About Figaro Systems, Inc

Mission Statement: To enhance the excitement and enjoyment of live performance or presentations by removing barriers to accessibility with intelligent technology through an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

The concept that became Figaro's Simultext® seatback system began in 1992 as a dinner conversation between three opera professionals.

Patrick Markle, who at that time was with the Santa Fe Opera, was trying to figure out a way to make the theatre more accessible to patrons with disabilities.

Proving that three heads are better than one, Patrick worked together with Geoff Webb and Ron Erkman to devise the first prototype of a personal seatback titling device. John Crosby of the Santa Fe Opera loved the idea and saw its potential for all the opera patrons.

The Figaro Simultext® system was installed at the Santa Fe Opera in 1998, as part of a complete refurbishment of the opera house.

The three inventors soon realized they were on to something important, and in 1998 a patent was issued. Figaro set up offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1999.

Since then, Figaro has installed hardware and software at Wien Staatsoper in Vienna, Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan, Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, the Royal Opera House in London, the Piermarini at La Scala in Milan, and most recently at the Ellie Caulkins' Opera House in Denver, Colorado.

Additional installations of Figaro systems have occurred at the Des Moines Metro Opera, Seattle Opera, Kansas City's Lyric Opera, and the Roy O. Disney theatre in the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

Today we are honored to be partners with some of the premier opera houses in the world.

Figaro continues to be guided by two of the co-founders, Geoff Webb and Patrick Markle. We have grown to include a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to furthering the mission of Figaro Systems Inc.

Patrick Markle

Patrick Markle

Patrick Markle, Chairman of the board. Former president and CEO, continues to work closely with Geoff to realize his vision for the new directions for Figaro.

Previously, Patrick worked as production director for San Francisco Opera and as Production Director for The Santa Fe Opera. He also served as assistant technical director at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Mr. Markle earned his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from Yale School of Drama and his B.A. from Niagara University. Mr. Markle received a Fellowship for Artists from the Japan Foundation, during which he researched the influence of Western Opera on Kabuki Theatre.

Geoff Webb

Geoff Webb

Figaro President, CEO, and Co-Founder. Previously, he served as Figaro's Vice President responsible for the design and engineering of titling systems. Geoff continues to pursure the research and development of new groundbreaking technologies.

Previously, he served as the design engineer at the Metropolitan Opera and also as a visiting professor at the Yale School of Drama where he taught a graduate class in computer-aided structural design techniques.

Mr. Webb holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science-Architecture from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

Bryan Hollar

Bryan Hollar

Figaro Director of Systems Integration Bryan Hollar leads the development of the in-Ovation® software interface and trains clients in the installation and operation their Simultext® system.

Before joining Figaro in June of 2001, he had spent three years as head of the titles department for the Santa Fe Opera, where he worked closely with Geoff Webb during the Figaro installation.

Mr. Hollar spent his college years at Arizona State University, but says he owes his real knowledge to Scottsdale Community College and their outstanding media arts programs.

Max Rich

Max Rich

Figaro Director of Sales, Max Rich joined Figaro Systems full time in January 2007 having worked with the team for a number of years on advertising and marketing related activities. Currently based in Europe, Mr Rich is responsible for Figaro’s global sales activities and is committed to helping current and future Figaro clients benefit from Figaro’s innovative technology.

Previously, he was the driving force behind “Auditoria” magazine and has a wealth of experience in the performing arts market, particularly in the areas of sales, promotion, fundraising, and sponsorship marketing. From 1996 to 2000 he ran a successful business development consultancy helping SME and start ups to realise their full potential.

Mr Rich has a degree in Management (Marketing) from the Australian Institute of Management/University of South Australia.

Junko Akatsu

Junko Akatsu

Figaro Sales Representative for Asia, Junko Akatsu, joined Figaro Systems in April 2007 after being involved in localizing and marketing Figaro products in Japan for a number of years. Her communication skills and diligence have helped her grow immensely not only within Asia, but also internationally. She is committed to making fine arts more accessible to international audience.

Before joining Figaro, Akatsu excelled in the performing arts industry in Japan and the US. She worked in stage production, promotion and localization of Broadway and Disney productions, among others. She also served as an entertainment reporter for various international media outlets and Japanese print publications.

Akatsu received a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from University of Redlands in California. She is fluent in Japanese.

Ron Erkman

Figaro Co-Founder Ron Erkman spent the last 18 years at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, New York providing research and development in the areas of special effects, motion control and automation, as well as repair and upkeep to its many electronic and electromechanical subsystems.

A six-year U.S. Navy veteran trained in Nuclear Power and Satellite Communications, Mr. Erkman received a Bachelors of Engineering Science from the City University of New York.