Few in the area possess the knowledge of McHenry County arts held by Woodstock Opera House Director John Scharres.

Fresh out of the first graduating class of a Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Illinois, Scharres assessed his options and headed for Woodstock to start his career as a technical director. Now, 35 years later, he’s still putting to use the knowledge he’s built during his lifelong relationship with theater, leading the operation as director for the past 20 years.

Northwest Herald reporter Shawn Shinneman recently caught up with Scharres in his Opera House office to hear about Scharres’ life in theater, how the local arts scene has evolved through the years, and the recent stage dedication to Orson Welles.