LAS VEGAS—It could be a record for educating the largest number of associates about sustainability, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and giving in one—well, nine—fell swoops. On December 16 to 18 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International will host more than 45,000 MGM associates who will each witness one of nine scheduled 90-minute performances of “Inspiring Our World.” Inspiring Our World is a musical performance focusing on MGM Resorts International’s values that will be put on by employees.
In all, 70 performers were selected to bring the show’s message to their colleagues. About 130 employees tried out during auditions, said Director of Diversity Training Patty Coaley, who is heading up the show’s production.
“First, let me say, it was tough narrowing it down to the 70 employees,” Coaley says. “Everyone who came to the auditions was great and so passionate and wanting to be a part of it. I think each employee brings a sense of passion to the show.” When you have entertainment in your blood, every now and then you need to sing and dance so you feel connected to that gift you were given.”
Concierge Honored to Participate
Alexandria Notz, a concierge at The Mirage who auditioned as a dancer, feels honored to be among those selected. A new Diversity Champion after graduating from the company’s two-day workshop this summer, she’s looking forward to sharing diversity’s message with other colleagues through the show.
“I’m honored to have been chosen,” Notz says. “I know how big diversity is in our company and I think a lot of employees don’t know there’s an actual class for that, so this show is a great way to get the word out. For me to be a part of this is very amazing and exhilarating.”
The team in MGM Grand’s Entertainment Costumes Department is currently working on costumes for the show’s opening number, which has an African safari-inspired theme.
“We’ve been doing a lot of research on the continent—studying the colors, animals, heritage, and pageantry,” department manager Diane Ross said. “We do this to determine the types of fabrics and feathers that will be used to create the costumes and give them an authentic feel.”
No Small Task for Costumes Department
In all, more than 230 pieces of wardrobe will be designed, constructed and fitted by the department’s 13 team members. Each costume will be used in one of seven acts.
“The show is an inspiring journey meant to entertain and educate all employees about these great facets of our company,” Ross said. “Our goal is to create costumes that go along with that journey and help to tell the story. Without people who can understand the story and make it real, design is just an idea. My team is truly magical—they know exactly how to bring those ideas to life.”
Part of Inspiring Our World will focus on MGM Resorts International’s sustainability initiative, an effort that is near and dear to the costume team and one it is able incorporate into many of its own projects, including the Inspiring Our World wardrobe pieces.
“We always recycle what we can by pulling apart old costumes and reconstructing with parts that can be reused, whether it be trim, feathers, sequins, or beading,” Ross said.
Thousands of Costumes to Choose From
And it’s never difficult to find a portion of items that can be reused with a warehouse full of thousands of costumes to choose from, which minimizes the time and cost associated with projects of this magnitude.
“Our entire team is very proud to be a part of the Inspiring Our World show,” Ross said. “We’re extremely honored to have been invited into the project.”
*Parts of this article were provided by MGM Resorts International’s communications team.
Go to MGM Resorts International.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
