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Entertainment Projects

Cirque du Soleil - "Zumanity" Stage

August 12, 2008 - 11:19am — mmase
Cirque du Soleil - Zumanity Stage
Project Overview: 
McLaren was retained by a rigging/stage equipment supplier to design custom stage equipment and associated stage and pit framing systems, as well as engineer rigging systems, for the newest Cirque du Soleil production that opened in August 2003. The scope included an entire thrust stage assembly, featuring a 21-ft diameter, belt-driven turntable; a 2-stage revolving “pod” lift that rises above stage floor level, driven by ball screws; and other mechanical components. The rigging scope included counterweight rigging, winch frames and supports, and the fire curtain system.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren participated in system concept development; performed mechanical and structural engineering for the framing, assemblies, power transmission systems and components; produced fully detailed shop and installation drawings; worked with suppliers to develop custom components; prepared spare parts lists and maintenance information; developed part marking scheme; helped develop installation guidelines; assisted installer in Las Vegas during site layout; and observed construction periodically in the shop and on site.
Service: 
Structural and Mechanical Engineering and Detailing
Service: 
Construction Shop Document Preparation
Service: 
Construction Administration
Location: 
Las Vegas, NV
Client: 
J.R. Clancy, Inc.
Project Type: 
Mechanized Stage Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2002-2003
Construction Cost: 
4,000,000
Image: 
60a - Cirque du Soleil - Zumanity.jpg
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60b - Cirque du Soleil - Zumanity (Headblock).jpg

Cirque du Soleil - KA Stage

August 12, 2008 - 11:15am — mmase
Cirque du Soleil - KA Stage
Project Overview: 
In order to prepare for the “Ka” production by Cirque du Soleil, a multi-million dollar renovation of the MGM Grand Showroom was undertaken. Winner of the 2008 Thea Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement, the project encompassed the construction of several of the largest custom pieces of theatrical machinery in the world. McLaren's initial “parametric” studies of conceptual machinery solutions that correlated a range of variables with cost, i.e., geometry, weight and speed versus horsepower proved invaluable in the selection of the systems to be constructed.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided structural and mechanical design services for the Tatami Deck and the Gantry Crane and its Sand/Cliff Deck, as well as construction and installation oversight and project coordination for the Gantry Crane assembly. The Gantry Crane supports a payload of approximately 300,000 pounds. The entire Crane travels 70’ vertical from the pit to high above the audience level. The Tatami Deck presents its 30’x30’ performance platform by traveling 48’-6” from its stored position to its play position using a two-stage mechanism similar to a drawer slide.
Service: 
Structural Design
Service: 
Mechanical Design
Service: 
Construction Admininistration
Service: 
Resident Engineering
Location: 
Las Vegas, NV
Client: 
Marnell Corrao Associates / MGM Grand & Cirque du Soleil
Project Type: 
Mechanized Stage Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2002-2004
Construction Cost: 
19,000,000
Image: 
59a - Cirque du Soleil - KA Gantry Crane.jpg
Image: 
59b - Cirque du Soleil - KA Gantry Lift.jpg

Carlos Mosely Music Pavilion

August 12, 2008 - 11:02am — mmase
Carlos Mosely Music Pavilion
Project Overview: 
McLaren was retained to design the pavilion for the summer concert tour of the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. This portable music pavilion features a fabric superstructure and hydraulically deployed articulated masts. The stage platform is constructed of orthotropic aluminum extrusion, and is also hydraulically deployed. The structure can be erected or dismantled in five hours.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided structural and mechanical engineering services in the design of this special structure.
Service: 
Structural Design Services
Service: 
Mechanical Engineering
Location: 
New York, NY
Client: 
FTL Associates/FTL Happold
Project Type: 
Structural and Mechanical Design
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2001
Construction Cost: 
3,000,000
Image: 
55a - Mosely assembly 1.jpg
Image: 
55b - Mosely assembly 2.jpg
Image: 
55c - Mosely assembly 3.jpg
Image: 
55d - Mosely assembly 4.jpg