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Decorative painters work on the ceilings throughout the theater, closely followed by SPC construction painting the floor.

Decorative Painters Transform the Theater

The organ lofts on the side of the theater with a coat of base paint awaiting the decorative painting team.

Work begins at creating the impression of travertine blocks on the theater wall.

Some base layers of color are put on the wall.

Two teams work across the wall darkening the faux stone.

Final details and touch ups on the columns under the organ loft openings.

The end result!

William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation Lobby

Trim work in the new William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation Lobby.

Electricians and decorative artists working side by side.

new carpet is rolled out.

The carpet is temporarily covered up to protect it, while speaker covers for the ceilings are laid out for painting.

The lobby just a few days before opening.

See Part 3, Part 2 and Part 1 of the Lobby construction.

Stage Finishing

The new wood floor is laid on the stage.

The stage floor is ready for painting, as are the columns on either side of the stage.

See the construction of the stage in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4

Decorative Painting - Video

The team of decorative artists from Dean Tippin Studios and Decorative Effects work on hand painting every inch of the Opera House.

Proscenium Arch

Decorative columns are built on either side of the proscenium.

Over the course of a few weeks, the proscenium arch above the stage is built, including a slot in the center for the Surtitles screen.

Construction Tours

Gabe Schmergel, Stan and Alma Abshier, and Valerie Schmergel after completing a tour of the Opera House.

Jack and Isabel Wright heading out for a tour.

Ken Kwiatkowski takes a break on a tour.



Susan Danis gives a tour of the renovated theater to incoming singers from the Apprentice and Studio Artists Programs.

Orchestra Pit Lift Finishing

The steel structure for the Pit lift 'car' or platform is loaded into the pit, then assembled by the crew from Gala systems.

A wood deck is built on top of the lift car.

The pit lift at its lowest position, creating a full sized orchestra pit which extends under the stage.

The entire orchestra pit lift car, as seen from the lighting positions in the ceiling of the auditorium.

see some earlier photos of the pit lift construction.