gif)
|
| William B. Fosser's Puppet Production Opera in Focus presents
fully staged scenes from well known operas in performances that run about
one hour in length. Each performance may offer between three and five scenes,
depending on the length of the individual scene. A narration of the action
by the well known actor Tony Mockus precedes each scene. A demonstration
of the operation of the puppets and a tour of the highly technical backstage
area follows each performance. The puppets are manipulated from below the stage floor and are capable of very life-like action and dramatic gestures for which opera singers are so famous. When Mr. Fosser was Artistic Director of the Kungsholm, he met a gifted 17 year old puppeteer named Paul Guerra, with whom he went on to create and perform a great number of puppet opera productions. In addition to being a Master Puppeteer, Mr. Guerra, who passed away August 8th, 2007, was also a brilliant costume designer, who conceived and executed most of the beautiful and intricate costumes used in "Opera in Focus" productions. Since his passing in 2007, costuming duties have been taken over by Judy Thomson, Cat Bernier, Anthony Satoh, and Leilani Barzyk. Shortly after opening at the Rolling Meadows Park District in December of 1993, William (Will) E. Harder joined the crew. Shortly after opening at the Rolling Meadows Park District in December of 1993, William "Will" E. Harder joined the crew. Will, a retired Motion Picture Executive and cinematographer, had been a close friend of Mr. Fosser's since the two met in the '50s while both were working in commercial film. He remained a vital force within the Opera in Focus crew for over a decade, conceiving and executing the beautiful rear-screen projections used in our productions, and also exclusively manipulating our beloved conductor, Maestro Tosci. Will Harder retired at the end of our 2007 season and remained a staunch supporter and beloved member of the OIF family until his passing in 2014 at the age of 84. Justin & Shayne Snyder joined OPERA IN FOCUS many years ago as apprentice puppeteers and backstage technicians. During their time training with Bill Fosser, Paul Guerra, and Will Harder, they were trained in every aspect of their craft -- from the design and building of new puppets and scenery to the manipulation of the puppets. As their friendship with their mentors grew, they were personally asked by Bill Fosser to be his successors in keeping the Chicago Puppet Opera tradition alive, an undertaking they accepted with honor and dedication. Upon Fosser's passing in 2006, the Snyder brothers have maintained the theatre and continue to build new Opera in Focus productions each year. In addition to his skills as a puppeteer, Justin is also an accomplished stone carver, writer, and musician. His brother Shayne, a gifted sculptor and musician, sculpts, casts, and assembles new components for Opera in Focus puppets, in addition to being one of our Principal Puppeteers. Leilani Barzyk, joined the OPERA IN FOCUS crew in 2008 and immediately possessed a remarkable natural aptitude as a puppeteer. Upon completing her apprenticeship at the Puppet Opera, she was promoted to Stage Manager and Principal Puppeteer. Leilani is also responsible for many of the beautiful costumes used in our newer productions. Beverly Snyder, joined OPERA IN FOCUS as an apprentice puppeteer and backstage technician and quickly became a beloved member of our troupe who patrons love chatting with backstage. Beverly is the mother of the Snyder brothers and was a very close friend of Bill Fosser, Paul Guerra, and Will Harder. Our two newest apprentices-Faith Mathes and Faith Seal-have been training under the Snyder brothers and Leilani Barzyk in every aspect of our craft. We are also continually looking for new prospective apprentices interested in learning our unique craft. By training the next generation of talented puppeteers, we are continuing the tradition that was passed on to us and assuring the continuance of the Chicago Puppet Opera lineage which began nearly 100 years ago. Although the puppet opera takes place on a stage only five feet wide and two feet deep, the illusion of live opera prevails. The puppet opera performances are capable of charming a wide range of audiences - from the lover of opera to the adult or child simply fascinated by the fine art of puppetry. Located In Rolling Meadows, Illinois, we are interested in taking on new apprentice puppeteers and technicians. No previous puppetry experience required, but good hand-eye coordination and excellent memory are vital. We offer matinee performances on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. February thru December, but also book special performances at random dates and times throughout the year, so some degree of schedule flexibility is needed. If this sounds interesting and you would like more information, please call our reservation hotline at 773-809-3153 to make an appointment to see a regularly scheduled performance as our guest and discuss the particularities of joining our crew. If you prefer you may e-mail us at puppetinfo@operainfocus.com and we will answer your questions in a timely manner. |
|
About the Opera | History | Reservations | Tickets | Repertoire | Home e-mail us: puppetinfo@operainfocus.com 24-Hour Reservation Hotline: 773-809-3153 Park Central Box Office: 847-818-3200 Ext. 1222 Copyright 1999-2025 Opera in Focus. All Rights Reserved. Design and Hosting by: dk worldwide |