CLIENT PORTFOLIO
ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
The Event:
In collaboration with St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Blank Slate has produced Shakespeare in the Park for several years, one of the most anticipated events of the St. Louis summer season. Held in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, it’s a four-week festival of free outdoor theater attended nightly by thousands. There are a large number of partners, vendors, and personalities involved, making it a complex event to produce.
What We Did:
Blank Slate is the head of production, overseeing the setup, and breakdown of the Shakespeare in the Park series. Before the event begins, Blank Slate helps recruit directors, designers, and high-level organizational partners like the St. Louis Zoo and the National Blues Museum; hosts production meetings; plans future meetings for lighting, sound, costumes, etc.; and hires a ground crew for the run of show.
Additionally, Blank Slate coordinates the build and set-up of the semi-permanent venue and stage in Forest Park from scratch to hold a sophisticated show. We also focused on finding the right crew and vendors to maximize guest satisfaction, and on coordinating teams to work together.
During the event, Blank Slate manages the venue site to maintain its safety, cleanliness, and effective traffic flow. We’re on task to respond to the needs of the cast, front of house, back of house, and audience within a moment’s notice. We’re also responsible for implementing weather contingencies and helping manage any crises that arise during the event.
Once the season is over, Blank Slate oversees the site breakdown and ensures the main office is debriefed on the season’s logistical successes and any areas that need refinement. We lead the crew in loading out all equipment and maintaining a storage facility to keep everything in order for the following years.
The Outcome:
Blank Slate has become St. Louis Shakespeare Fest’s “go-to” partner for all its productions. We continue to help produce innovative and world-class productions, show after show, year after year. Each season runs smoothly from start to finish, with thousands filling Shakespeare Glen and enjoying the honored St. Louis tradition.
Show after show, year after year, success after success. An honored St. Louis tradition.
Blank Slate has not only consistently delivered an experience of exemplary quality, they continue to raise the bar year after year. They’ve inspired artists to reach extraordinary heights and given audiences ever more warm and positive memories of their time in the Glen. And they’ve done it with consummate professionalism and grace. Their work has dramatically elevated the Festival’s national profile and deepened its local impact. 10/10.
Tom Ridgley, Producing Artistic Director
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
