LA PROPOINT PROUD OF ROLE IN MUSE GOLD AWARD-WINNING
IMMERSIVE WWII THEATER EXPERIENCE

Beyond All Boundaries Attraction at the Solomon Victory Theater at the National WWII Museum Recognized at the American Association of Museums Annual Meeting in Los Angeles May 23

(Sun Valley, Calif.) May 25, 2010 - LA ProPoint, a leader in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stage and show systems, is proud to announce that The Hettema Group’s major theater project, the Solomon Victory Theater at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana—for which LA ProPoint provided key services in 2009—has resulted in a MUSE Gold MultiMedia Installation Award from the American Association of Museums (AAM). The award was presented Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the AAM Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo in Los Angeles. The Gold Award is the highest honor that the AAM bestows.
A celebration of scholarship, innovation, creativity and inclusivity, the MUSE Awards, organized and reviewed by the AAM Media & Technology Committee, recognize outstanding achievements in museum media which enhance the museum experience and engage new audiences.
The centerpiece attraction of a $300 million museum renovation, the Solomon Victory Theater is a new 250-seat venue with a 30-foot tall, curved, sharkstooth scrim screen that stretches to 120 feet wide. The wraparound screen serves as the exclusive staging ground for “Beyond All Boundaries,” a 20-minute documentary produced by legendary actor and producer Tom Hanks.
In choosing to honor the National WWII Museum, The Hettema Group and its partners, the AAM judges noted the “Beyond All Boundaries” project for “physically and virtually integrating multimedia technologies” and creating “a brand-new museum-visiting experience.”
Since November 2009, the multimedia attraction has set a new standard for immersive theater entertainment, employing 4D technology to launch audiences on an odyssey that brings to life “The War That Changed the World.” Spanning four continents, the experience recreates everything from the rumbling of tanks over the African desert to the oppressive heat of Pacific jungles as well as the penetrating cold of the Battle of the Bulge and the staccato rhythm of anti-aircraft fire over Nazi Germany.
The Hettema Group, leader of the project, enlisted the LA ProPoint team in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of the Solomon Victory Theater’s overhead rigging equipment, show action equipment, sub-system show control, scenic elements, and many other facets of the detailed project.
“The Solomon Victory Theater project was unlike anything LA ProPoint had taken on before. It incorporated moving 3D props and scenic elements such as city flats, the recreation of a concentration camp guard tower, the installation of a naval anti-aircraft gun turret, and the suspension of a scaled-down replica of a B-17 bomber’s nose cone from the theater’s ceiling,” said Mark Riddlesperger, founder and president of LA ProPoint. “And that’s all before we take into account the 40-foot tall velour main show curtain and motorized track system, not to mention the oversized main scrim/projection screen. We are thrilled to see this complex project recognized by the museum industry.”

“We knew that in order to create, with ‘Beyond All Boundaries,’ something that audiences had never seen before, it was critical to assemble the perfect team of partners and subcontractors,” said Phil Hettema, president and CEO of The Hettema Group. “It is the ultimate fulfillment of our team’s hard work that this MUSE Award is shared by such a diverse array of highly skilled professionals.”
For more information about how “Beyond All Boundaries” came into being, visit http://www.nationalww2museum.org/victory/b-a-b_backgrounder.html.

 

LA PROPOINT STRETCHES BOUNDARIES FOR NEW IMMERSIVE THEATER EXPERIENCE At THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

Beyond All Boundaries at the Solomon Victory Theater is the Centerpiece of Multimillion Dollar Renovation New Orleans Museum to Debut MajorNew Attraction November 7, 2009

(Sun Valley, Calif.) October 13, 2009 – LA ProPoint, a national leader in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stage and show systems, is proud to announce the completion of its role in The Hettema Group’s major theater project, the Solomon Victory Theater at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The centerpiece attraction of a $300 Million museum renovation, the Solomon Victory Theater is a brand new 250-seat theater with a 30-foot tall, curved, sharkstooth scrim screen that stretches to 120 feet wide. The wraparound screen will serve as the exclusive staging ground for “Beyond All Boundaries,” an immersive documentary produced by legendary actor and producer Tom Hanks, whose critically acclaimed WWII projects include “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers.”
LA ProPoint, which has a reputation for being the go-to team of highly skilled and experienced technicians, fabricators and craftsmen, applied its expertise in design, engineering, fabrication, and installation to the Solomon Victory Theater’s overhead rigging equipment, show action equipment, sub-system show control,  scenic elements, and many other facets of this detailed project.
“As a team, we are accustomed to working in fragile historic spaces and expansive outdoor environments—all manner of venues,” said Mark Riddlesperger, founder and president of LA ProPoint. “But the Solomon Victory Theater project presented something altogether unique: the opportunity to honor an exceptional period in American history while tackling an incredibly intricate professional challenge.”

Beginning this fall, “Beyond All Boundaries” is poised to set new standards for immersive theater entertainment, employing 4D technology to launch audiences on a WWII odyssey that spans four continents and brings to life the oppressive heat of Pacific jungles as well as the penetrating cold of the European winter battles.

“The Solomon Victory Theater project was complex, involving multiple show action elements, including the incorporation of moving 3D props and scenic elements such as city flats, a 1940s style radio, a death camp guard tower, D-Day tank traps, a naval anti-aircraft gun turret, and a B-17 bomber. LAPP also provided the 40-foot tall velour main show curtain and motorized track system, motorized scrims and blackout drapes, borders and other soft goods—not to mention that oversized main scrim/projection screen,” explained Andy Hanlen, LA ProPoint’s project manager. “We weren’t simply helping to build a theater.  This felt more like building a world.”

The full extent of the National WWII Museum’s major renovation will not be complete for several more years, yet “Beyond All Boundaries” at the Solomon Victory Theater is on track to debut November 7, 2009.

“We created ‘Beyond All Boundaries’ for the National WWII Museum with the intention of providing an immersive experience like nothing audiences had ever seen, heard or felt before,” said Phil Hettema, president and CEO of The Hettema Group. “To make all the pieces come together as we intended, we needed to partner with a top-notch team, and LA ProPoint delivered crucial stage and show systems savvy at every step of the way.”
About LA ProPoint

Some links to on-line articles about the National WWII Museum project: LA ProPoint Facilitates Immersive Theatre Experience at National WWII Museum http://www.blooloop.com/PressReleases/Museums-La-Propoint-Stretches-Boundaries-for-New-Immersive-Theatre-Experience-at-The-National-Museum/1831 http://www.attractions.co.uk/newsdetail1.cfm?codeID=154363&CFID=29516939&CFTOKEN=18786478 http://www.leisureweek.com/new_newsdetail1.cfm?codeID=154363&CFID=29517008&CFTOKEN=38758106

 

THEATRE RENOVATION AND SHOW SYSEMS EXPERT LA PROPOINT TAKES NEW OFFICE SPACE TO MEET FABRICATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEMANDS

New 27,000 Square Foot Facility in Sun Valley Doubles the Size of Company Headquarters

(Sun Valley, Calif.) December 2, 2008 – LA ProPoint, a national leader in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stage and show systems, is pleased to announce that it is moving its headquarters to a larger facility, also located in Sun Valley, effective December 1, 2008.
The new office, which measures 27,000 square feet, nearly doubles the space available for both administrative and fabrication functions, which is crucial given that LAProPoint now counts more than 40 full‐time employees and, despite the challenging economic times, is moving forward on several theatre, museum and theme park projects.

“Our headquarters in Sun Valley has served as an ideal launching point for our work in Southern California and throughout the state,” explained Mark Riddlesperger, founder and president of LAProPoint. “Our move ‘next door’ keeps us tapped into the creative pulse of LA’s entertainment industry while accommodating our growth.”

Since the company was founded in 2002, LA ProPoint’s highly skilled and experienced designers, technicians, fabricators and craftsmen have established a reputation as the go‐to team for theatre construction and renovation. Some of the company’s most notable theatre commissions include the REDCAT, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, El Rey Theatre, Nokia Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl.

The company’s continued success during the recession can be credited to a decision to expand its scope of services. In addition to the fabrication, rigging and theatrical services that form the company’s core business offerings, LA ProPoint has been providing custom engineering, special effects and show action equipment to clients.

“Our team has always been dedicated to developing better solutions for a variety of entertainment venues—from concert halls to theme parks to outdoor ampitheatres,” said Jim Hartman, LA ProPoint’s vice president. “The new headquarters gives us the room we need to design, engineer and fabricate large‐ scale customized stage and show systems for our clients.”

In 2009, LA ProPoint will participate in the new construction of several theatres in the Los Angeles Unified School District, take on a WWII museum project, continue its collaborations with Universal Studios, and pursue additional commissions in the international theme park market.

ABOUT LA PROPOINT
Since 2002, LA ProPoint has been a leading provider of design, engineering, fabrication and installation of stage and show systems for all aspects of the entertainment industry, from concert halls and theme parks to outdoor amphitheatres and movie sets. Strategically headquartered in Southern California in the city of Sun Valley, the company has a huge reach. Its highly skilled, experienced technicians, fabricators and craftspeople regularly take on far‐flung projects from the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.

LA PROPOINT IS CALIFORNIA’S NUMBER ONE CHOICE IN THEATRE RENOVATION

Company’s Projects in San Diego, Downey, Granada, Riverside and Fontana Join Distinguished Client List that Includes Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl

(Sun Valley, Calif.) July 8, 2008 – LA ProPoint, a national leader in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stage and show systems, is pleased to announce that it is wrapping work on yet another round of high-profile theater projects in California. During the past two years, LA ProPoint has played a role in the remodel of the East County Performing Arts Center in San Diego, installed the theatrical rigging for the Downey Theatre, and performed work in front of the house and behind the scenes at the Granada Theatre.  Finally, this summer, the LA ProPoint team will take on the remodel of the Culver Center for the Arts in Riverside and put the finishing touches on the New Centre Theatre in Fontana.

“Our California theater projects are very different from each other. Clients call upon us for everything from testing and safety improvements to in-depth renovations and the creation of new theatre spaces from the ground up,” explained Mark Riddlesperger, founder and president of LAProPoint.
“What all our theater clients share, however, is their need for highly customized systems,” added Harvey Sweet, LA ProPoint’s vice president. “LA ProPoint combines the latest in state-of-the-art technology and innovative design with a commitment to safety, and proven, hands-on experience.  We are committed to providing our clients with individualized, user-friendly stage systems, and reliable maintenance services.” 
LA ProPoint has established a reputation as the go-to team of highly skilled and experienced technicians, fabricators and craftsmen. Since the company was founded in 2002, LA ProPoint has worked on theatres throughout California, in cities including San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Davis, Fresno and Los Angeles.  Some of the company’s most notable theatre commissions include the REDCAT, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, El Rey Theatre, Nokia Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl.
 The LA ProPoint team was proud to play a major role in the multi-million-dollar renovation of the Hollywood Bowl in 2004.  The company designed, fabricated and installed the motorized rigging, acoustic panel actuation and control systems of the acoustic canopy, and is entrusted to perform the maintenance of this equipment for the next 10 years.

“The Hollywood Bowl is a legendary theatre, beloved to Angelenos and known to people worldwide, so there were a lot of expectations when it came to the renovation,” explained Mark Ferber, Production Supervisor and Special Events Manager for the Hollywood Bowl. “Our theatre was in exceptional hands with the LA ProPoint team. They took every precaution to respect the historic structure, and gave back to us a theatre that performs better than ever before.  There was no question about giving LA ProPoint the maintenance contract for the Hollywood Bowl.”

Again and again, LA ProPoint’s successfully completed commissions like the one at the Hollywood Bowl result in new clients as well as repeat visits to former job sites. A few years ago, LA ProPoint won the bid to replace the theatrical rigging at the Downey Theatre.  This month, the team is back in Downey, contracted to provide a rear theater curtain, redrape the theater’s green room, and replace the drapes on a portable stage.

At the Granada Theater, LA ProPoint recently constructed and installed a false proscenium valance as well as fall protection in the attic above the audience.  The company’s work on the East County Performing Arts Center, a 1960s structure in San Diego, is another example of its expertise in the area of theatre remodeling.  LA ProPoint performed a safety check, then repaired or replaced cables, operating lines and arbor guides.  The company also rebuilt a complex motorized system for the theater’s Venetian-style main curtain, and modified and repaired the theater’s house lighting pipes and acoustical panel linesets.  In addition, LA ProPoint has just entered the design phase of a remodel of yet another existing facility, the Culver Center for the Arts in Riverside, where the team will provide a light grid and a double cyclorama track.

At the New Center Theatre in Fontana, LA ProPoint soon will be finishing work on a complex semicircular Austrian lift curtain that fits into the attic of the theatre.

“It was definitely a challenge fitting the curtain system into the building, but it is beautiful,” said Chris Collis, head of the LA ProPoint installation team. 

In addition to the curtain lift system, LA ProPoint is providing an innovative computer-controlled soft LED curtain as well as drapery for the theater entrance, stage right and stage left, rear of house service area, lobby, kitchen, and dressing room.

“LA ProPoint has proved a wonderful collaborator in transforming our traditional theatre space into a glamorous Vegas-style showroom," said Walter Orth, President of Orth Design Corporation, the company that commissioned LA ProPoint for the New Center Theatre project.  “It is gratifying to know that the City of Fontana received the same quality attention to detail that has been bestowed by LA ProPoint on some of California’s most prestigious theaters.”

About LA ProPoint

 

LA PROPOINT GOES BACK TO SCHOOL IN THE SOUTHLAND

Three Recent Commissions Improve School Theatres in Los Angeles, Redlands and Torrance

(Sun Valley, Calif.) June 2nd, 2008– LA ProPoint, a leader in the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stage and show systems, has been spending a lot of time in school in 2008.  Or schools, to be exact.  The company is pleased to announce that it recently completed a commission at Crozier Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles and is currently immersed in two additional theatre renovation projects at Redlands High School in Redlands and West High School in Torrance.

“Our work in local schools is very rewarding,” said Jim Hartman, vice president of LA ProPoint.  “As a company that has always been headquartered in Southern California, it is satisfying to be a part of substantial improvements to students’ day-to-day experiences in our area.”

At Crozier Elementary School, the LA ProPoint team played a crucial part in the remodel of the backstage area of the school’s existing theatre.  Premier Lighting contracted the team to design, provide and install stage rigging pipes and drapery tracks including 12 deadhang linesets attached to existing structural steel and two traveler tracks, as well as a truss for a front of house lighting position, and a lighting batten operated via two chain hoist motors. Once the underlying system was complete, LA ProPoint hung drapery pieces including a main curtain, valance, borders, legs, rear curtain, and installed a cyclorama and a Skjonberg controller. 

After wrapping the Crozier project, LA ProPoint graduated its team to two area high schools.  For Redlands High School’s main auditorium, LA ProPoint is following Uniform Building Code Section 405 and Standard 4-1 in its creation of a new fire safety curtain.  Made of treated fiberglass fabric, the curtain replaces the one removed from the school which contained asbestos.  LA ProPoint’s scope of work includes the curtain, a smoke seal at the top of the curtain, smoke pockets with built-in curtain guides, and an operating system consisting of new loftblocks, a new headblock, a new arbor, repairs to an existing lattice track and a new release system. 

Most recently, LA ProPoint started work at West High School in Torrance where theatre teacher and director Christy Orabuena recognized the inherent danger of old, worn rigging equipment and sought funding from the district for repairs and replacements.  The LA ProPoint team is currently working on three stage lighting linesets that will make the nearly forty-year-old theatre a safer place for teachers and students.

“The entire school is excited to have our theatre back better than it was before,” explained Christy Orabuena of West High School.  “From hosting assemblies to providing a space for creativity and performances, our theatre is an important part of school life and soon it will be easier to use, and safer, because of the work LA ProPoint is doing.”

“As Southern California’s school buildings age, there is an increasing need to take a look at the original infrastructure and evaluate its utility and its safety,” emphasized Mark Riddlesperger, president of LA ProPoint.  “LA ProPoint is committed to providing innovative, quality solutions for small and large school projects alike.”

About LA ProPoint