Mission & History

Mission Statement

Overtone Industries develops and presents new multidisciplinary operas and music theatre, bringing to life vivid, original stories and myths.  We are passionate about live performance and its power to generate transformation, as performers and audience participate together in each unfolding moment.  We believe artistic expression is an essential part of living, serving as a catalyst for both artists and audience members to understand themselves in a new way.  Collaboration is at the heart of our process and we give each project the time and devotion it requires to come to life.  We simultaneously stay connected to our community by providing opportunities for participatory art making.  Our purpose is to create work that will inspire a broad demographic of people to experience together the joys of being alive.

History

Overtone Industries develops and presents new multidisciplinary operas and music theatre, bringing to life vivid, original stories and myths. Founded in 1980 by Artistic Director O-Lan Jones, Overtone Industries is dedicated to creating original works of opera and music theatre. Since its first production of After Stardrive, Overtone Industries has produced and performed more than eighteen original works across the country at such lauded venues as La Mama in New York, The Met Theater, and the Ford Theaters in Los Angeles. Overtone Industries is the recipient of numerous awards including the Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Original Score, the Dramalogue Award for Best Overall Production, the Ovation Award for Best Costumes, and two Emmy Awards for best Original Score and Design.

Currently, Overtone Industries is developing ICELAND, a new music theatre work being written and composed by Artistic Director O-Lan Jones, and Irish singer-songwriter Emmett Tinley.

Artistic Policy

Overtone Industries aims to create timeless, original opera and music theater, with artists chosen not only for their high levels of artistic integrity, but for their wisdom and ability to translate personal understanding into mythic imagery and language.  We work with artists from all walks of life, who share a common compassionate sensitivity to the drama, delight, and absurdity of the human condition.  Overtone Industries is committed to an in-depth artistic development process, and collaborates with multiple composers, librettists, and performers; allowing each project the time it needs to fully develop and come into fruition.