Meet MN Opera

FRANKIE CHARLES

ACCESS & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

What I do:

I manage internal and external community engagement initiatives. This includes events related to the current season’s offerings and the opportunity to find community connection through my own personal identities. I also work with the Tempo program and Tempo Council, facilitating meetings and activating networks for engagement. I develop the Creative Disruptions series, which serves our staff by providing professional development opportunities by giving platforms for historically underrepresented communities to speak about their experiences in the arts and beyond. I also serve as a facilitator for additional one-off programs including but not limited to technical production and LGBTQIA+ experiences in the arts. By training, I am a Technical Director and advocate for the continued improvement of artistic and production spaces.

Why I’m excited for Edward Tulane:

I was around when we had to put it on hold. I had started at MN Opera as the Resident Artist Assistant Technical Director and Edward Tulane was the first big project of my time here. I had a personal hand in drafting/planning many of the scenery pieces used along Edward’s journey, so it will be very rewarding to see those on stage with music and lights. Minnesota Opera’s dedicated staff of artists, craftspeople, and administrators are passionate about bringing worldclass opera and opera education programs to Minnesota. Recently, we sat down with three of them to learn more about what they do at the Opera and why they’re excited for this production of Edward Tulane.

SALVATORE S. VASTA III

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR

What I do:

My primary duties include supporting the daily operations of the artistic department team, in both an administrative and artistic function. On any given day, you’ll find me preparing contracts, speaking with agents about artists, organizing auditions, preparing purchase orders, and working in other ways to support the general workflow of the department in a manner which best maximizes department efficiency.

Why I’m excited for Edward Tulane:

I love the air of anticipation and excitement that surrounds each world premiere; but this one is extra special having been cancelled days before the premiere due to the pandemic shutdown. The combination of a beautiful story, exciting music, and gorgeous design — I can’t wait to see this opera finally come to life on stage.

KERRY MASEK

ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

What I do:

I lead company-wide scheduling, building timelines for rehearsals, costume fittings, coachings, events, training programs, and overall use of rehearsal facilities at the Minnesota Opera Center. I love solving the daily puzzles of who needs to be where and when. I also manage Minnesota Opera’s rental productions, which are 12+ full packages of scenery, props, costumes, and media regularly presented on opera stages around the country.

Why I’m excited for Edward Tulane:

My favorite part of working at Minnesota Opera is bringing new works to life onstage. I love watching a piece develop through the workshop process in the year or two prior to the premiere. For Edward Tulane, our designers and production team have created an incredibly magical world for Edward to inhabit onstage and I’m excited for audiences to experience this new opera!