The First Annual Chicago Voices Concert recently took place at the Civic Opera House in Chicago’s Ardis Krainik Theatre.
The sold-out event brought together both local and global celebrities and was billed as ‘A celebration of vocal music and its place in Chicago’s rich cultural history’.
Chicago Scenic Studios was commissioned to design and build the five paneled backdrops and floor staging for the event. Chicago Scenic hired scenic designer Terry McClellan, who has collaborated with Chicago Scenic on other projects including the Ford NAIAS press reveal stages. The first plan however, was not to build a set.
“Originally, we talked with the Lyric about renting stage pieces, but as the conversation went on, the decision was made to design and create a custom set,” said Stefan Koniarz, project manager for Chicago Scenic.
In making the decision to build pieces instead of renting, Chicago Scenic was able to give Chicago Voices a more custom and versatile look. The five paneled backdrops were made of a semi translucent plastic that could be both back and front lit with different colored lights. By using this special plastic, it was possible to change the mood and the lighting, without the need to move around large set pieces.