Schuler Shook

Throwback to 2004! If you've been to Chicago's Millennium Park, you've probably seen the Pritzker Pavilion, that eye-catching outdoor concert venue with the swirly metal designs. We had the good fortune to work on this project from start to finish, and we thought you might like to hear about some of the puzzles we solved along the way. Jody Kovalick, one of our Theatre Planners who worked on the project, shares his insights. "Working on Millennium Park was like bringing a colossal piece of theatrical scenery to life. The challenges we faced were as unique as the structure itself." "You know how the pavilion looks so sleek? Well, we had to figure out how to get power and data to all the lights and speakers without anyone seeing the wires. Let's just say we got creative with some really big conduits." Ever noticed that booth in the middle of the seating? Jody explains, "We needed a place for the sound and lighting technicians and equipment to be protected from rain and sun. A temporary, “roll away” solution was not an option. So, we worked with Gehry Partners to basically design a pop-up camper for technicians. It's small when closed but opens up when it's showtime." Integrating the Pritzker Pavilion with the adjacent Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance was no small feat. "It was like playing Tetris with buildings," Jody recalls. Our team masterfully navigated the complexities of connecting services and access points while maintaining the integrity of both spaces. The Pritzker Pavilion isn't just a structure – it's a living, breathing testament to the power of collaborative design. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply looking for a unique Chicago experience, this architectural symphony is sure to strike a chord. Gehry Partners, LLP @Rick Talaske 📷: Rick Talaske, Hedrich Blessing Photographers, Patrick Pryszka #MillenniumPark #PritzkerPavilion #tbt #SSTheatre #SSLighting #anniversary #theatreplanning #lightingdesign

Classes (and competitions) are back in session at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD's Visual and Performing Arts Center, the district’s creative home for over a dozen high schools. As host to University Interscholastic League (UIL) district arts competitions, the center was designed around the goal of elevating the students’ experience in both the performing arts and multimedia visual arts. With a 1,500-seat main auditorium, black box theatre, visual arts studio, dance studio, and production support spaces, the facility allows students to experience first-hand what it’s like performing and displaying work in a venue that’s appropriate to host professional artists. Inspiring spaces foster inspiring art, and Cy-Fair’s high-performance VPAC is ready to do just that again this school year. Happy back to school! Architect: PBK Acoustician: Jaffe Holden MEP Engineer: Salas O'Brien General Contractor: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction 📷: Wade Griffith Photography #backtoschool #theatre #theatreplanning #sstheatre #lighting #lightingdesign #sslighting #artseducation #visualarts #performingarts #school

Glowing super moons, sparkling pools, eclipse reflections, oh my! Inspiring illumination captured by our lighting designers. #SSLighting #lighting #lightingdesign #supermoon #bluemoon #inspiration #nature #photography #reflection #refraction #designinspo #lightinginspo

We're excited! San Diego Symphony

In the heart of Wisconsin's woods lies a theatrical marvel that's caught the eye of the New York Times. American Players Theatre (APT), our long-standing client, has just been featured in a captivating article. Our collaboration with APT spans two unique venues: - The Touchstone: An indoor space expanding their artistic horizons - Up-The-Hill: A renovated outdoor amphitheater embracing nature's backdrop The recent article in the New York Times covers a wide gamut of topics from operations, to history, and how they've weathered challenges faced by the performing arts in recent years. A true gem in the forest. Schuler Shook worked with both Strang, Inc. | Architecture | Engineering | Interior Design and Rick Talaske on each of the projects noted above. #SchulerShook #TheatrePlanning #Theatre #AmericaPlayersTheatre #OutdoorTheatre #Wisconsin https://lnkd.in/eDpJ2dJe

The newly opened University of Central Arkansas Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts is the answer to UCA’s request for a single building on campus that will nurture creative collaboration across disciplines. We were proud to practice creative collaboration with WER Architects/Planners, Pfieffer (now Perkins Eastman), and H + N Architects to achieve these results for students and faculty. The team put much thought into the best way to bring the varied arts programs from several buildings across campus to one building designed for all. Schuler Shook is honored to have contributed to this multidisciplinary project that enhances the arts experience in Arkansas. The center includes a 450-seat concert hall, a recital hall, and an innovative black box/studio as it supports theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and film. We worked closely with the design team and owner representatives to provide expert advisory and design services, focusing on auditorium planning, audience seating, stage planning, stage rigging, and performance lighting systems. The new center has given UCA a welcoming hub from which to lead in the arts. Congratulations to the team! 📷: [1] Dero Sanford, [2-4]Tim Hursley #UCABears #TheatrePlanning #PerformingArts #ConcertHall #highered

We're celebrating a milestone! Jefferey Knox, Sr. Lighting Designer and Studio Leader in our Dallas office, has been with Schuler Shook for 15 years! Jefferey’s care with the details, penchant for learning, and skill for teaching those new to lighting have elevated our work and the lighting industry. Thank you, Jefferey, for all that you do! 🎉 #peopleofSchulerShook #milestone #recognition #teamwork #anniversary

Vintage vibes galore are in store for you at The Ector Theatre in Odessa! The renovation of this 700-seat theatre was captured with stills by Stoddard Enterprise, LLC. and our theatre consultants plus video by Custom Aerial Drone Services. New theatrical systems and a 2,500 SF, two-story addition that includes dressing rooms are just part of the renovation and addition that make The Ector vibrant again. Catch a quick video: https://lnkd.in/g2ThyfYH Catch live entertainment, film screenings, and music and acting classes at the historic Ector Theatre! Architect: Killis Almond Architects, P.C. #transformationtuesday #theatreplanning #historictheatre #vintage #odessa

Like flowers, lighting designers are always looking up! We study how light and shadow paint the world around us. #SSLighting #lighting #lightingdesign #inspiration #light #shadow #lightinginspo #designinspiration

Imagine walking across the net of a giant tennis racket with slightly loose strings, and you’re starting to get the idea of what it’s like to work in a theatre with a tension wire grid. Who would undertake such a seemingly daredevil experience, and why? Walk this way to a great article about tension wire grids by Kevin Greene, ASTC. #theatreplanning #theatre #tensionwiregrid #ASTC #USITT