Photo credit: Anna Grinets
The Brief
As a trusted partner to the Children’s Theatre Company for over thirteen years, we have an existing foundation of teamwork, trust and commitment to a shared vision. The objectives of this year’s Curtain Call Ball are as follows. Craft an enticing experience for the Minneapolis’ premiere gala. Design a flow that leads guests into multiple spaces throughout the evening. Integrate theatrical elements and performative moments seamlessly into the event design. Highlight the fundraising efforts as the main function of the event. Activate joy and satisfaction for each guest as a supporting donor to the local arts community.
Our Work
Design | Build | Production | Logistics
As the must attend gala in Minneapolis, there is an expectation to create more innovative, over-the-top experiences with each passing year. Providing a creative strategy for a creative client takes a nimble and collaborative approach. Children’s Theatre Company produces and executes theatrical experiences of grandeur, so they needed a partner that would be receptive to their own design and activation concepts, but experienced enough to push their ideas forward, from great to spectacular.
The event design was conceptualized around every experience containing live performance. We heavily leaned into the performative nature of the event by creating chance encounters along every step of the guest journey. Our strategy was to merge design elements with immersive theater to allow for the performers to blend into the event, as that happened, guests too became a part of the experience as it unfolded.
The flow of the guest experience greeted guests into each individual space with surprise and delight moments. From the Art Nouveau inspired entrance to an underwater experience, through the secret garden and ultimately to the lucid dream-like after-party, the event was designed to take guests on a topsy-turvy adventure of unfolding engagements and environments they wouldn’t want to miss!
The Experience
In the end, it was the party of a lifetime. Patrons went on an imaginative journey with unexpected theatrical performances and delightful engagements. Ultra-violet butterfly sightings, a boozy library, and 20,000 pieces of confetti were just some of the happenings. The after-party boasted multiple mini-experiences including what some claimed was the highlight of the evening, a Phone Call to Cher, that had guests elated, with tears of joy!
Attendees in formal wear and even seasoned executives formed a conga line to dance the night away. Many remarked it was the best party they had ever attended. Through generous giving, guests extended the opportunity for Minneapolis community youths to experience live theater performance and education. Throughout the evening, fundraising efforts totaled over $1 million for the organization.