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
Founded in 1980 by Artistic Director O-Lan Jones, Overtone Industries is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating original works of opera and music theatre. Since its first production of "After Stardrive" (nominated for a Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Best Music), Overtone Industries has produced and performed more than eighteen original works across the country.
One of the organization’s highly regarded works, "Superstitions", was produced at the Magic Theater in San Francisco and at La Mama in New York. It was subsequently produced and aired by KQED (PBS San Francisco), winning two Emmy Awards for Original Music and Design. Other award winning productions include "Katy Cruel" (Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Original Score), "String of Pearls" at the Met Theater (Dramalogue Award for Best Overall Production), and "Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands" (Ovation Award for Best Costumes).
In 1994, after 14 years of successful work in San Francisco, Overtone Industries relocated to Los Angeles. Here, we have successfully mounted productions of "String of Pearls" at the Met Theatre, "It's a Pretty Good Life" at The Actor's Gang, Theater Theatre and Miles Playhouse, "The Woman Who Forgot Her Sweater" at [Inside] the Ford, "Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands" in a 25,000 square-foot abandoned car dealership, and "The Woman in The Wall" at the Masonic Lodge in Culver City.
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.