Tech Week – A Parent’s Point of View: Spotlight on Eyal Ophir

Spotlight was thrilled to reach a couple PYT parents to get their insights into what’s it like having an actor in the house and how they feel about going into Tech Week.  Here’s one of the interviews this time with Shrek parent, Eyal Ophir. Eyal’s daughter Sahar plays “Gingy”, “Bluebird” and she’s also a “Dragonette” in the Storybook Cast. Shrek The Musical, directed by PYT’s Producing Artistic Director Loryn Hatten, opens this Saturday, March 9th.

Spotlight: Eyal, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m the head of product design at SignalFx, a tech start-up. I’ve always loved drawing, painting, sculpture, and anything artsy – so I love working as a designer. I also grew up in a very musical family, so there was always music around. These days, we have a room with Sahar’s guitar, a piano, and drums, and Sahar and I love to jam together.

Spotlight: How long have you been involved with PYT and in what capacities?

Sahar’s first PYT show was Cats, in 2017. She had just turned 8 when rehearsals started. I volunteered to paint sets. The set designed by Andrea Bechert was stunning – a 1940s English pub. My wife was on the hair/makeup committee, and Cats had a ton of makeup. When a few kids needed some emergency, last-minute makeup, she pulled me in. And from there on out, I’ve been heading the hair/makeup committee. So far, I’ve done The Lion King Experience Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Willy Wonka, and now Shrek The Musical! Every show has been completely different, and a great experience. For the last 3 shows, I got to work with Katie Pheneger PYT’s hair/makeup designer. Having a pro around makes everything better, and it’s always exciting to see what she’ll bring to each new show.

Spotlight: What’s it like having a child who loves theatre?

Sahar has always been a performer. In preschool, after her teachers finished their announcements, she had her own announcements. When we took her to see Sesame Street Live,at the end of the show, she said, “That was great, but next time I want to be on stage.” Her grandparents and her built a stage for her in the backyard. She’s always singing in the house. And most of all, she loves to make people laugh. So, she’s always keeping us entertained. PYT has been an amazing outlet for her. Sahar calls PYT her happy place.

Spotlight: What are you most excited about and/or worried about going into tech week?

Tech week is a ton of fun, and a crazy scramble. Somehow, you’re always scrambling to make sure there are enough people to staff all the shows, and that everyone feels confident in what they’re doing. It’s crazy how quickly you go from the complete mess of the first tech rehearsal to being the well-oiled machine that we become by the time the shows go on. I love working on this committee – you really get to know the kids, and help them through the madness of backstage. And it’s fun to see how much they love it. As much as I love being in the audience, it’s amazing to be backstage and see the kids crowding around that scratchy monitor in the green room as their friends perform, singing along to every song and dancing along to every dance. My wife is one of the photographers, along with Lyn Healy. Apart from shooting the shows, she’s also going around taking candid backstage shots. So, for us, tech week and the shows are a family affair. It feels like we move into the theater for two weeks!

Spotlight: Anything else you’d like to add or, why should people come out and see PYT’s production of Shrek the Musical?

I think Shrek is going to be a great show. It’s such a clever script, with such infectious music. We’ve been hearing it at the house on a loop. And it’s SO funny. It’s great to see a show where the kids really connect to the characters. It also speaks to why PYT, and youth theater, is so great, and so important. It’s a place where anyone can come and let their freak flag fly.

Spotlight: Thank you Eyal. Break-a-leg to you and Sahar. Have a great tech week and run of show!

Tickets for Shrek The Musical are on sale now! Shrek performs March 9 – 17 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street.

By: Barbie Koch