Project Index

Schuler Shook provided venue planning services for performance spaces in this urban park. Performance spaces include a large amphitheatre, small community stage, and temporary performance area/stage for the annual Shakespeare Festival of Dallas.

A notable aspect of this project is that there is no overt structure within the park. The performance space disappears within the landscape when not in use.

The outdoor amphitheatre in Nelson Park is part of the Decatur Park District’s long-term plans for development of the town’s lakeshore.

This 8,100-seat, civic-owned amphitheatre was designed to operate throughout the year and provide music programming, educational events and farmer’s markets. The Orion also provides an opportunity for local businesses and government organizations to stage large-scale gatherings.

Schuler Shook provided theatre planning services including seat planning, seating layouts, production cable path planning, and distribution of production power.

The renovation of the 3,500 seat Pavilion included acoustical, lighting and rigging upgrades. The orchestra enclosure consists of wall panels and overhead panels, which are required to shift quickly from orchestra concert mode to popular concert mode. The wall panels both pivot and track into storage positions, and the tilt mechanism for the overhead panels can be remotely activated without lowering the panels to the floor, which saves many hours of stage setup time.

The orchestra lighting consists of a combination of halogen and ceramic metal halide — this system is energy efficient and also requires less air conditioning to keep the stage cool in the summer heat. The renovation also included new house lighting, which was arranged in a radial pattern to match the seating layout.

Schuler Shook worked with the Winspear Opera House staff to select and specify theatrical and hospitality equipment for the Annette Straus Square. Our services included developing specifications and bid documents for the City of Dallas, conducting the pre-bid conference, responding to bidder questions, reviewing bids, and recommending qualified vendors. Schuler Shook also coordinated with Opera House staff to track equipment purchases and deliveries, ensuring compliance with the City of Dallas purchase agreement.

The Hilde Performance Center, an open air amphitheatre, opened in July of 2002 with a special performance by the Minneapolis Orchestra. The attendance for this grand opening drew over 12,000 patrons for the concert and festivities.

The amphitheatre includes several innovative and functional design features to accommodate a variety of programs including live music ensembles, amplified concerts, and drama. The facility stands 45 feet tall with a raised stage and acoustically tuned walls and ceilings. The flexible lighting control systems was designed for orchestra use and includes provisions for touring lighting, rigging, and audio equipment that can accommodate visiting groups. 

The renovation of the Scottsdale Civic Plaza Mall was developed through community outreach, with the vision of creating three outdoor performance spaces for people to gather and experience arts and culture. Schuler Shook was brought on to help make the city’s vision a reality. 

The East Bowl Canopy provides a shade canopy covered performance space with a sloped lawn audience area. The canopy is outfitted with a permanent lighting system for easy setup, rigging points for larger productions, and wireless lighting controls.

The 360 Canopy houses two performance areas on opposite sides of a cluster of banyan trees. An undulating ribbon of canopy encompasses the trees and covers the performance areas and interconnecting walkways. Both spaces have automated architectural lighting and an integrated control system that can connect to temporary production equipment allowing for maximum control.

The Central Park Bandshell had its opening celebration and first performance on July 4, 2009. Schuler Shook provided the theatre planning services and design of the lighting and rigging systems. This state-of-the-art bandshell replaced the existing bandshell in Red Wing’s historic Central Park.

The city’s vision was to transform this underutilized park into Red Wing’s ​“community living room.” Light fixtures and a simple lighting control system have been provided to meet the performance needs of local troupes. Infrastructure, including additional power, truss rigging points, and cable sleeves were designed to meet the needs of large touring groups.