Producing scenic elements for a Cirque du Soleil performance demands an exact balance of artistic interpretation, structural integrity and specialist craftsmanship. For Saudi National Day 2022, Evolution Scenic was entrusted with transforming stage designs by Stéphane Roy into fabricated scenic elements for a live performance in Riyadh.

The project combined metalwork, fibreglass, carpentry, three-dimensional production, scenic painting and specialist finishing. Every component needed to reflect the artistic direction of the show while meeting the practical demands of transportation, installation and live performance.

Evolution Scenic managed the process from technical development and fabrication through to transportation from Jebel Ali in Dubai and installation in Riyadh.

The Challenge

Stéphane Roy’s designs needed to be translated into physical scenic elements without losing their intended scale, character or visual detail. The completed components also had to meet the production standards associated with Cirque du Soleil.

Different fabrication disciplines were required across the project. Metal, fibreglass, carpentry and three-dimensional production techniques needed to be coordinated to deliver bespoke props and structural elements with the necessary strength and visual impact.

The entire scenic package then had to be transported from Evolution Scenic’s facility in Jebel Ali to Riyadh. This required careful logistical coordination to protect the fabricated elements and support an efficient installation upon arrival.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the technical and fabrication requirements needed to transform the supplied stage designs into buildable scenic elements.

Metal fabrication provided strength and structural support, while carpentry and fibreglass production enabled the creation of bespoke forms, surfaces and detailed features. Three-dimensional production techniques were used where complex sculptural components were required.

Custom stage props and structural elements were fabricated to align with the artistic language of the performance. Detailed scenic painting and specialist finishing techniques were then applied to create the required visual character and strengthen the immersive quality of the stage environment.

Once fabrication was complete, Evolution Scenic coordinated the transportation of the scenic package from Jebel Ali, Dubai, to Riyadh. The team also supported the on-site setup and installation, ensuring that the individual elements came together as intended within the finished performance environment.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for Saudi National Day 2022
• Interpretation of stage designs by Stéphane Roy
• Technical development and fabrication planning
• Bespoke scenic elements
• Custom performance props
• Structural scenic components
• Specialist metal fabrication
• Fibreglass production
• Scenic carpentry
• Three-dimensional production techniques
• Detailed scenic painting
• Specialist surface finishes
• Transportation from Jebel Ali to Riyadh
• On-site setup and installation
• Delivery for a Cirque du Soleil performance

Outcome

The completed scenic package transformed the original stage designs into a physical performance environment suited to Cirque du Soleil’s Saudi National Day production.

The combination of structural fabrication, sculptural production, scenic painting and detailed finishing gave each element the strength and visual presence required for the show. Coordinated transportation and installation ensured the scenic components travelled successfully from Dubai to Riyadh and were assembled on site.

The project demonstrated Evolution Scenic’s ability to interpret ambitious creative designs and deliver technically developed scenic elements across multiple fabrication disciplines for a major international live performance.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical development, metal fabrication, fibreglass production, carpentry, three-dimensional production, bespoke props, structural scenic elements, scenic painting, finishing, transportation and installation.

Technology-focused events require environments that communicate innovation while supporting presentations, meetings, hospitality and formal recognition.

On 4 November 2024, the ADNOC ENACT Majlis took place at the ADNOC Business Center in Abu Dhabi. Focused on artificial intelligence and incorporating an awards ceremony, the event required a contemporary environment delivered within a highly compressed programme.

Evolution Scenic created and coordinated curved scenic walls, illuminated features, screen cladding, branded meeting-room backdrops, photography settings and hospitality structures. The complete installation was delivered within two days.

The Challenge

The existing venue needed to be transformed using decorated walls, wide curved screens, entrance features and branded environments without permanent changes to the space.

Only two days were available to complete the build. Scenic fabrication, screen installation, graphics, furniture and first-floor deliveries all needed to be carefully sequenced, leaving little tolerance for delay or rework.

The curved LED screens required custom scenic cladding that followed their form while preserving access and maintaining a refined finish. The different wall features also needed to stand independently and integrate wallpaper, branding and illuminated details.

All construction activity had to comply with the health and safety standards established by the venue and remain within the approved budget.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed freestanding curved walls finished with custom wallpaper and integrated LED strips. The illuminated edges emphasised the geometry of the structures and supported the event’s technology-led visual identity.

Custom cladding was produced around the wide curved LED screens, integrating the technical displays into the wider scenic treatment. The screens were supplied by CITI Company, with Evolution Scenic coordinating their incorporation into the environment.

A dedicated photography stage and branded back wall created a clear setting for guest and event imagery. Additional freestanding wall features were fabricated for branding and decorative use throughout the venue.

Meeting rooms were fitted with customised backdrops aligned with the event theme. Furniture was incorporated to create a more refined and functional setting for discussions and guest interaction.

Hospitality areas were defined using additional freestanding walls, creating professional and welcoming spaces without requiring permanent venue construction.

Graphics produced by Zenith Printing were coordinated with the scenic structures, while Maestra supported scenic deliveries to the venue’s first floor. Detailed sequencing enabled the combined teams to complete the installation within the two-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Two-day venue build
• Installation at the ADNOC Business Center
• Custom curved scenic walls
• Wallpaper wall finishes
• Integrated LED-strip effects
• Cladding for wide curved LED screens
• Screen integration coordinated with CITI Company
• Branded photography stage
• Custom photography back wall
• Freestanding decorative features
• Branded wall installations
• Custom meeting-room backdrops
• Furniture integration
• Freestanding hospitality walls
• Graphics coordination with Zenith Printing
• First-floor delivery coordination with Maestra
• Delivery within the approved budget
• Compliance with venue health and safety requirements

Outcome

The completed environment transformed the existing business-centre spaces into a coordinated setting for the ADNOC ENACT Majlis and its artificial-intelligence awards programme.

Curved walls, illuminated edges and integrated screens established a contemporary visual identity, while meeting-room backdrops and hospitality structures supported the event’s practical requirements.

The photography stage and branded wall features extended the identity across guest-facing areas. Through close coordination between the scenic, screen, graphics and delivery teams, the full installation was completed within the two-day timeframe.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic development, curved wall fabrication, LED integration, screen cladding, photography environment, meeting-room backdrops, hospitality structures, supplier coordination and on-site installation.

Seasonal activations at major public destinations require scenic environments that are immediately recognisable, highly immersive and capable of engaging visitors across a wide range of ages. For XMAS @ EXPO in December 2021, Evolution Scenic helped transform Expo 2020 Dubai into a large-scale festive destination through themed scenic fabrication, interactive family experiences and illuminated installations.

The scope included a 20-metre Christmas tree, custom marketplace chalets, giant nutcracker figures, a festive transformation of the Opti-Robot, Santa’s House, an Elf Workshop, activity zones and atmospheric lighting. Because installation took place while Expo 2020 was open to the public, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team also worked in custom elf uniforms, turning the build process itself into part of the visitor experience.

The Challenge

XMAS @ EXPO required a major festive transformation to be delivered within an operational Expo environment.

The scenic package needed to create a strong Christmas identity across multiple installations while supporting both visual spectacle and interactive family activity. Large-scale decorative elements, themed architecture, workshop spaces and activity zones all had to contribute to one consistent festive environment.

A further challenge was that installation took place during the live operating period of Expo 2020. The scenic team therefore needed to work within a public-facing environment where visitors could see the build progressing.

Rather than allowing the installation process to feel separate from the activation, the team adopted custom Santa’s elf uniforms, helping integrate the on-site build into the wider festive experience.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated package of themed scenic fabrication and immersive installations across the festive environment.

A major focal point was the 20-metre Christmas tree, establishing a strong visual landmark within the activation.

A festive boulevard and marketplace were created using custom-built chalets designed to house seasonal treats and merchandise. These structures helped establish the character of a traditional Christmas market while providing practical spaces for vendors and visitors.

Large decorative scenic features included giant nutcracker figures positioned at the entrance, creating a clear arrival moment. The existing Opti-Robot was also transformed for the season through the addition of reindeer antlers, bringing a familiar Expo feature into the Christmas theme.

Santa’s House and the Elf Workshop were developed as immersive environments with animated workshop scenes and themed characters, creating a more narrative-driven visitor experience.

Additional activity areas supported family participation through features including a climbing wall, festive crafts and seasonal storytelling sessions.

Warm lighting was integrated across the installations to strengthen the atmosphere and visually connect the different scenic environments after dark.

During installation, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team worked in custom elf uniforms. Visitors regularly stopped to photograph and film the team at work, turning the build process into an unexpected element of the activation and generating strong social media engagement.

Delivery Highlights

• Festive scenic production for XMAS @ EXPO.
• Installation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
• 20m-high Christmas tree.
• Custom-built festive marketplace chalets.
• Christmas boulevard environment.
• Giant nutcracker entrance figures.
• Festive transformation of the Opti-Robot.
• Custom reindeer antlers.
• Immersive Santa’s House.
• Themed Elf Workshop.
• Animated workshop scenes.
• Interactive family activity areas.
• Climbing wall.
• Festive craft activities.
• Seasonal storytelling areas.
• Integrated warm scenic lighting.
• Installation undertaken while Expo 2020 remained operational.
• Custom elf uniforms for the Evolution Scenic installation team.
• Strong visitor and social media engagement during the build.

Outcome

XMAS @ EXPO transformed the wider Expo environment into a recognisable festive destination combining large-scale scenic landmarks, themed architecture and interactive family experiences.

The Christmas tree, marketplace, nutcrackers, Santa’s House and Elf Workshop created the primary visual and narrative elements, while activity zones and lighting extended the experience beyond static decoration.

The live installation process also became part of the activation itself. With the scenic team dressed as elves while working in front of visitors, the build attracted significant attention, with guests stopping to take photographs and videos that were widely shared on social media.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver immersive seasonal environments within live public venues, where fabrication, installation, visitor interaction and operational constraints all need to be considered as part of the overall experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Themed scenic fabrication, festive structures, marketplace chalets, large-scale scenic features, Santa’s House, Elf Workshop, family activity environments, lighting integration, live-site installation and delivery.

Photography awards require environments that frame creative work with clarity while giving the ceremony an identity of its own.

On 16 November 2023, the 12th season of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award took place at Dubai Opera. Presented under the theme Diversity, the ceremony celebrated achievements in photography before an audience of industry professionals, art enthusiasts and VIP guests.

Evolution Scenic delivered a large-scale scenic package comprising five illuminated arches, a curved stage extension, branded gallery installations, VIP structures, signage and venue-wide flooring.

The Challenge

The scenic environment needed to express the Diversity theme while remaining appropriate to the architecture and formal character of Dubai Opera.

Five arches, each measuring 32 metres long and six metres high, required fabrication, lighting integration and a refined fabric finish. Their scale created significant installation and coordination requirements within the venue.

The curved stage extension had to be installed before the overhead rigging work could proceed. Gallery structures, branding, carpet and PVC flooring then needed to follow in a carefully managed sequence.

All scenic work had to comply with the venue’s health and safety standards. The complete installation also needed to be handed over one day before the ceremony, allowing the production team to conduct its rehearsal.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic fabricated five large-scale arches measuring 32 metres long and six metres high. Each structure was wrapped in high-quality black fabric to create a clean, consistent finish.

RGBW LED strips were integrated into the arches and controlled through a grandMA system, allowing their appearance to respond to the ceremony’s visual treatment.

A curved extension was constructed in front of the existing Dubai Opera stage. Finished with Delta carpet, the extension enlarged the performance area while maintaining a cohesive transition to the venue’s permanent stage.

Custom structures were fabricated for the photography galleries and wrapped with high-resolution HIPA graphics. Additional spray-painted structures and branded features were positioned near the VIP seating areas.

Marlin PVC flooring and carpet were installed throughout the required venue areas, connecting the stage, galleries and guest spaces through a consistent surface treatment.

Installation sequencing was coordinated around the rigging, audiovisual, flooring and graphics workstreams. All scenic elements were completed and handed over the day before the ceremony.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic delivery for the 12th HIPA Award Ceremony
• Installation at Dubai Opera
• Five large-scale scenic arches
• Arches measuring 32 metres long and six metres high
• High-quality black fabric finishes
• Integrated RGBW LED strips
• grandMA lighting control
• Curved extension to the existing stage
• Delta carpet stage finish
• Custom photography-gallery structures
• High-resolution HIPA graphics
• Spray-painted VIP-area structures
• Bespoke event signage
• Marlin PVC flooring
• High-quality venue carpet
• Coordination with rigging and audiovisual suppliers
• Compliance with venue health and safety standards
• Handover one day before the event
• Rehearsal-ready installation

Outcome

The completed scenic environment created a consistent visual framework for the ceremony, photography galleries and VIP areas at Dubai Opera.

The five illuminated arches introduced scale and rhythm throughout the venue, while their programmable RGBW lighting supported the event’s changing visual requirements. The curved stage extension provided a polished setting for the formal programme.

Branded gallery structures gave the award-winning photography dedicated presentation areas, and the coordinated flooring and VIP features connected the different guest environments.

By completing the installation one day before the event, Evolution Scenic provided the production team with a fully prepared venue for rehearsals.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Large-scale arch fabrication, black-fabric finishing, curved stage extension, gallery structures, VIP features, branding coordination, flooring and scenic installation.

Evolution Technical – Technical guidance for the event’s rigging and audiovisual delivery.

Landmark national celebrations often demand scenic solutions that combine symbolism, spectacle and complex engineering. For the UAE’s 50th National Day at Hatta Dam, Evolution Scenic delivered one of the production’s most technically ambitious features: 100 telescopic replicas of iconic UAE buildings designed to rise from the stage in synchronised formation during the climax of the performance.

Designed by Es Devlin and produced by LarMac Live, the wider production used the dramatic mountain landscape and a floating stage within an artificial pool as part of the visual narrative. Evolution Scenic’s contribution focused on transforming architectural references into compact, illuminated scenic structures capable of concealed storage, controlled vertical movement and precise repeatability under challenging outdoor conditions.

The Challenge

The project required 100 individual building replicas to rise from the stage as part of a tightly choreographed performance sequence.

The scenic elements needed to represent different architectural forms and heights while remaining compact enough to disappear within the stage when not in use. Some structures exceeded 6 metres in their fully extended position but had to fit into concealed spaces as small as approximately 1.2 metres by 20 centimetres.

Movement also had to remain reliable in an exposed mountain environment affected by wind and humidity. With all 100 elements forming part of a single performance moment, consistency and synchronisation were critical.

The structures also had to integrate lighting without adding unnecessary visual or mechanical complexity, while maintaining enough structural integrity to operate repeatedly throughout rehearsals and live performance.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated 100 telescopic lightbox buildings based on iconic UAE architecture.

Each structure was developed as a self-illuminated scenic element with individually controlled LED lighting, allowing the building forms to remain visually legible as three-dimensional objects when viewed from the audience.

The buildings were engineered with up to four telescopic tiers, allowing different overall heights to be achieved while preserving the compact storage requirements beneath the stage.

Telescopic tower machines and heavy-duty industrial tracks were used to create the required vertical movement. The mechanisms were selected and integrated to support repeated operation within the environmental conditions at Hatta Dam.

The internal lighting systems were coordinated so that all 100 scenic structures could be controlled as part of the wider performance sequence. This allowed lighting changes and movement to work together during the final reveal.

A major part of the engineering challenge was packaging. Structures extending beyond 6 metres in height had to retract into extremely limited concealed volumes without compromising alignment, movement or the final scenic appearance.

The resulting system combined scenic fabrication, mechanical movement, structural planning and integrated illumination within a highly compact footprint.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic engineering for the UAE’s 50th National Day celebration.

• Event staged at Hatta Dam.

• Design by Es Devlin.

• Production by LarMac Live.

• 100 telescopic replicas of iconic UAE buildings.

• Fully illuminated scenic lightbox structures.

• Individually controlled LED lighting.

• Up to four telescopic tiers per structure.

• Building heights exceeding 6m when fully extended.

• Compact concealed storage conditions.

• Telescopic tower mechanisms.

• Heavy-duty industrial tracks.

• Synchronised vertical movement.

• Integrated lighting control across all 100 structures.

• Scenic fabrication developed for exposed outdoor conditions.

• Operation within high wind and humid conditions.

• Precision integration into the stage environment.

• Large-scale scenic engineering and installation.

Outcome

The telescopic buildings formed one of the defining visual moments of the 50th UAE National Day production.

As the 100 illuminated structures rose from the stage in synchronisation, they created a symbolic representation of the country’s architectural development, achievements and progress over five decades.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to engineer large quantities of moving scenic elements where compact packaging, structural integrity, repeatable motion, integrated lighting and outdoor environmental conditions must all be resolved together.

It also highlights the role of scenic engineering in major live ceremonies, where complex mechanical systems must ultimately disappear behind a clear and powerful visual moment for the audience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic engineering, telescopic building fabrication, mechanical integration, lightbox construction, LED integration, compact scenic packaging, structural coordination, delivery and installation.

Es Devlin – Production design.

LarMac Live – Production.

Why Some Of The Best Scenic Solutions Come From The Crew

Technical drawings establish how a scenic structure should be manufactured, but the people building, finishing and installing it often identify practical improvements that cannot be seen on screen. Their experience helps turn an approved design into something that can be produced, transported and installed successfully.

Not every strong scenic solution begins in a meeting room. Some are identified when a carpenter starts assembling a structure and notices that a fixing will become inaccessible later.

Others come from a metalworker who recognises that a connection could be simplified, a scenic painter who spots that a joint will remain visible beneath the finish, or an installer who recommends dividing a structure differently so it can pass through the venue. These observations do not replace technical design, engineering or project control. They strengthen them.

Scenic fabrication turns drawings, models and specifications into physical structures. During that process, materials behave differently, tolerances accumulate and practical constraints become clearer.

The people closest to the work often identify these issues first.

They also frequently identify the most effective solution.

The Workshop Sees What The Drawing Cannot

Technical drawings establish dimensions, materials, geometry and construction requirements. However, they cannot always show how easily a component can be handled, whether a fixing will remain accessible or how a material will respond once it has been cut, formed and finished. The workshop sees the structure at full scale.

A connection that appears straightforward on a drawing may become difficult to reach after surrounding panels are fitted. A curved form may need temporary bracing during assembly. A transport joint may need to move so it does not pass through a prominent finished surface. The crew also understands the order in which the work must happen.

They know which components need to be fitted first, where access must remain open and when a finish or technical element will restrict later work.

This practical perspective helps identify problems before they become embedded within the build.

Fabrication Feedback Should Start Early

Workshop feedback is most valuable during technical development and early production. Once materials have been ordered, CNC files prepared and major components manufactured, even a sensible improvement can create rework or delay.

An early fabrication review may identify:

• Inaccessible connections
• Sections that are too large or heavy
• Joints positioned within visible surfaces
• Materials requiring additional support
• Complicated assembly sequences
• Insufficient space for technical equipment
• Difficult lifting or transport requirements
• Finishes requiring more preparation than expected

The purpose is not to redesign the project informally. It is to ensure the approved design and proposed fabrication method work together.

A structure may be visually correct and technically detailed but still be difficult to manufacture or install. Early workshop input exposes that risk while there is still time to resolve it properly.

Small Changes Can Make A Significant Difference

Many crew-led improvements appear minor. A carpenter may move a connection so it remains accessible after cladding is installed. A metalworker may revise a bracket so it can be secured from a safer position.

A CNC operator may adjust the component layout to improve material use. A scenic painter may request that a joint is moved away from a smooth finished surface. An installer may recommend numbering sections according to the installation sequence rather than the workshop production order.

These changes may not alter the appearance, but they can reduce fabrication time, simplify installation and prevent damage. A fixing detail repeated across fifty components can either save time or create the same problem fifty times.

The value of the idea is not always reflected by its size.

Installation Experience Improves Fabrication

Installation teams understand what happens after scenery leaves the workshop. They work within loading schedules, restricted access routes, shared work areas and fixed handover times. A connection that is easy to complete at floor level may be far more difficult several metres above a stage.

A large section that moves easily around the workshop may not fit through a venue corridor or goods lift. A delicate finish may need additional protection if it will be handled repeatedly during unloading and installation. These lessons should return to the technical and workshop teams.

The strongest process creates a clear feedback loop:

• The technical team develops controlled production information.
• The workshop manufactures and tests the solution.
• The installation team experiences how it performs on site.
• Relevant lessons are applied to future projects.

Installation experience should not only solve problems on site. It should improve how the next structure is designed and built.

The Crew Understands How Materials Behave

Specifications explain how a material is expected to perform. Workshop experience reveals how it behaves during production. Timber can move, bow or twist. Sheet materials may vary slightly in thickness. Foam can be damaged during handling.

Metal components may distort if heat and fabrication sequence are not controlled. Paint systems can reveal imperfections that were difficult to see before finishing. Experienced crew members recognise these behaviours.

A carpenter may know that a tight curve should be formed in layers. A metalworker may identify where temporary bracing is required. A scenic painter may recognise that a metallic finish needs additional preparation because it will expose every surface defect. 

Scenic structures frequently combine timber, metal, CNC-cut panels, carved foam, textiles, graphics, lighting components and paint systems. Each department’s work affects the next. The supporting structure affects the cladding. The cladding affects the finish. The finish affects handling and repair. The installation method affects how everything must be divided and connected.

Crew experience helps manage these relationships in practice.

Practical Suggestions Still Need Technical Control

Encouraging feedback does not mean allowing uncontrolled changes. A modification can affect dimensions, structural performance, fire requirements, cost, programme or installation. Every suggestion must be reviewed by the appropriate responsible person.

A controlled process should establish:

• What problem has been identified
• Why the current detail may cause difficulty
• What improvement is proposed
• Whether engineering or compliance is affected
• Whether cost or programme changes
• Who must approve the revision
• Whether drawings or CNC files need updating

This protects the project while allowing workshop knowledge to improve the outcome. The objective is structured collaboration, not redesign by conversation on the workshop floor.

Every Project Should Improve The Next One

A project should still provide useful information after installation is complete.

The team can review:

• Details that slowed assembly
• Components that were difficult to transport
• Fixings that were hard to access
• Materials that did not perform as expected
• Areas damaged during handling
• Finishes that were difficult to repair
• Drawings that required clarification
• Solutions that should become standard practice

These lessons can improve workshop details, technical information, packing methods and installation sequences.

Continuous improvement becomes meaningful when the next project is better because of what the team learned from the previous one.

The Best Solution Is The One That Can Be Delivered

Scenic fabrication needs creative ambition, technical development and engineering control.

It also needs structures that can be manufactured, finished, transported and installed within the programme.

The strongest solution is not automatically the most complicated.

It is the one that protects the approved appearance while making the structure practical, reliable and safe to deliver.

Sometimes that solution begins during technical design. Sometimes it is resolved through engineering. And sometimes it comes from a carpenter, metalworker, painter, CNC operator or installer who recognises a problem because they have experienced something similar before.

Their input does not weaken the design process. It completes it. The technical information establishes what needs to be built. The crew helps ensure it works when it leaves the drawing and enters the real world.