A few days ago, we came across old blueprints for the staging of the Lili St. Cyr show at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel.  The prints dated back to April 6, 1956.  It got us thinking about our involvement in the construction of hotels and casinos resorts in the past and stories behind these historic landmarks.

R. L. Grosh and Sons not only specialized in painted backdrops and drapery, but also in staging, rigging and set design.  During the 1940-1960s, when many of the upscale hotel resorts we know today were just being developed, Grosh was also developing a staging construction company, called Tru-Roll.  Tru-Roll, soon gained a name for itself on the Vegas strip and in Los Angeles, where business owners were seeking to capitalize on the entertainment industry.

Most entertainment palaces during this time period provided a full bill of performers for their guests to enjoy and business owners began utilizing a turntable design that would allow for a complete set change in just one quick turn.

At the Coconut Grove, Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Tru-Roll created a motorized platform which would retract when it wasn’t in use.  This allowed space for a larger dance floor or larger dining amenities. (See image below)

Grosh also completed rigging and installed drapery at some of the most famous resorts in Vegas, like the Flamingo Hotel and the MGM lounge.

“Eric Mueller, Warehouse Manager at Grosh Backdrops and Drapery, recalls, “I was making a delivery to the MGM and was required to get a signature on a packet of paperwork…When the elevator doors opened I entered a room and the decor was breathtaking! I remember the carpet was a rich green like the felt on a pool table…”

Grosh outfitted two show room stages at MGM in 1985.  These large hotel resorts were an opportunity to showcase grandeur style and Grosh was honored to be called upon to complete the job.

In more recent times, Grosh Backdrops and Drapery has partnered with Spectrum Lighting to undergo a project at the Seminole Coconut Creak Casino in Coconut Creek, FL.  Our Custom department, under the leadership of artist, Greg Viera, created a handcrafted plexi glass chandelier for the casino, in order to optimize lighting in its gaming area.

If you are interested in partnering with the Grosh Custom department to renovate your space, please reach out Greg Viera at greg@grosh.com. Grosh can also provide wall murals for commercial space, drops and drapes for sets, decor for restaurants and more.

The best part about planning a rustic wedding is the venue itself can require little maintenance and preparation. Some country weddings have made good use of barns and open cornfields as reception areas, and you would be surprised how beautifully and easily these spaces are transformed into something picture perfect. The goal is not to cover up the dirt and the lumber, but to make it look inviting.

About this picture: Read more about this Connecticut barn wedding reception at rusticweddingchic.com.

As a decorating tip, a wall hanging or a chiffon drape, for example, can add some simple elegance to large a drafty space.  As far as trendy summer colors are concerned, TheKnot.com predicts these are the color combinations in season: Papaya and Olive, Red and Pool, Fuchsia and Navy, and Mustard, Black and White.  You can read more about these color inspirations here.

The best recommendation from caterers has been to keep the menu simple, yet unique, complimenting the venue and the couple’s shared experiences.  A good menu for a country wedding might include chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits and S’mores for desert. One caterer, from Black Diamond Caterers, encourages couples not to skip the corn.  Chef Heidi offers this advice, “Your guests won’t mind using their fingers when it comes to sweet corn on the cob… trust me!  You can also tie it all together, and use corn during your cocktail hour, dessert, as guest favors, or even as a color inspiration.”  You can find more of her tips about incorporating corn into your wedding menu, here.

If you have decided on your location, and know your menu, but are stuck on decor, think about all the possibilities for utilizing your space. Fabrics and paintings can make for great space changers. Perhaps, a scenic backdrop that is sentimental to a couple’s travel plans can turn any reception into a destination wedding.  Like, a summer wedding in the vineyards of France, in your own backyard? Why, that sounds wonderful.

Today, March 31, 2012, marks the 54th anniversary of one of the most imaginative theme park attractions created.  The Santa Fe Railroad at Disneyland, California, opened in 1958 with the unveiling of the Grand Canyon Diorama.  This realistic rendering of the Grand Canyon  was painted at Grosh Studios by artist Delmer J. Yoakum.

The Diorama spans an impressive 306 feet wide and 34 feet tall and required 300 gallons of paint. The inspiration for this giant artwork came from the short film, Grand Canyon by James Algar who also directed Disney classics Bambi and Fantasia.

To this day, passengers are amazed as they ride by on a moving train getting the feeling of being there – at one of the great wonders of the world.  With this ride, Disney achieved the visionary concept of making moving 3D images.  Walt Disney has been quoted, “I believe in being an innovator” and he certainly has succeeded.

Today, 3D film is commonplace, but still feels amazing every time we watch a new release.  Disney’s Pixar has done it again with Brave hitting theaters this summer. Oh, the excitement of innovation in art!

Find out more about the film here

Many public and private colleges and universities host Summer repertory programs for students looking to be immersed in theater in their months off from school.  Even for the recent college graduate, a work opportunity at a small summer program can be a great stepping stone towards a career in stage coaching. For the theater professional, mentoring a summer youth program can be a nice respite from a full schedule set to begin again in the Fall.

Many students and coaches alike will agree that the best reason to participate in a Summer repertory program is the opportunity to collaborate with a highly talented and creative group in a small team atmosphere. Rehearsals start immediately with the pressure to produce a polished performance in a matter of weeks; but it’s that drama and intensity and ultimately that team effort that create an exciting experience for both the actors and the staff.

The term Repertory comes from the word Repertoire. In other words, a theater company may perform a “collection” of plays in a set rotation within a certain amount of time.  In these modern times, each play usually runs from 3-6 weeks at a time- and ideally, the Summer season allows for the perfect conditions (time and weather-wise ) to stay on schedule.

A small theater company may not have the facility or means to execute a full production set, but while school is out, many colleges are able to lend a stage or two to these companies in name of educating the public about the Arts. Like the Marin Shakespeare Company, for example, which puts on performances at the Forest Meadows Amphitheater at Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. They call this Summer series “Shakespeare Under the Stars.”  In fact, many of us have experienced Shakespeare under the stars in our own towns and cities where outdoor theater is an anticipated Summer event.

If you are looking for a list of repertory programs near you, you may want to start by checking out your local universities or perhaps search online to find lists of programs by city and state. Backstage.com just released an updated list of programs by state that you may find helpful.

Who’s ready for some fun?

Featured Photo Above: Children learn about the production of a musical theatre during C-R Kids Summer Theatre Academy at Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, N.Y. on Monday, August 1, 2011.  (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

We took some of the best qualities that you like about us – personalized customer service and quality products – and packaged those facets into a website that allows for a better browsing experience.

Users are now able to search our inventory by price, size, theme, warehouse location and are also able to filter inventory by availability.

Our new website will walk you through the step by step process for finding backdrop and drapery products to fit your entertainment needs.  Whether you have a small or large event in mind, you can begin here to learn about your options for renting or purchasing our products.

These are some of the new features which will help you book your next reservation:

1. You may Shop our inventory for Backdrops or Drapery

2. Use the Filter to sort by item price and design

3. Use the new top navigation bar to Learn about how to properly care for your rental

4. Lastly, check out the new Divisions of Grosh to explore additional products and services which we now offer like the Backdrop Lift.

Every year, the Academy redesigns its image as it celebrates another successful year of great movies. This includes a bigger and better stage, which is unveiled during the live airing of the show.

In 1957, the 29th Annual Academy Awards focused on international diversity (as depicted on the program cover to the left) with such actors and actresses as Yul Brynner, Anna Magnani, and Miyoshi Umeki being applauded for their acclaimed performances.  Miyoshi Umeki won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sayonara.  Around the World in 80 Days won best picture and Yul Brynner was awarded Best Actor for his lead in the film, The King and I.

Behind host Jerry Lewis, you will see the intricate stage structure created by R.L. Grosh & Son’s, made to mimic a film reel that travels around the globe and wraps around the iconic Oscar statue.  It has been confirmed by the Academy that Grosh did collaborate with Hollywood Sound and Lighting Company to produce this beautiful background for the RKO Pantages Theater where the award show was then held.

Now the Academy will gather again, for the 84th year!  The award ceremony has come a long way, but it hasn’t lost its glamour.  The 29th annual award show celebrated some of the greatest celebrity happenings of 1956, and it was also a monumental year for Grosh, as we began to develop our reputation in Hollywood.

(Watch Yul Brynner accept his award.)

What makes Grosh special? We believe our unique history plays a part.

In 1932, Robert Louis Grosh founded R.L. Grosh and Sons Scenic Studios in Hollywood California.

Years before, Robert Grosh had an interest in the Theater and began his career cleaning paint brushes and buckets for Armbruster Studios in Columbus Ohio.  Beginning in his teens, he learned the trade, became a painter, and advanced to journeyman scenic artist.

( Photo Right:  Robert Grosh, his partner, Ralph Blow and the “Rag Man” outside Grosh Studios)

In 1926, he was recruited by Charles Thompson to work for the Los Angeles Scenic Studio as Head Scenic Artist.  After five years he set out to start his own studio and set up shop at 4114 W. Sunset Blvd in Hollywood.

Grosh Backdrops and Draperies still operates in this same building where Grosh started his business and after 80 years we have quite a legacy!

(Photo below:  Actress, Mary Pickford poses in front of a painted Village backdrop)

This year we will be celebrating with you by periodically sharing some of our history and highlights. From the silent film era through today, we have some great stories and will be posting them throughout our anniversary year.  We hope you enjoy them and join us in declaring “Happy Anniversary”!

Dion started painting for Grosh Backdrops and Drapery, under Superior Backings in 1995…  

Dion sighs, “I feel really fortunate to have been able to hone my skills and learn on the job here, because I started young.”

What is your first thought when tasked with the job of creating a painted landscape? From where do you draw inspiration – from a combination of images and memories or is the image usually provided for you?

   Sometimes a reference is provided or other times I will do some research to find a reference first… maybe a collage of photos… – For “Flower Garden” (S3079), I looked at different images of gardens and pieced them together.

How do you go about transferring your drawing or idea to a 22’H x50’W backdrop?  How do you frame or crop the landscape so that it appears to continue on into the distance?

   I start with a simple sketch, done in Photoshop and once approved, I grid the sketch by a 1” scale in ratio to the size of the blank canvas.  Then I simply transfer the image square by square.  The same classical techniques (known as “pictorial art”) that were used during the Renaissance, we still use here.

   To create a sense of distance, always, atmospheric perspective is applied – darker, bolder colors in the foreground, and lighter, fainter colors in the background to create a sense of depth.

   The sketch is the preliminary step and the finished canvas should really be an improvement from the original drawing, and this happens because we are given a lot of artistic leeway in order to bring the painting to fruition. 

Do you decide on color once the image is drawn, or do you already envision the colors you will use, when first drafting the landscape.

   Creating a landscape is all about the nuances – in this case, it was all about the flowers.  So adding the color is usually the last step and the most fun of the whole process.  The reference may dictate what colors are used as well.

How do you create a sense of daytime or evening?

   Landscapes are usually best represented during bright daylight. Basically, I start with a blue sky and white clouds… simple.  To add a sense of doom, I add a little grey.  Usually orange or violet represents sunset or sunrise, but like I said, it’s all about the flowers, for a garden landscape.  We want those flowers to pop, irrelevant to the time of day.

How does it feel to create a scene that transports the onlooker into a specific setting? Is there something magical about this creation process?

   Creating a large scale scene is pretty labor intensive, but after practicing for so long producing so many drops under short deadlines, you learn how to complete a drop pretty quickly and effectively, by applying the same techniques over and over again.

   Yes, I am pretty exhausted at the end of it all, but there is a very satisfying feeling knowing that I created something that was just what the client envisioned; a functional piece of art.

“It was a lot of fun teaming up with Tamlyn Wright and Gloria Lamb on this project!  In the end this display was the standout of the bunch,” says Peter Lime, Scenic Assistant at Grosh.

Our Customs department has been kept busy busy busy, collaborating with Accurate Staging to kick out  a series of backdrops for performing artists Megadeth, Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria, (just to name a few…) and Slayer, all touring this year.

In rentals, we have also been busy shipping backdrops to dance studios across the states. Many of our clients close their studios for the summer, consummating in a dance recital in June to showcase the talents of their students.  This month, Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance celebrated her 30th Anniversary using our Happy Anniversary drop (ES7453) as the opening number.

Be sure to also catch a glimpse of some of Grosh drapery in upcoming episodes of Bravo’s Top Chef and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Most people work hard for the weekend, we work hard for the shows.

This year, the event was fashioned in Parisian style with a Moulin Rouge red-carpeted theme. Kimberly DuBois, of G-Force Productions, produced a venue rich with red and black velvet and oozing with entertainment and style…”The walls, draped in colorful floor-to-ceiling scenes from Montmartre with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, surrounded a truly beautiful collection of dinner tables draped in either red velvet, textured red metallic or red taffeta with black beading table coverings. The centerpieces, surrounded in red roses, were either a beautiful lamp with a red shade, a black feathered palm tree or a daring can-can leg covered in black fishnet stockings. Black-cushioned Chivari chairs draped in black beaded chiffon with ruffled skirts completed the setting.”  – Donna Bunch, People Watch   

For this event, Kimberly utilized our cardinal red crushed velvet draperies with complimentary black and bright red velour drapery legs.

To learn more about this event and the A-list group of celebrities who attended and contributed, please view this video: