Iceploration, Busch Gardens Tampa’s new incredible ice show was recently honored by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) with a prestigious Brass Ring Award for Live Entertainment Excellence.
Featuring world-class ice skaters, acrobats, larger-than-life puppets and live animals , not only did Iceploration win the Brass Ring award for Best Sports Show, the show was also presented with the special Heartbeat Award recognizing the show that demonstrates the most "heart" in their production and performance.
Robbi Lepre, Director of Theatrical Services, accepts the Heartbeat Award on behalf of Busch Gardens Tampa
The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards program acknowledges attractions and teams from around the world for their outstanding achievements in the areas of Marketing, Retail, Food and Beverage, Human Resources, Family Entertainment Center operations and Live Entertainment Excellence. This year's Brass Ring awards ceremony was held during the annual IAAPA Expo on Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
John Ruisch, Jora Entertainment, Netherlands, representing the IAAPA Entertainment Committee presenting the Brass Ring Award for Best Sports Show to Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa with Dennis Wirzman, Sea World Parks and Entertainment Corporate Vice-President of Entertainment Creative Development & Production.
Iceploration is a 30-minute multi-sensory ice show adventure performed at the Moroccan Palace Theater in Busch Gardens Tampa. The show began daily performances on February 2, 2012 and is currently on hiatus while Christmas on Ice is being performed in the theater for the holiday season. Iceploration will return again to the Moroccan Palace in January 2013. Judging for the Brass Ring Awards is evaluated for show content, quality of talent, technical and design quality, show production value and overall judge’s impressions.
Iceploration was recognized as the Best Sports Show for combining the talent, expertise and athletics of a cast of superlative skaters, amazing acrobats flying overhead, endearing actors, puppeteers and animal trainers. Add to that the dazzling costumes designed by a Tony-Award winning costume designer, stunning scenery, a multitude of theatrical effects, an original musical score and 21 live animal stars, Iceploration unquestionably processes top quality production value.
Sponsored by Heartbeat Productions of Memphis, Tennessee, the Heartbeat Award is such a special recognition because it identifies and honors the show that has the most ability to touch the heart of an audience emotionally and enrich their experiences beyond their expectations. The Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment Excellence distinguishes the critical role entertainment plays in the themed attraction industry and acknowledges the most outstanding examples of live entertainment in IAAPA member Parks, Family Entertainment Centers, Zoos, Aquariums and Attractions.
Iceploration transports audiences on a journey to the four corners of the earth, accenting the sights and sounds of the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon rainforest. The show tells the story of a technology-obsessed young boy, Austin and his explorer grandfather, who encourages Austin to get out of the house and “explore the world” while he uses his smart phone to connect with the experience.
Congratulations to the cast, crew, and staff of Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa.
