Case Studies:

Otto Budig/Carnegie Theatre Booklet

Client: Otto Budig/Carnegie Theatre

The Otto Budig Theatre in Cincinnati approached Centennial's designer/estimator Karl Grummich with a need for something to present to their benefactors. At first, theatre officials had in mind just a small, specialized booklet. The intent was to produce a product that was artistic and elegant. With just the small book – and a small budget – in mind, the client chose brown and the blue cloth cover material for the book, and with the client-provided artwork, the book was laid out. Artwork was also placed on the cover, die cut and stamped out. The gold against the brown created a rich appearance. Gold screw posts were used in the book’s “spine” to complete the look of legacy.

The client then proposed a second, larger book for the highest-level donors. Instead of a second book, however, Grummich suggested adding a clamshell box for those donors, with the small book enclosed. As the box was being developed, Grummich visited the theatre for ideas, and on one visit he noticed that the theatre seats were being discarded. The idea dawned on him to use the seat material for a part of the box.
A pillow, covered with the material, was used on the inside to frictionally close the box, which was made out of binder’s cloth. The brown sections of the box were constructed of faux leather.

The book-in-the-box was a resounding success. Approximately 200 books and 50 specialty boxes were made. As a special thank-you, Grummich was given tickets to the newly constructed theatre’s grand opening.