Illuminating the Future: Behind the Scenes of Two River Theater’s 30th Anniversary Gala

For Two River Theater’s 30th Anniversary Gala, the theme, "The Future is Now," was incorporated into every element of the evening, transporting guests into a world of futuristic glamour.  

The undisputed highlight of the evening’s décor was the sequined curtain chandeliers suspended above the dinner tables, which spelled out "TRT" in a breathtaking display.

The lighting design was especially remarkable. The slowly shifting colors, complemented by the layers of twinkling sequences, created a gentle and ethereal ambiance that filled the entire room with a celestial glow. 

Round of applause to Sue, our Lighting Supervisor.

Photo by Lisa Campbell

The original design is the brainchild of the geniuses and my personal heroes at David Stark Designs. It was brought to life by the exceptional talent within our very own production team. I have wanted the opportunity to recreate this look for years. 

 

The journey from concept to creation was a brilliant collaboration. With some helpful tips from the curtain company ShopWildThings.com, I managed to sketch out some initial designs, before turning our clever and creative production department.

 

Within minutes of brainstorming, Nils, our Technical Director, and Colleen, our Scenic Charge, chatted through a plan and put it to action. Nils created a technical rendering and a to-scale template that made me feel exceptionally cool being a part of this project. 

And here is Kyle, our Associate Production Manager, helping. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Colleen's team for their exceptional craftsmanship in bringing this project to life. The meticulous effort involved in layering each letter curtain four times to achieve the stunning box effect is truly appreciated. 

On the day the curtains were hung, I found myself regularly sneaking down to the theater to watch the installation process. When the letters were illuminated for the first time, I was unable to contain my joy, clapping and cheering in sheer excitement.

I mean... absolutely stunning. 

Photo by Brad Resnick

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.