Trefoni Michael Rizzi
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It is no accident that Teddy's Travels™ has an underlying mission to make learning fun. Travel, Design, Theatre for Young Audiences, Puppetry and Education are Trefoni Michael Rizzi's passions. Thanks to his parents, with a dedication to "taking a family vacation" every year, "Tony" has been an avid traveler from a very young age. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico and looks forward to traveling as often as he possibly can.
As an Artist, Trefoni has been a scenic, lighting and costume designer for 25 years. He received an Ovation Award for Scenic Design in a Larger Theatre from the Los Angeles Stage Alliance and made his off-Broadway debut in 2005, designing sets, lighting and projections for A Woman of Will, starring Amanda McBroom.
As an Educator, he has taught Theatre and Puppetry at such academic institutions as Fairfield University in Connecticut, The University of Alaska in Fairbanks and Los Angeles City College, Citrus College, and Cosumnes River College in California. He also served as Assistant Director of Admissions at Art Center College of Design. Trefoni holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCLA in Design and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Hawaii Manoa in Theatre and Dance.
Rizzi, a resident of Pasadena, California, is also a past President of the Board of Directors for Hosteling International, Los Angeles Council. Not surprisingly, HI's mission closely resembles that of Teddy's Travels™ - to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.
Tedrick de Bear™ has been a long time traveling companion of Trefoni's and was the motivator behind the writing of Teddy's Travels™. It was Tedrick™ who convinced Tony that a book about the National Parks would be a great way to share all of their 'Ventures™. Because, as Tedrick™ always says, "If you share your memories with others, you can go on a 'Venture™ every day of your life!