Celebrating 30 Years: The Enchanting Photo Wall at Two River Theater's Anniversary Gala

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, we wanted to create a gala that not only honored the rich history of Two River Theater but also embraced the exciting future ahead. The centerpiece of the cocktail reception was a unique photo wall installation that served as both a nostalgic retrospective and a thrilling gateway to the unknown.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the striking black and white photo wall, a tribute to the theater's illustrious past. Curated with 30 images capturing the essence of life at Two River, the wall extended the black and white theme of the cocktail reception, creating an elegant, timeless ambiance. 

Guests sipped their drinks, reminisced about past shows, and posed for photos against the stunning backdrop, perfectly complementing the lobby's retrospective spirit.

First Lady Tammy Murphey, TRT Founder Joan Rechnitz and Governor Phil Murphy having their photo taken by former Artistic Director John Dias in front of the photo wall.

But the night had more in store. As the cocktail hour came to a close, the photo wall revealed its secret: hidden doors swung open, unveiling a tunnel bathed in vibrant, colorful light. This unexpected transition symbolized stepping into the future, aligning beautifully with our gala theme, "The Future is Now." 

As guests walked through the tunnel—a mesmerizing blend of light and color—they were transported from the nostalgic past into the future. 

As you enter the theater, the phrase "The Future is Now" is brilliantly projected onto the walls. The space was illuminated with other futuristic gobos, casting intricate patterns and lights. The atmosphere was electric, inviting you to experience a world where the boundaries of possibility are continually redefined.

In crafting this magical experience, I drew inspiration from my sketches and vision board, which included images ranging from classic black and white photography to avant-garde light installations to our 2019 Halloween Ball secret entrance. Reuse, reduce, recycle. 

30th Gala Walkthrough with Katie Benson & Two River Theater

 

If you're curious about the magic that goes into preparing for our annual gala at Two River Theater, we put together a fun video that takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour. Join me as I walk through the venue, share insights about the gala's setup, and give you a sneak peek of what to expect.

For an exclusive look behind the scenes of TRT's 30th Gala, be sure to explore my earlier gala posts.

If you have a chance, check out my craft kits, paper decorations and digital downloads at  #TableSettingIsMyLife on Esty.