Edward Franko has distinguished himself as one of Canada’s most energetic and experienced stage directors, having directed over 120 productions. His career has also included stints as producer, artistic director, educator, actor and lyric tenor. Mr. Franko has been hailed for his vivid imagination and his interpretations of theatre, traditional and contemporary opera and musical theatre. He has worked with Opera Anonymous, TrypTych Concert and Opera, Opera Belcanto of York, Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, Opera York, Opera Mississauga, Westben (The Selfish Giant, Fiddler on the Roof, The Selfish Giant’s Garden), and many others. He made his successful European directorial debut with his original production of Frid’s The Diary of Anne Frank (also a Canadian premiere) at the Three Rings Festival in Prague, Czech Republic and Britten’s The Beggar’s Opera as part of the Summer Opera School in Chichester, Great Britain. He directed the world premiere of The Selfish Giant (Westben), Frankenstein (TrypTych); the Canadian premiere staging of Verdi’s first opera Oberto and Beckwith/ Quesnel’s Lucas et Cecile. He is Co-Artistic Director of TrypTych Concert and Opera in its 27th year. As an active member of the Kenora community and beyond, he is a Grant Review Team Member for Northwestern Ontario, Trillium Foundation; a Board Member for New Opera Lyra, Ottawa; is Executive Director of the Kenora Hospitality Alliance; teaches drama at St. Louis Living Arts School and is President of the Kenora District Festival of the Arts. Most recently, he directed and produced 9 videos for TrypTych titled “Opera on the Lake of the Woods.”