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Project:
Times Square 2000
Client:
Times Square Business Improvement District
Overview:
To celebrate the
changing of the millennium at the Crossroads
of the World, a 24 hour global celebration
was planned. As the clock struck midnight
in each time zone around the world, millions
in Times Square celebrated the countries
and cultures from that part of the globe.
Production
Plan:
Eventage was brought in to recruit and manage
the 500 volunteers needed to carry the giant
puppets through Times Square during the
24 hour period. A recruitment plan was devised
during the summer of 1999 and volunteers
were registered beginning in October. Volunteers
were assigned captain, puppeteer or production
assistant roles and were trained at one
of two orientation sessions presented by
Eventage.
Beginning
at 4am on December 31, Eventage managed
the check-in, costuming, marshaling and
procession of the volunteers and their puppets
through 6am on January 1. Backstage operations
were headquartered on 41st street, where
Eventage staff assembled units and led them
into Times Square.
Results:
Recruitment goals were surpassed, resulting
in each unit having plenty of extra, well
trained volunteers. Attrition was so low
that volunteers had to be asked to leave
after their shift so that volunteers from
the next shift could get their turn. The
puppets arrived safely in Times Square on
time every hour and dazzled the millions
in the audience live and around the world.
Client
Feedback:
"You
did a great job of pulling together the
many volunteers needed to make Times Square
2000 work. The training sessions were terrific
and the organization of the production areas
ran without a hitch. Thanks for all your
help, patience and valuable input. It was
great working with you." Peter Kohlmann,
Executive Producer, Times Square 2000.
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