VENUE: The Schiewetz Auditorium, Dayton Masonic Center, Dayton, Ohio
YEAR: 2021
Preserving Legacy Scenery with Modern Techniques
In 2021, Scenic Solutions was commissioned to recreate a 75-year-old theatrical backdrop in the historic Schiewetz Auditorium at the Dayton Masonic Center in Dayton, Ohio. The original scenic drop—once a striking painted landscape—had deteriorated over time and required full replacement to maintain the visual integrity of the venue’s stage productions.
Crafting a Faithful Duplicate of a Historic Drop
Reproduction with Visual Consistency and Enhanced Functionality
Our scenic artists carefully studied the original drop and replicated its composition, color palette, and brushwork with a focus on historical accuracy and practical enhancement:
- Transparent center section designed to interact with stage lighting, allowing hidden details in the painting to be revealed “magically” during performance
- Custom-carved foam stamps were developed and used to replicate intricate floral patterns, ensuring consistency and significantly improving painting efficiency
- Drop fabric and paint materials were selected for durability while honoring the aesthetic of the original set design
Elevating Stagecraft in a Historic Performance Space
This project demonstrates Scenic Solutions’ ability to blend traditional scenic artistry with modern production techniques—preserving theatrical heritage while enhancing audience experience. Our approach respected the craftsmanship of the original drop while incorporating technical improvements that offer flexibility for today’s lighting and staging demands.
Trust Scenic Solutions for Theatrical Backdrop Restoration
Whether you’re restoring aging scenic assets or designing custom drops for a new production, Scenic Solutions brings deep expertise in scenic painting, fabric selection, and performance integration. We help venues of all sizes maintain the magic and meaning behind their visual storytelling.





