<h2>ITPS Blog: 1/6/08 - 1/13/08</h2>
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Friday, January 11, 2008

DOLLYWOOD ANNOUNCES OPEN CALL AUDITIONS

DOLLYWOOD ANNOUNCES OPEN CALL AUDITIONS
IN CINCINNATI, PIGEON FORGE, ATLANTA, NASHVILLE

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Dollywood entertainment park will conduct a four-city audition tour in search of performers for its 2008 season in Cincinnati (Jan. 19); Pigeon Forge (Jan. 26), Atlanta (Feb. 2); and Nashville (Feb. 16).
“After a very successful showing at the Big E Awards in November, we want to continue producing award-winning entertainment for our guests” said Paul T. Couch, Dollywood Director of Entertainment. “Once again, we’re in search of top-notch performers who can ensure that we not only meet but exceed our guests’ expectations.”
Dollywood was the big winner at the 2007 International Association of Amusements and Attractions Big E Awards, which honor excellence in categories of live entertainment from around the world. Dollywood claimed the prestigious Heartbeat Award for Christmas in the Smokies as well as Honorable Mention trophies for Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland; The Great American Country Show; the Smoky Mountain String Band; and best female performer Arnie Shaw from The Great American Country Show.
Dollywood is seeking singers, actors, specialty acts, small bands, stage managers, technicians and dressers for its 2007 season (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009). Details about each category, specific audition requirements and locations are available by calling (865) 428-9553 or visiting http://www.dollywood.com/employment/schedule.aspx.
The audition schedule is:
• Jan. 19— Cincinnati; Xavier University’s Schiff Family Conference Center at the Cintas Center; 1624 Herald Ave., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (This is not a function of Xavier University.)
• Jan. 26—Pigeon Forge; Dollywood’s DP’s Celebrity Theatre; 1020 Dollywood Lane, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Feb. 2—Atlanta; Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Peachtree St., 265 Peachtree St. NE, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Feb. 16—Nashville, Sheraton Downtown Nashville, 623 Union St., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
In addition to performance experience at competitive salaries, Dollywood offers an on-site medical center, a profit-sharing plan, employee pass exchange program with various attractions and businesses, Dollywood food and merchandise discounts, and a relocation package.
Dollywood offers seven live shows daily during its regular operating season (March-Oct.), and six live performances during the park’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration (Nov.-Jan.)
Among Dollywood’s performer alumni are recording artists Julie Roberts, Suzy Bogguss, Jessi Alexander, Amy Dalley and Mandy Barnett and actor Eric Martsolf of NBC’s Passions.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Ripley's extensive restoration in St. Augustine, FL

From Ripley's:

Extensive Restoration Under Way at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

The original museum of Robert L. Ripley in St. Augustine, Fla. is undergoing a series of significant restorative projects.

St. Augustine, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2008) From the large stained glass dome ceiling inside to the rare Chinese bronze statues standing guard outside, the New Year is bringing extensive renewal to the historic Castle Warden, home of the original Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum.

During the next several months, The Castle Warden will be undergoing efforts to preserve its historic beauty and integrity. Built in 1886, the castle was the Warden family’s winter home and served as a bustling domicile for the large family. It then became a famous hotel owned by Norton Baskin and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and since 1950 it has been home to The Robert Ripley Memorial Museum—better known as Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

The renovations include most notably the restoration of the original stained-glass ceiling, which is believed to have been crafted by H. Schladermundt of the Decorative Glass Company of New York City. The entire stained-glass structure is to be painstakingly removed, piece by piece, to be refitted and restored to its original beauty. Advent Glass Works, from Gainesville, Florida will be undertaking this large project, in conjunction with the scaffolding services provided by A.D. Davis Co., of Jacksonville, Florida.

“Li Che” and “King Kang,” the two Chinese generals whose statues have guarded the entrance to the St. Augustine museum for decades have been removed by Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio, Inc., for cleaning and restoration, and are being shipped to Chicago for expert repairs. The two statues represent the Guardians of Heaven, and their names mean, “Halt all Evil” and “Chase all Evil,” and should return to their place of prominence in St. Augustine before the summer.

Behind the scenes there will be the installation of a new roof, repairs to areas cracked with age, restoration of window moldings and the refurbishment of the original colors throughout. The front entrance awning is also being returned to its original look. The parking lot will be resurfaced as part of this large restoration project as well.

Ripley Entertainment feels its continued commitment to preserve and restore the historic legacy of the Castle Warden is something to be very proud of, and it will assure that many millions more may enjoy the beautiful elegance of this unique building in the years to come.

Planet Snoopy at Cedar Point

More details on the new Planet Snoopy area at Cedar Point have been announced.
http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/news/news.cfm?mode=story&story_id=47

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Kings Island Gets New Marquee Sign

kicentral.com has some new photos of the new entrance sign at Kings Island.

http://www.kicentral.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=213

Continues the Cedar Fair transformation from Paramount. Looks good!

LA Times, Inside the New Legoland Darkride

Clementon Park Expansion

Cedar Fair Entertains More Than 22 Million Guests in 2007

This ITPS Blog has returned

We are starting up our ITPS blog once again. It has been quite some time since our last posting, but we are ready to go. In our blog, we will provide commentary on the news of the industry. Hopefully we will be able to provide our insight on today's relevant topics that can be found in the ITPS Amusement INdustry daily news.

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