What do Disneyland, Sea World, Universal Studios, Madame Tussaud's London, the Georgia Aquarium, the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and Cirque du Soleil have in common with Science North?
They all boast visitor experiences that are TEA Thea Award winners. This prestigious international awards program honours outstanding achievement in the creation of compelling places and experiences, and highlights projects determined to be of "outstanding" quality.
Science North was among the winners of the 14th annual TEA Thea Awards, presented earlier this year at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. Science North has been recognized for its role in the development of a unique, multimedia production called Awakening of the Temple.
Awakening of the Temple is a Science North produced show for the Aztec on the River attraction in San Antonio, Texas.
This attraction, which opened to visitors on April 1, 2006 for a 20 month run, was located on the famous Riverwalk - a key attraction in Texas that draws more than 6 million visitors annually.
The Awakening of the Temple Lobby Show was honoured with the Attraction Limited Budget 2007 TEA Thea award.
Download video files that highlight the Awakening of the Temple Lobby Show by visiting http://sciencenorth.ca/media-resources/media-resources.html
"The TEA Thea Awards are considered to be one of the highest honours for our industry," said Guy Labine, Science North director of business development.
"Winning an award of this calibre opens a lot of doors for our science centre, and reinforces our reputation as a leader in the creation, development and implementation of innovative visitor experiences."
"On behalf of myself and Council, I would like to congratulate Science North on winning this award," said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez.
"Through its unique approaches to learning, Science North has placed Greater Sudbury on the international map as a leader in the research and development of highly original and entertaining educational experiences."
Aztec on the River was created in a restored 1926 movie theatre in San Antonio, Texas. Science North produced three separate experiences for visitors to the Aztec on the River attraction, including the Awakening of the Temple lobby show.
This ten-minute special effects show dramatically told the story of an ancient Aztec legend with animation and animatronics, lighting effects, surround sound, and simulated smoke and fire.
The show awoke the spirit of Xochitl, who told modern mortals of ancient Aztec mysteries, while highlighting the architectural, artistic and historical integrity of the building. The show's climax featured a seven-foot-long feathered serpent rising out of the temple floor to tower above the audience.
About TEA
TEA (formerly Themed Entertainment Association) is an
international non-profit organization founded in 1991. It is
dedicated to connecting organizations seeking to engage,
enchant, educate and entertain their guests and visitors with
the creators of compelling places and experiences
worldwide.  For more information, visit
www.TEAConnect.org
.
