Have you ever wondered how to translate your creative talents into a career in themed entertainment? Chances are you’ve visited a theme park (maybe even this summer), but have you ever thought of all that it takes to create these magical spaces that remarkably and enjoyably transport us from our daily lives to fantasy worlds and back again? For some folks, that’s all they think about—and a very lucky few actually earn a living working in the themed entertainment industry. Here is some advice from industry insiders who have built careers that combine innovation, art, technology, and fun.
There are so many creative specialties necessary in creating themed entertainment (not only for theme parks, but for museums, libraries, aquariums, zoos, science centers, and beyond), so following your passion might just end up taking you here.
There are engineers, fine artists, sculptors, cinematographers, architects, lighting specialists, sound designers, musicians, actors, writers, scientists, landscape artists, contractors, accountants, attorneys, marketing and PR specialists, costume designers, set dressers, graphic designers, technical directors, art directors, hair and make-up artists, event planners, production designers, educational consultants, directors, producers, stage managers, and more!
So perhaps you’ve thought about making movies, designing sets, or staging a live production; but have you thought about creating media for a simulator ride, or fabricating the sets or scenes of a traditional dark ride, or replicating the experience of stepping into a popular movie or television show? Maybe you should. Or perhaps you’d rather create an experience where a guest feels as though they are flying, or participating in a professional sporting event, or are on a journey through the human body. It’s all in a day’s work for those working in this industry.
“Themed entertainment is expanding beyond its traditional home in theme parks to influence the design of museums, libraries, and brand encounters. Institutional leaders are coming around to understand that the lessons the industry has learned about storytelling in theme parks can help them to develop better storytelling experiences in other out-of-home environments,” cites Robert Niles of ThemeParkInsider.
Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town Alive attraction this summer puts guests right in the center of a day in the life of the Old West town of Calico, where they participate in the events that transpire (and maybe get their names in the daily newspaper, or help capture an outlaw, or dance at the hoe-down, or run errands for Gertie the dress-maker, or attend class at the Old Schoolhouse, or vote in the town’s mayoral election).
Rick tells us that “scenic railways have been around since the late 1800s – roller coaster-style rides through fabricated mountain passes and caverns. Sound familiar? The Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Expedition Everest are some of the most famous modern-day scenic railways. Other classic attractions all come from very old designs, too – coasters, flume rides, and bus bar-driven dark rides. If you think about it, most attractions at parks around the world today for the most part, are off-shoots from classic rides and systems that have been around for ages.
There have been some ride breakthroughs in recent years; Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey employs a Kuka-based system that is definitely in a league of its own. Flying theaters such as we find in Disney’s Soarin’ attractions have become very popular as well on a global scale. ‘Trick track’ types of roller coasters like the system used for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts are becoming popular with park operators around the world, too.
Rick says, “these days, getting into the themed entertainment industry is easier than ever before. Colleges have specified design courses (Savannah College of Art and Design, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Carnegie Mellon University are among institutions that offer extensive coursework, while film and communication departments at various schools such as Art Center College of Design artcenter.edu, UCLA ucla.edu, USC, usc.edu, CalArts calarts.edu, and others offer occasional coursework in themed entertainment); and there are organizations such as the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association—check out their presence on numerous college campuses around the country) that recognize ‘NextGen’ – students preparing to enter the industry workplace. There are others around the country, as well.” “Network, network, network. Yes, you need to have a great skill set coming in to the industry. However, the relationships you create with people already in the industry are the most valuable steps you can take toward securing your first gig. As is the case in pretty much all aspects of entertainment, more than half the battle is who you know. So mix, mingle, network and sell yourself at industry events” says Rick.
P.S. SPECIAL SO CAL EVENT: If you love Halloween and will be in Southern California on July 30-31, check out Midsummer Scream! More info at MidsummerScream.org or follow on Facebook, twitter or Instagram @MidsummerScream. Rick West is the Creative Director of Midsummer Scream.
Christine Griswold is an educational consultant in kids media. Her eclectic professional experience includes 15+ years in film, television and commercial production; 15+ years working with children, parents, and teachers; and multiple years as an invited speaker and college instructor in the field of early childhood education. She's passionate about creating materials and experiences that honor kids' creativity and intelligence; and is a huge proponent of the arts. She lives in the LA area with her artist husband and 3 children; and on summer evenings you'll often find her enjoying a performance at the Hollywood Bowl.