Encore designs a fresh take on a “Night at the Theatre”
For nearly a decade, Encore have had the pleasure of working with Tourism Accommodation Australia (VIC) to deliver their annual awards night. As with every year, the brief is to deliver a totally new and immersive experience, and this year’s theme gave Encore the permission to deliver just that.
The TAA (VIC) Awards for Excellence recognises Victoria’s finest accommodation hotels and venue staff and celebrates dedication and achievement in the hospitality industry. Nearly 500 esteemed guests, nominees and representatives from Victoria’s finest accommodation hotels attended the awards night at Grand Hyatt Melbourne in late June. Driven by the night’s entertainment Encore were engaged to design an evening to emulate the experience of attending the theatre.
Guests were treated with an array of beverages upon arrival. As they entered the room they were transported into a 1920’s theatre. Gold draping and all the elements of the front and “back of house” in a functioning theatre were strategically placed around the Savoy Ballroom by the Encore Design team. Key elements for the evening was the digital banner and the interactive stage set. The intention behind the digital banner was to create maximum impact on entry by incorporating 3 6mW x 1.2m H projection surfaces that emulated the exterior of the theatre with in-house multimedia loop that featured a ‘NOW SHOWING’ animated banner with the name of the event. Taking a fresh approach to a ‘theatre’ themed stage set, Encore chose to incorporate both the back and front of house of a theatre as a homage to those in the room. Looking not only at the glitz and glamour, but all the hard working people behind the scenes.
The ‘front of house’ half of the stage was beautifully draped in gold with a sparkling chandelier the “Stage” also housed surprise tab track reveal for opera singers, mid way through the event. Whilst the remaining ‘back of house’ section took on a darker, more industrial look dressed with truss, lighting bars, ropes and hessian bags to mimic the workings of backstage. The black pressed metal bar acted not only as a make up station for the actors, but the lectern itself.
A light haze filled the room with sophisticated lighting design and thoughtfully positioned pin spotting to accentuate the lush, green herbaceous edible centrepieces created by both Executive head chef Dane Clouston and Encore.
The creation of animated presentations for all award nominees and winners followed the theatre theme throughout the evening. Guests marvelled in the creative flair displayed by the Encore Multimedia team.
All multimedia for the event was thematically considered and painstakingly developed to enhance the theatre experience and celebrate those in the room – both finalists and winners. Our multimedia team was responsible for the delivery of all on screen content for the evening.
- Walk in animated feature on the projection marquee
- 16:9 Animated Holding slide
- Sponsors loop
- Opening package featuring their hotels and nominated accommodation staff
- All finalists packages
- All winners packages
Working in conjunction with Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s leading chef, we seamlessly incorporated a level theatre glamour onto the tables, with our Smokey Mirror cubes giving sparkle amongst a table bursting with potted herbs, which set the scene for the fresh and local menu for the evening.
A refined menu of share plates was presented to the tables for both entree and mains, allowing for interaction between guests and conversation about how good the dining experience actually was!
After the formal proceedings had concluded and many a glass of chardonnay consumed, guests made their way back to the PFA where they were treated with a creative array of desserts. Post sweet sensations, anyone who was up for cutting some shapes, or to socialise and network, made their way to the Grand Hyatt Residence space where Encore provided some stylish event lighting to accompany the DJ who was playing all the latest hits!
All in all guests experienced a truly enjoyable and encompassing night of sleek production, food, wine and entertainment.
From the client,
“I want to extend a big thank you to Encore for all your help and dedication on our TAA (Vic) Awards.
Your flexibility with last minute changes, and an ever changing event brief, all the video content – I know it was a lot to ask, and you really made the whole process so easy and flawless come the event night.
Thank you. We look forward to next year!”