Lawrence Michael Opitz

Lawrence Michael “Lary” Opitz, 77, of Saratoga Springs, NY passed away in his home of 51 years on June 22, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Lary lived with integrity, wit, and a zealous passion for all his endeavors. He was an endless source of knowledge and laughter, and a devoted and loving presence to his family.

Lary was born on June 29, 1948 in Richmond Hill (Queens), NY, to Charles and Eleanor Opitz. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Queens College, City University of New York, where he met his wife, Barbara. Lary studied with many top Broadway designers at the Studio and Forum of Stage Design in New York City. He began his professional career while an undergraduate, working on Off-Broadway productions as a technician and designer. He built the Queens Playhouse, the first professional regional theatre in the borough, and served as their Technical Director. He continued working on Off-Broadway productions as a designer and as the stage manager of the long-running El Grande de Coca Cola.

Lary joined the Skidmore College faculty in 1974 as Lecturer and Technical Director in the Theater Department. He was promoted to professor in 2001 and retired in 2023. When Lary began, the department was located off campus in the college’s original building. He and his dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Peter Gould designed a temporary theatre on campus, and built it with the help of three students and two assistants. He was later deeply involved in all phases of the planning and design of the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater, the department’s home since 1987. Lary developed numerous courses in technical theatre, scenic design, lighting design, stage management, directing, acting, and career development. He created the lighting for fifty-three productions and the scenery for thirty-five productions. He directed fifteen productions, six of which were his own adaptations. In total, Lary worked on one-hundred-and-twenty-six Skidmore productions in various capacities. He took great pride in the many students he taught and directed who later developed successful careers in the theatre, film, and television. He welcomed updates from alumni and stayed a trusted mentor to many throughout their careers.

He was a long-time department chair, served on numerous college committees, and worked as a consultant for the establishment of the Arts Administration Program. In 1994, working with the British American Dramatic Academy, he and Barbara developed the London-based Shakespeare Programme, a Skidmore study-abroad program that he ran until 2006.

Lary continued to work as a theatre professional. He worked extensively on countless Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre, opera, and dance productions. He spent nine years as the resident designer for the renowned Limón Dance Company. His theatre and dance designs were seen throughout the United States and in over twenty countries.

A founding member of the Saratoga Shakespeare Company, in 2012 Lary and Barbara stepped in to ensure that the company would continue to present free professional productions in Saratoga's Congress Park. He served as Producing Artistic Director until 2019, acting, directing, and designing for the company. Under his and Barbara's leadership the company expanded the production season and the student apprentice program, presented seventeen productions, and engaged far more regional and national professional theatre artists than in previous years. Lary played eighteen Shakespearean roles in the company and elsewhere and edited and adapted the texts of the productions he has directed as well as others.

Over his career, Lary was involved in the design of several theatres as a consultant. In addition to the theatres at Skidmore and Queens Playhouse, he designed Capital Repertory's theatre in Albany and two innovative spaces for BOCES in Saratoga and Glens Falls. He consulted on the theatre complex in Albany's Egg, designed renovations to the Lewis A. Swyer Theater, and consulted on renovations of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He was a consultant for many colleges and universities, and was a scholar-in-residence at New York University for three semesters.

Lary was a total theatre artist, beginning as a technician and going on to serve as a designer, producer, director, playwright, and actor working in theatre, opera, dance, and film. He was the only person to be a member of four of the Broadway guilds and unions, including United Scenic Artists (LU#829 of IATSE), Actors’ Equity Association, The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and the Dramatists Guild.

Lary was an active member of Saratoga's Congregation Shaara Tfille, serving a number of terms on the board. As Board President he oversaw the fund-raising, design, and establishment of the congregation's synagogue and Jewish Community Center.

A world traveler for work and pleasure, Lary explored dozens of countries and more than one hundred cities. A lifelong New York sports fan, he was betrayed by the Dodgers, devoted to the Mets, dismayed by the Jets, and grateful for the 2026 Knicks.

Lary and Barbara were married in 1969, honeymooned at Woodstock, and enjoyed more than 59 years together.

He is survived by Barbara, his children, Seth and Noah, their partners Yael and Randi, and his granddaughter Mayim.

A funeral will be held on Friday, June 26, 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Shaara Tfille or Skidmore Theater.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com