< p>CHICAGO (AP) — A Lyric Opera of Chicago performer was burned after setting his head afire during a dress rehearsal of a production of "Die Meistersinger von Nurenberg."

Wesley Daniel, who plays a fire-blowing stilt walker, on Monday suffered burns after putting alcohol in his mouth and attempting to blow fire. According to Lyric Opera spokeswoman Magda Krance, Daniel was wearing a flameproof costume and mask when the incident occurred.

Chicago paramedics took the 24-year-old Daniel to Northwestern Memorial Hospital suffering from burns to his face and throat. He was later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition.

Krance said the fire-blowing effect had been approved by the Chicago Fire Department, but has been removed from future performances.

Opera officials said the rehearsal continued briefly before being halted by union rules.