Jon Fay is the co-Founder and Director of P’Opera! since 2012; and Artistic Director of Sierra Music Society since November 2014. He has degrees in Speech and Theatre, and in Voice Performance from Indiana University.
During his college days, Fay co-founded a musical theatre group in his dormitory (converting the meal facilities into a theatre complete with stage and lighting) which performed numerous shows for the university community. While an undergraduate student, he was the Musical and Theatrical Director for a university touring company that completed three tours of a musical revue. Fay was also a soloist during those tours. Prior to graduating, Fay co-founded and co-directed a Dinner Theatre Company; and performed leading male roles in numerous musical theatre productions professionally. Fay also worked as a scenic and lighting designer for a PBS affiliate station and had the opportunity to work as an assistant conductor under the esteemed Robert Shaw.
Upon graduation, Mr. Fay embarked on his operatic career as a dramatic tenor. Singing lead tenor, Mr. Fay sang extensively throughout the United States performing over twenty-five leading verismo tenor roles with major companies in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Arizona, California and Nevada among others.
After making Reno his home base to coach with Mr. Ted Puffer, Mr. Fay worked as an adjunct Professor of Voice at the University of Nevada, Reno for 32 years. Jon had the privilege of heading up the UNR Opera Theatre program with the assistance of Kathleen Kimmel for three years after Ted Puffer’s retirement. Along with directing numerous scenes programs, Mr. Fay also directed Amahl and the Night Visitor, and Susannah for the UNR Opera program.
Equally at home in the opera pit, Mr. Fay conducted Trial by Jury and Jack and the Beanstalk for Nevada Opera; and was assistant conductor for Sweeney Todd, Don Giovanni, and Carmen. Mr. Fay directed the Die Fledermaus for the Nevada Opera 2012 Reno Artown Program, and served Nevada Opera as Chorus Master for Sweeney Todd, Don Giovanni, Carmen, Reno Artown, and numerous fundraising events from 2012 until 2014.
Mr. Fay has also served as choral conductor for over 30 years in church choirs. A highly sought out soloist, Mr. Fay has performed extensively throughout the Reno community. He is head of Vocal Development at JamPro Music Factory in Reno.
