Receiving and site readiness
Shannon arrived ahead of the installation team, received deliveries and coordinated site access and work sequencing with the on-site supervisor.
Chicago / Technical installation
Shedd Immersion Theater
A six-week hands-on technical installation supporting a newly reimagined, multisensory 4D theater at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
Project notes
What the work involved.
01
Project context
Work in an immersive theater setting with specialized equipment and installation requirements.
02
Shannon’s contribution
Hands-on technical installation, site coordination and practical workflow improvements as part of a broader project team.
03
Transferable experience
An example of construction and field problem-solving skills applied outside conventional building projects.
04
Team delivery
Shannon contributed as part of the larger SimEx-Iwerks installation team, working directly in the field to help move the theater toward opening.
The project / independently published
A new kind of immersive theater.
Shedd Aquarium and SimEx-Iwerks opened the new Immersion Theater to the public on May 9, 2026. The redesigned Phelps Auditorium combines imagery extending onto the side walls, next-generation motion seating, synchronized wind, mist, scents, lighting and an interactive augmented-reality pre-show experience. Shedd and SimEx-Iwerks have worked together on 4D experiences since 2006.
6 weeksShannon's on-site installation assignment
3Laser projectors installed with the project team
May 2026Public opening of the attraction
Specialized systems installation
Installed and mounted AV and show-effects infrastructure including motion seating, water and scent lines, speakers, HDMI extenders, IR assistive-listening components, lighting and projection equipment.
Practical workflow design
Developed a curved seating-layout template, improved repetitive installation workflows and maintained organized, clean cable runs while working across interdependent systems.
Commissioning support
Assisted with equipment testing and commissioning. This was hands-on work as part of SimEx-Iwerks' larger delivery team.
Independent project sources: Shedd Aquarium opening announcement ↗ · SimEx-Iwerks project case study ↗.
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