Darren K. Woods, General Director/Artistic Director Fort Worth Opera
With rehearsals in full swing for the Fort Worth Opera Festival, Woods is rarely at his L-shaped, roomy workspace. Woods wears dual hats as both general director (we found a budget sheet and notes on “what it means to be a good board member”) and artistic director (production drafts, CD tapes, research books, newspaper articles).
On his desk:
First draft of yet-to-be-titled 2016 production about the final night John F. Kennedy spent in Fort Worth before going to Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. “It’s two years out. That’s how far you have to plan for opera,” Woods says.
Book based on the life of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the feminist 17th century nun and focus of the 2014 FWO production With Blood, With Ink, beginning April 20. “Much of the research was from this book.”
The inaugural Innovator in the Arts award from the Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, which recognizes a leader in the arts who has had a transformative effect on an organization.
New York Times article, “Is Music the Key to Success?”
Hand-written note card – Woods prefers the old-school personal touch when communicating.
Eye drops. He says you can’t do this job without nice, moisturized eyes.
Postage stamp from the Metropolitan Opera sent by a patron while visiting England.
Quote: “I like this sort of shaped desk; having the computer out of the way lets me sit here and actually see people.” Â