Guthrie Theater Grand Opening Weekend
Minneapolis, MN
June, 2006
Approximate Audience Size: more than 20,000

Profile
One of the Twin Cities’ most anticipated events in 2006 was the re–opening of the new Guthrie Theater, on the banks of the Mississippi River. The building, designed by the world–acclaimed French architect, Jean Nouvel, includes three stages. For the weekend–long Grand Opening event in June, the Guthrie asked Hoffman Communications to assist with the coordination and setup of lighting and staging within these three stages, as well as a fourth on–site venue, and a tent set up for the Saturday night fundraising dinner.

Project Challenge
With a full line of shows over the winter and spring months and June fast approaching, the Guthrie staff oversaw numerous vendors to execute various portions of the grand opening. For Hoffman, the challenge was to coordinate the setup and production of four geographically–dispersed venues within the large complex over the course of the three–day opening weekend.

Solution
Hoffman worked closely with Guthrie staff to complement existing audio gear within the thrust stage and work around the tight rehearsal schedule of numerous bands, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and the Minnesota Orchestra. Teleprompting gear and communication equipment was integrated into the tent and thrust stage with close assistance between Hoffman crew and Guthrie hands. This allowed Guthrie directors to focus on preparing the theater with the confidence that their thoughts and directives would be present when show time arrived. The stage incorporated projection screens which allowed the audience to pass back in time to the early days of the Guthrie’s conception, and demonstrated technology not commonly found in creative theaters. The attendees laughed, clapped, and sang as the tremendous event concluded.

Deliverables
Production and staging management
Complementary audio and video systems
Communication equipment
Teleprompting system
Technical operators