Phil Shaver
Head Scenic Carpenter
Pacific Opera’s acclaimed reputation for building its own sets in house owes much of its success to head carpenter Phil Shaver, who in his 18 years with the company has guided a team of craftspeople to produce award-winning scenery and special effects for audiences throughout Canada and the U.S.
Calling on his three decades of skills in welding, rigging and scenic carpentry, Phil and his close-knit crew at the Pacific Opera production shop create worlds where the passion, emotion, love, drama and treachery of opera come to life. From grand sweeping staircases to sailing ships, prisons and futuristic airports, Phil and his team turn design concepts into fantastic reality.
Phil has had the pleasure of working with internationally recognized developers, promoters, engineers, architects and designers on a multitude of ambitious projects that have toured North America. He enjoys giving shop tours, workshops and sharing his passion for the arts with youth groups, community organizations, and patrons. With academic and technical certifications in music and sound engineering, Phil’s ongoing dedication to his craft involves continuing studies in theatrical and arena rigging as well as computer-aided design at Royal Roads University and the Pacific Design Academy.