Downtown FabWorks, a leading provider of turnkey fabrication solutions for creative projects across the attractions industry, has helped to deliver an immersive, theatrical tribute to Anne Rice at the historic Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, US.
Anne Rice: An All Saints’ Day Celebration was a one-night-only event that honoured the life and legacy of the author who transformed the landscape of Gothic fiction.
The event on 1 November 2025 combined storytelling, live music, and cinematic visuals to create an experience that celebrated both the breadth of her work and her deep connection with her devoted international readership.
This tribute also served as the much-awaited public memorial following Rice's passing during the pandemic.
Furthermore, for the themed entertainment sector, it offers a powerful example of how immersive scenic design can help bring closure, catharsis, and celebration.
Artistry, technical precision & collaboration
The visually rich event was produced by Q+A Events in collaboration with scenic designer Joan Long.
They approached Downtown FabWorks with a clear vision for large-scale scenic elements that would immerse a live audience while also meeting the requirements of a filmed theatrical broadcast.
All pieces had to be engineered for safety and mobility, and finished with cinematic detail.
Image courtesy of Frank Aymami III
To realise this world, Downtown FabWorks fabricated a collection of original scenic elements, imbued with Southern Gothic charm.
These included:
- An angelic header. Suspended above the stage, the 25-foot CNC-carved foam sculpture resembled wrought iron scrollwork with an angel’s face at its centre.
- A flyable portico and Corinthian columns. Made from lightweight framing and sculpted foam, these elements were finished to resemble time-worn stone, with drapery and vegetation to soften the structure in a subtle reference to New Orleans cemeteries.
- Stained-glass-inspired trees. These three striking sculptural pieces stand at 16, 18, and 20 feet tall. CNC-cut from plywood, they feature transparent acrylic panels layered with custom vinyl to create a stained-glass effect when illuminated from behind.
- A matching lectern. A functional prop, this echoed the trees' art-glass look and featured printed, illuminated acrylic panels.
- Gothic fencing units. A series of units was CNC-cut to resemble wrought iron and finished with patinated surfaces, in reference to the distinctive ironwork of Garden District homes and cemeteries that characterised Rice’s world.
By combining artistry and technical precision on this project, Downtown FabWorks demonstrated its renowned service quality in themed entertainment and live event fabrication.
Scenic components such as the angelic header, stained-glass trees, and a towering portico were designed to safely soar above the stage. This spectacular sight was achieved through lightweight construction, bespoke rigging, and a close partnership with the Orpheum Theater crew.
Last November, Downtown FabWorks also attended the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida. Here, the company sought to discover opportunities in experiential fabrication while sharing how the team is helping organisations deliver immersive, high-impact environments across the country.
Henry Kim
Virginie Valastro
Josh Green 
Tim Reeve
