Evolution Scenic integrated stage and branded backdrop for the Youth Tolerance Rally in Abu Dhabi.

Project Overview and Scenic Delivery


The Youth Tolerance Rally took place in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Evolution Scenic worked for the event producer to create an integrated physical environment for the event, providing creative design, design development, scenic fabrication, graphics production, installation, site support and dismantling.


The principal environment centred on a custom main stage incorporating a giant screen and seamless branded backdrop. Evolution Scenic supplied both the stage deck and giant screen, then developed the surrounding scenery so that the technical presentation infrastructure and visible scenic architecture operated as one coordinated system.


Supporting elements included a bespoke lectern, performance platforms, scenic panels, freestanding signage, interactive team-building props and a large-format fabric banner. The project moved from an initial two-day conceptualisation period into a five-day fabrication-and-installation programme.

Developing the Scenic Concept


The initial creative direction was established within just two days. During this period, Evolution Scenic developed a visual language that could be consistently applied across the different physical elements of the event.


The main stage, screen surround, backdrop, lectern, signage, platforms, graphics, banner and interactive pieces all needed to relate visually and technically to one another. Conceptual development therefore progressed alongside practical fabrication considerations. The geometry surrounding the giant screen needed to correspond with the stage deck and technical layout, while graphic areas had to match the dimensions and forms of the fabricated scenic panels. The bespoke lectern was also developed to function within the stage environment while repeating the same overall design language.

Integrating the Stage, Screen and Branded Backdrop


The main stage formed the foundation of the scenic environment. Evolution Scenic supplied the stage deck and giant screen before fabricating the scenery surrounding them. Rather than treating the screen as an independent technical element positioned behind the stage, the surrounding scenic architecture was developed to visually integrate it into the overall presentation environment. Physical scenic surfaces extended around the display, creating continuity between digital content, printed imagery and the branded backdrop.


The backdrop itself was developed to appear as one continuous scenic composition. Panel alignment, graphic registration, edge treatment and scenic junctions were carefully coordinated to maintain a seamless appearance once installed.

Bespoke Scenic Fabrication and Materials


Evolution Scenic fabricated a range of custom elements including the bespoke lectern, performance platforms, scenic structures, freestanding signage and interactive team-building pieces. he confirmed construction palette included timber, plywood, MDF, steel framing, fabric and printed vinyl. These materials enabled different types of scenic structures and finishes to be produced through a coordinated workshop process. Plywood and MDF provided practical construction and finishing surfaces, while steel framing was also incorporated within the project.


Fabric and printed vinyl provided the visual treatment required for large branded areas, allowing graphics, colour and imagery to be integrated directly with the fabricated scenery. The various material systems had to work together while remaining compatible with the stage deck, giant screen and surrounding scenic architecture.

Graphics and Large-Format Fabric Banner


Graphics production formed an important part of Evolution Scenic's scope and was integrated across the backdrop, scenic panels, bespoke lectern and freestanding signage. Graphics were treated as part of the scenic construction rather than simply as a decorative layer added after fabrication. Panel dimensions, joins, returns, edges and visible margins all influenced how the artwork would appear after installation.


A large-format fabric banner was also developed as one of the prominent supporting visual elements. Evolution Scenic was responsible for its design and for coordinating it with the wider scenic environment. The specialist printing and stitching of the banner were completed externally, while Evolution Scenic maintained responsibility for integrating its design language with the stage, graphics and surrounding scenery.

Five-Day Fabrication, Installation and Site Support


Following the two-day conceptualisation period, fabrication and installation progressed within a compressed five-day programme. The stage deck and giant screen established the principal technical arrangement. The scenic backdrop, screen surround, platforms and supporting structures were then positioned and aligned around these elements. The bespoke lectern, signs, graphic panels and interactive pieces completed the wider environment.


Because of the short delivery period, controlled workshop fabrication and coordination were essential. Accurate preparation reduced the requirement for extensive site modifications and protected the time available for final alignment, technical preparation and rehearsal. Evolution Scenic remained on site during rehearsals and the operational period, providing continuity where the scenery interfaced with the staging, giant screen, performance structures and interactive elements. Following the event, the company also completed the dismantling of the temporary environment.

Delivering a Coordinated Scenic System


The Youth Tolerance Rally demonstrates the value of coordinating staging, screens, fabrication and graphics through one scenic delivery process. Evolution Scenic supplied the stage deck and giant screen while simultaneously developing the structures that visually integrated these technical elements into the event environment.


The seamless branded backdrop, bespoke lectern, performance platforms, signs, graphic panels, interactive pieces and supporting scenery were developed within a consistent production language. Engineering, fire-safety and HSSE considerations also formed part of the temporary scenic delivery methodology, with attention given to structural stability, secure assembly, safe interfaces and compatibility with surrounding technical equipment.


From two days of conceptual development through five days of fabrication and installation, followed by rehearsal support, event operation and dismantling, the project provides a strong example of rapid scenic fabrication, integrated stage construction and coordinated temporary-environment delivery in Abu Dhabi.