Tulsa Opera Welcomes Lighting Designer as New Director of Production

Tulsa Opera announces Erich Keil as its new Director of Production and Lighting Designer. He joins the opera team on July 31, 2017 and plans to dive in as light designer for FAUST, the first of three mainstage productions to kick off Tulsa Opera's 70th anniversary season.

"Erich is one of the brightest and most talented individuals I've met in several years. His skills as a leader and creative resource will be a driving force for Tulsa Opera and the next generation of opera production," says Greg Weber, General Director and C.E.O. of Tulsa Opera.

As one of the nation's oldest and most veteran regional opera companies in the United States, Keil says Tulsa Opera operates on a strong foundation, but with a willingness to self-examine in order to thrive and evolve as one of today's top performing arts organizations.

"I'm always interested in truly understanding where you are and finding clarity in where you want to go next," says Keil, who's worked as a lighting designer, sound designer and production manager for the past 10 years. "The staff at Tulsa Opera, fueled by Greg Weber's infectious energy and substantial leadership experience, can go places and I intend to be along for the ride."

As the former Production Manager at East Carolina University Loessin Playhouse in Greenville, N.C., Keil facilitated budgeting, scheduling and a labor force to produce five ECU mainstage shows each season, including musical theatre, drama and dance. During the summers, he served as the resident lighting designer for Ohio Light Opera in Wooster, Ohio, where he oversaw hiring and scheduling for a seven-show rotating repertory summer season.

Keil has served as Design & Production Area Coordinator at ECU, where he collaborated with designers and technical staff and oversaw curriculum development and revision. In addition, he's been an Associate Professor of Lighting & Sound Design/Technology at ECU and an Associate Professor of Design/Technical Theatre at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

"Erich is a driven, creative artist and manager who is organized and task-oriented, but also artistic and passionate," describes Weber. Keil confirms, "I am a lover of systems and design in all of their manifestations, and truly enjoy their conception and implementation," he says. "It's been a wonderful journey full of art, love and light so far, and I am excited by the possibilities that come with supporting Tulsa Opera."

Ranked among the top 10 regional opera companies in the United States by Opera News magazine, Tulsa Opera draws its audience from a five-state region, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas, drawing its total audience from 22 states. Tulsa Opera strives to enrich the region with professional opera as well as innovative education and outreach programs that reach tens of thousands of children across multiple states.

Keil plans to move to Tulsa with his wife, Dani, a stage director, and their dog, Scout. He and his wife are avid CrossFitters, and love paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, running, biking and more. Keil also practices Zen meditation, which he says keeps him calm and focused. "We're looking forward to all of the great food, music, and art that Tulsa has to offer."

FAUST performances are in the Tulsa Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. The season also includes a 70th Anniversary Gala performance titled THE STARS ALIGN in February starring Susan Graham, and Giacomo Puccini's operatic giant, TURANDOT, in April. Subscriptions for season tickets, which range from $50 to $195, are available for purchase now. For more information, visit www.tulsaopera.com or call 918-587-4811.

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