Guthrie Theater | Infrastructure
Enhancing "Back-stage" Performance
The Guthrie Theater has long been known for artistic excellence. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Guthrie opened in 1963 as a prototype of sorts - a new kind of theater in contrast to the commercial environment of Broadway. And what began as a summer season of only four productions has since become a complex organization employing more than 900 people per year.
Thanks to the need for a new theater, the Guthrie faced the challenge of creating an infrastructure that matched the excellence of its productions. After careful consideration, the Guthrie Theater contracted with N'compass, a Minneapolis-based technology consulting company.
"N'compass pulled together all of the technological elements of the project. Their help was essential in translating planning and educating us along the way. We could not have done it without them."
LOU AMBROSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER, GUTHRIE THEATER
CHALLENGES ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SUCCESS
Recognizing that the theater would need superior business functions to support their continued growth, the Guthrie considered plans for a converged network. However, as a non-profi t organization, the new construction budget was pulled in a variety of directions. Theatrical and acoustical considerations were of paramount concern. In addition, the unique design of the building itself resulted in a variety of challenges.
With fl exibility for future growth in mind, N'compass coordinated the efforts of architects, engineers and artistic experts to develop the infrastructure for the new 250,000 square-foot facility and its data center. N'compass also provided IP telephony and consolidated the voice and data networks for the box office, contact center and administrative offices - resulting in substantial, long-term savings for the theatre.
Through expert design and effi cient management, N'compass provided the Guthrie with a comprehensive yet cost - effective solution for managing the critical "back-stage" functions of the theater. In addition, N'compass was able to complete the project on time and under budget.
"Building a new home for the Guthrie Theatre has been a complicated act of creation involving artists from many disciplines," says Lou Ambrose, Guthrie Theater Information Systems Manager. "N'compass pulled together all of the technological elements of the project. Their help was essential in translating, planning and educating us along the way. We could not have done it without them."
The Guthrie Theater's new location on the banks of the Mississippi River represents the vitality and inventiveness of the region's theatrical culture. The Guthrie's infrastructure clearly refl ects and supports that inventiveness.
