The Shrine Auditorium .........."Home To The Stars"    Los Angeles, California

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SHRINE AUDITORIUM AND EXPO CENTER GENERAL FACTS: WHAT: The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center comprises the single largest theater in North America with some 6,300 seats and an adjoining 54,000 square foot Expo Center. Over six decades old, the Shrine is owned and operated by the Al Malaikah Auditorium Company (part of the Shrine Al Malaikah Temple). The Shrine Auditorium plays the dual role of Southern California headquarters for the Shrine fraternity, as well as a public rental facility for live and televised arts and entertainment productions, theater productions, operas, movie screenings, meetings, conferences, trade shows and conventions. RENOVATION: In 1993 a $15 million improvement plan was completed, including: a new adjoining multi-level parking facility adding 700-900 spaces; upgraded state-of-the-art stage with newly engineered rigging, lighting and sound systems; air conditioning and heating system; addition of an enclosed foyer; new roof and completed exterior paint job. The Shrine facility also houses a commercial kitchen and has newly secured, fenced lighted parking lots. WHO: The Shrine Auditorium was founded and built by the membership of the Al Malaikah (city of angels in Arabic) Temple in 1906. The Temple is governed by an elected Divan, composed of the Potentate, Chief and Assistant Rabbans, High Priest and Prophet, Oriental Guide, Treasurer and Recorder. Simultaneously, the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center is leased and operated by Auditorium Manager, S. Douglas Worthington with technical assistance from Operations Manager - Andy Stamatin, assisted by Administrative Assistant - Kimberly Walker, and Ticket Coordinator - Andrew Johnston. WHERE: The Shrine Auditorium is located at 665 W. Jefferson Blvd. (at Royal St.) and the Expo Center is located at 700 W. 32nd Street in Los Angeles, just north of the University of Southern California campus; and the administrative offices are at 649 W. Jefferson. WHEN: The original Shrine Auditorium was completed in 1906. The Auditorium was then described as, "perhaps the largest building on the Pacific coast in point of floor space." The building was in roughly the same location as is the present Shrine, but with the stage at the opposite end. On January 11, 1920 the Shrine Auditorium burned to the ground. It took another six years of planning and funding before the new Auditorium was completed. Once rebuilt, it was unique among the theater structures of the world because of its size, versatility and unique interior and exterior design. It is a major cultural center on the West coast and is recognized as a historical monument for its contributions to Los Angeles' history. Today's Shrine Auditorium continues to be improved and renovated to keep current with the times and remains one of the most admired and respected Auditoriums in the world. LITTLE KNOWN FACTS: The University of Southern California and University of California at Los Angeles played a basketball game on the Shrine's stage before the Sports Arena was built. The Shrine's pipe organ is one of the world's largest theatre pipe organs, with 4,663 pipes that require 35 horsepower to pump air into the pipes. When the Shrine was rebuilt in 1926,2,500,000 nails were used, which would equal 118 miles if laid end to end! The crystal chandelier in the Shrine Auditorium weighs four tons and has over 500 light bulbs in four colors (white, red, blue and amber), which used 48,000 watts of power. The Shrine Auditorium's design is an engineering marvel. The cantilevered balcony built without pillars, seats more patrons than the floor and does not obstruct viewing from any seat in the house. SIZE, CAPACITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS: The Shrine Auditorium seats atotal of 6,300 with 3,044 on the main floor and 3,256 in the balcony. Patrons enjoy plush seats and newly improved orchestra section seating, allowing for a more enjoyable and comfortable viewing atmosphere. The Shrine Auditorium has a stage with a 100' x 35' proscenium; an orchestra pit with ready room; a wardrobe area; carpenter shop, chorus rooms and 15 dressing rooms that are fully air-conditioned and heated. The Expo Center features over 54,000 square feet, with 34,000 square feet on the main floor and another 20,000 on the mezzanine. The center will accommodate up to 4,000 people, approximately 250 booths; has a 21,160 square foot dance floor; accommodates banquet dining for 1,800 and has a ceiling height of 49 feet. With the recent $125,000 renovation, this fully air-conditioned and heated Expo Center now features newly carpeted dune colored walls and Spanish-style off-white pillars that complement the existing decor. EQUIPMENT: The Shrine Auditorium can meet most production requirements with its new stateof-the-art 92-line set rigging system, extensive lighting equipment including Century light pallet computer board and two new Strong Gladiator II spotlights, a new Yamaha sound booth, capacity to provide over 16,000 amps of power, plus various rental items including: ramps; proj ection screens; drops; a wide selection of risers; tables and chairs. The Auditorium is also home to a massive renovated Moller organ, one of only three in the world. SERVICE: The Shrine Auditorium management provides not only its facilities and equipment to clients, but expert service, as well. On staff are accommodating and knowledgeable personnel to assist in all aspects of event planning, including technical, creative, promotional and security efforts.

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