Welcome
I am a storyteller. Sometimes I use words.
My family spoke a very old Sicilian dialect. But more was communicated in Sicilian with gesture, expression, and rhythm than could ever come through using words alone.
After my family, my church – steeped in ancient, prayerful ritual and spectacle – gave me my first understanding of the profound impact that precise, silent movement can have on large numbers of people gathered together in silence. Those sacred liturgies marking the joyful and the sorrowful gave me my first lessons in theatre.
A stage, a rehearsal hall, a class space, a church - for me they open doors to the many rooms of the soul. I’ve learned that through silence I can bring deep experiences of human connection to people.
Silence fills all the spaces between us joining us together as one.
No matter what you do, I wish you silence.
-Tony
Short Bio / IntroA world-renowned director, choreographer, writer, producer, actor, and mime, Tony Lopresti has helmed productions throughout North America, Europe, and Africa. He currently serves as Movement Director for NYC's Academy of Sacred Drama and as Mime Director for Italy's Festival Musica sull'Acqua, where he has created and directed works since 2009.
His performance career spans from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to television appearances on Saturday Night Live and Saved by the Bell. A multilingual artist with degrees in Psychology and Theatre, he developed his distinctive storytelling voice during 22 years as Director of Video Production for the NYPD. He lives and creates between New York and Italy.
Selected Credits-
Apocalypse Man
Director / Choreographer / Performer
International TourAcademy of Sacred Drama
Movement Director
2019 - PresentFestival Musica sull’Acqua
Mime Director & Educator
2009 - 2024New York Pantomime Theatre
Executive Director
1979 - 1983 -
Prismatist
Columnist
2022 - presentFestival Musica sull’Acqua
Writer of Original Shows
2019 - 2024NYPD
Director of Video Production
1995 - 2017WGBX, WGBH & PBS (TV)
Producer & Host of "Open Door Theatre"
1975WEVD (AM-FM)
Director of Programs/Operations (17 Languages) & Host
1975 - 1976 -
Apocalypse Man
Director / Choreographer / Performer
International TourLa Boutique Fantasque
Lead
Carnegie HallTales of the Goat-Man
Lead
Lincoln CenterSaturday Night Live
Comedy Duo
NBCSaved by the Bell
Guest Star
NBCNew York Pantomime Theatre
21 Seasons
NYC & Touring Company
Alliance Repertory Company
3 Seasons
Los Angeles
Tony was born into an Italian-American family and was raised in Southeastern Pennsylvania speaking Sicilian and English.
Tony attended La Salle College High School on a full scholarship — thinking he would graduate and become a brother.
Tony attended La Salle University as a psychology major but spent most of his time in the theatre.
While studying abroad at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland), he learned to speak French and German.
Tony further developed his voice as a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam War.
Tony continued to refine his voice as Director of Programs and Operations, and Host/Announcer for the New York City multilingual radio station WEVD AM & FM "The Station That Speaks Your Language".
After a year of study at the New York Pantomime Theatre and with Stella Adler, Moni & Mina Yakim invited Tony to join the company as a principal performer. He spent 21 seasons over nearly ten years touring with NYPT, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Tony served as Executive Director for the New York Pantomime Theatre tripling their income in just his first two years.
NYT "Lopresti’s face became a map of memories” -Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times
Tony appeared on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
He went on to have a role on SAVED BY THE BELL.
Tony married Diane Dragonetti, the woman who captured his heart, on January 10, 1987.
Tony's Dad, Tony, Tony's son.
Some years later, Tony, Tony's son and Tony's grandson.
Tony, Tony's son, Diane
Family of Four - Son, Tony, daughter, Diane
At the base of the Empire State Building antenna with the NYPD Video Production Unit. Hired by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton in the rank of Director, Tony produced over 3,500 training and motivational videos for the Department, the general public and other government agencies.
Tony was honored with a NYC Award (shown here with Diane) for his work with the NYPD.
Addressing a 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the 13th Precinct. One of Tony's team was lost that day.
For nearly 20 years Tony was the lead organizer of the Martin Luther King, Jr Day Interfaith Peace Walk on New York's Upper West Side. Participants included Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Orthodox congregations.
After leaving the NYPD, Tony returned full time to acting, writing and directing,
Tony is the Mime Director for the Festival Musica sull'Acqua on Italy's Lake Como, pictured here with Artistic Director and internationally renowned violinist Francesco Senese.
One of Tony's students who performed in several of his productions for the Festival Musica
Meditations in Black and White, Tony's production for the 2022 edition of the Festival Musica sull'Acqua.
Tony's cast of young artists, musicians and athletes for Get Up! Take Care of Your Planet! in Dakar, Senegal.
"Dizzy" in Milan. Tony and Cecilia Morato played silent art thieves who fall in love at the opening of the exhibition.
Tony and Italian violinist, Francesco Senese, created MuMo - Music and Movement, to highlight their fusion of chamber music and silent theatre.
Tony is the Movement Director of the Academy of Sacred Drama. He brings classical mime technique to newly unearthed Baroque oratorios. "Like a Renaissance Painting come to life!"
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