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Rockefeller Center NYC lit up with a stage and lights
Rockefeller Center NYC lit up with a stage and lights
Live

NBC Universal Media

Ellen DeGeneres Season Premiere

year
2015
capabilities
Strategy
Project Development
Vendor Management
Technical Direction
Design & Engineering
Event Logistics & Permitting

Ellen DeGeneres wanted to do something magical to kick off the 13th season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her vision was for a live celebration in the heart of New York City, propelled by the energy of the fans of her Emmy Award-winning show. TAIT was brought on board to shape an unforgettable outdoor event that would resonate with live crowds and viewers at home.

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Ellen DeGeneres on stage with guests looking excited
Ellen DeGeneres on stage with guests looking excited
The challenge was to convert Rockefeller Plaza into an outdoor studio for two back-to-back shows jam-packed with stars and surprises. With our in-depth knowledge of the plaza, we were able to pull off a complex stage build with seating for over 500 in just a few days – with minimal disruption to other NBC productions, area businesses, and the visiting crowds of tourists.
The star-studded event featured appearances from Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, and an ice-skating Amy Schumer. P!nk performed Ellen’s peppy new theme song, and Justin Bieber brought things to an electrifying climax with an unforgettable dance-party finale.
Ellen DeGeneres in center with a crowd of dancing women at the Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center in the daytime, set up with a stage, blue lights, and screens and surrounded by an audience on risers
Rockefeller Center in the daytime, set up with a stage, blue lights, and screens and surrounded by an audience on risers

The premiere was a smash. Over 2,500 cheering fans attended in person, and the show was hailed as Ellen’s best-performing season opener in 11 years. The fans' and media's overwhelmingly positive reception cemented Ellen’s status as one of America’s most beloved entertainers.

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produced by
productionglue, now tait