CAL-USITT Exploring Themed Entertainment
Saturday, September 13, 2025
All Day Event
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Saturday, September 13, 2025
All Day Event
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Exploring Career Paths in Live & Themed Entertainment
For Students and Early Career Professionals
8a-5:30p
8am - Registration | Coffee Break hosted by USITT
9am - Welcome & Intro Panel
STAGE MANAGEMENT WITHOUT A STAGE Suzanne Davison | Disney Live Entertainment Carlos Jimenez | Disney Signature Experiences Kimberly Mitchell | LA Phil Shannon Bicknell | Center Theatre Group Veronica Horton | Disneyland Resort
Hear from professionals who’ve managed productions in places you’ve likely never considered - from city ports to airplane hangars. Gain insight into how the balancing act of stage management flexes and bends when there’s no traditional stage in sight. Start the day with a conversation that invites you think about pushing boundaries and problem solving to bring live experiences from concept to reality in unexpected places.
9:55 am - Workshops/Panels Session 1
LIGHTING UP THE STAGE: INTEGRATING COSTUME DESIGN WITH LIGHTING Austin Allen | Lighting Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Hannah Black | Senior Costumer, Disney Live Entertainment Yonit Olshan | Costume Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Explore the design considerations and challenges of integrating lighting into costumes to maximize their visual effect. Hear perspectives from both a Lighting Designer and Costuming professionals as they share examples and stories from their collaborative projects.
SOUND DECISIONS: BUILDING SYSTEMS AND CAREERS IN THEATRE & THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Robyn Bykofsky | Training and Education Manager, Meyer Sound Brian Hsieh | Principal Sound Designer, DnB Design Michael Hooker | Sound Design Professor, UC Irvine JD Damacion | Audio System Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Richard Bugg | Digital Products Solutions Architect, Meyer Sound
Curious about how audio design works in theme parks and theatres—and how to build a career that spans both? This session breaks down the differences in system design between immersive and traditional spaces, while also tackling real-world career questions like imposter syndrome, transferable skills, and applying for jobs when you don’t check every box. Hear from a panel of pros who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share the lessons they wish they’d known earlier.
INTRO TO RIGGING HARDWARE: WHEN THE BATTEN STOPS, DOES YOUR SCENERY? Jerry Kraft | Region Manager, ETC Rigging West
Let's discuss the best ways to hang things over people’s heads...using theatrical rigging. We'll go over selecting the appropriate hardware for the load as well as the required safety practices and calculations. And for fun, we'll examine some outdated practices that seem to persist despite our best efforts.
BLUE SKY CREATIVE CHARRETTE #1 - DARK RIDE/ATTRACTION Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a dark ride/attraction. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We’ll put together a few summary slides based on each session to share at the end of the day.
STAGE MANAGER Q&A Michael Vitale | Vice President, Production and Producing Director, LA Philharmonic Association Shannon Bicknell | Senior Production Manager, Center Theatre Group Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Production, LA Philharmonic Meredith Greenberg | Chair & Production Manager, Dept. of Theatre & Dance CSULA
Small group session where you can ask seasoned stage managers anything about their roles, responsibilities, and experiences. Gain insights into the behind-the-scenes planning and problem solving that drive every performance.
THE TECHNOLOGY OF KNOTT’S SCARY FARM Payden Adams | Vice President of Entertainment, Knott’s Berry Farm Sam Brezarich | Director of Production, Knott’s Berry Farm Paul Marshman | Technical Director, Knott’s Berry Farm Eric Rodriguez | Technical Director, Knott’s Berry Farm
Ever wondered what it really takes to bring Knott’s Scary Farm to life? Join us for an exclusive behind- the-scenes panel that pulls back the technology curtain on one of the most iconic haunted attractions in the world. Discover how technical teams collaborate across disciplines like Scenic Design, Lighting, Special Effects, Audio, and Show Systems Control, to craft immersive experiences that thrill and terrify guests year after year. This session will explore the innovation and coordination required to mount a full-scale theatrical production of this magnitude. Learn how each discipline contributes to the storytelling and atmosphere, and how they come together to support the legacy of the original and longest-running Halloween event, Knott’s Scary Farm.
11:05 am - Workshops/Panels Session 2
SHIP LIFE IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT Brooke Harper | Show Director, Disney Live Entertainment Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences Mary Buckley | Internship Coordinator, Carnival Cruise Lines Denise Saviss | Vice President, Entertainment Experience, Princess Cruises
Panel with representatives from three world renowned cruise lines - Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, talking about ship life in the world of entertainment. Learn what makes working onboard unique and the valuable experiences that can be gained backstage at sea.
COSTUMING FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Katie Wilson | Chair, Dept of Theatre and Dance, CSUF Karen Weller | Principal/Co-founder, The Costume Connection, Inc. Bonnie Sinclair | Principal/Co-founder, The Costume Connection, Inc. Wendy M Benitez | Costume Designer
A panel discussion featuring costuming professionals from Universal Studios and other esteemed studios, sharing their insights and experiences in the field of costume design, development and installation.
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG - A DISCUSSION ON HOW PRODUCERS FACE CHALLENGES Michael Duncan | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Kate Frankl | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment
A three-person panel of producers using small case study examples to highlight how they have addressed challenges such as technical integration, COVID, local government changes, and interpersonal team challenges. Producers will provide real life examples to discuss how they approach different types of challenges and how these lessons can apply to student productions.
SOUND DESIGN FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Michael Hooker | Professor of Sound Design and Composition, UC Irvine
In this seminar you will learn to apply the skills you may already have as a theatre sound designer towards working in the commercial world of themed entertainment design. A comparative framework will be built to understand the industry-standard team structure, process and lingo of each phase of commercial sound design - with focus on concept and content design rather than system design. As a prerequisite, you will need a basic understanding of the traditional theatrical design and production process.
BLUE SKY CHARRETTE #2 - LIVE SHOW Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a live show. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We will put together a few summary slides based on each session to share at the end of the day.
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Nick VanHouten | Manager, Lighting Design, Disney Live Entertainment
From traditional stage shows to parades and character encounters, through a series of case studies this session will explore the extension of theatrical lighting into the world of themed entertainment and beyond. It will highlight the diversity of lighting design applications within themed entertainment.
12:05 pm - LUNCH & NETWORKING McCarty Grand Foyer
Enjoy a light lunch while you start building your professional network through informal conversations with fellow students and industry professionals. Happening throughout the day.
1:10 pm - Workshops/Panels Session 3
WORKING WITH HIGHLY TEXTURED HAIR Shemika Draughan | Senior Entertainment Manager - Cosmetology, Disneyland Operations
Be better prepared to meet the needs of BIPOC performers with this introduction to recognizing and more effectively supporting natural hair and protective styles, including curls, coils, hair extensions, locs, and braids.
BRIDGING THE GAP Brooke Harper | Show Director, Disney Live Entertainment Icela Chavez | Manager, Professional Recruitment, Disney Live Entertainment Maureen Townsend | Manager, Costume Production and Sustainment, Disney Live Entertainment Gareth Mogford | Manager, Technical Design and Direction, Disney Live Entertainment
A Panel Discussion and Q&A about bridging the gap between your education and your career. Panelists will discuss their own journey, areas of interest, uncommon experiences that inform their work now, and leadership.
DISNEY STORIES OF STAGE MANAGEMENT Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences Veronica Horton | Operations Manager, Disneyland Entertainment Operations David Hansen | Sr. Manager, Disney Live Entertainment
It's not always easy managing live entertainment at the Happiest Place on Earth! Hear experienced stage managers share their unique experiences and insights from working behind the scenes on Disney productions.
STEP INTO PROJECTION MAPPING Justin Glatt | Senior Video Systems Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Join us for an introductory presentation on projection mapping as a Disney Live Entertainment Video System Designer takes you from model to field.
TECHNICAL CAREERS AND INTERNSHIPS WITHIN THE CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY Mary Buckley | Internship Coordinator, Carnival Entertainment
The cruise line industry offers a wide range of technical career paths—from stage automation and lighting to broadcast and audio—requiring both specialized skills and hands-on experience. This presentation will explore those career opportunities and highlight Carnival Entertainment’s Automation Technician Practicum Program, which provides recent graduates with real-world training and onboard experience. Designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional readiness, the program equips graduates with the tools to launch successful careers in technical entertainment.
BLUE SKY CHARRETTE #3 - THEMED LAND WITHIN A THEME PARK Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a themed land within a theme park. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We’ll put together a few summary slides based off of each session to share at the end of the day.
2:20 pm - Workshops / Panels Session 4
FABRIC TECHNOLOGY IN THEATRE Jeff Flowers | Director of Special Projects, Rose Brand
The Fabric of Design is a fun yet educational, look at the various curtain styles, nomenclature, fabric compositions, curtain finishes and other related topics. The session, sprinkled with a bit of Theatre Jeopardy, will allow students to gain a better understanding of the uses of theatrical fabric in stage and even design. (Oh! Did we mention the SWAG??)
HOW DO LEDs MAKE MAGIC? Damien Rozendal | Field Project Coordinator, ETC
Dive into the story of LEDs—how they started, the tech behind them, their surprising uses in everything from stage lights to wearables, and how they’re lighting up the future of entertainment and design.
MEOW WOLF’S DESIGN AND DELIVERY DEEP DIVE Chris Soley | Director, Technical Direction, Meow Wolf Derek Pendergrass | VP, Design and Integration, Meow Wolf
Hear how Meow Wolf approaches exhibition development from a show design and delivery perspective. Join members of Meow Wolf's Show Leadership team on a dive into what our "typical" team, workflow, and tools are to deliver a complete Exhibition.
TIMECODE AND SHOW CONTROL IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Nick VanHouten | Manager, Lighting Design, Disney Live Entertainment
This session will dive into the use of timecode to automate various crafts as well as synchronize them for the purpose of consistency or complexity. Various case studies from Disney Live Entertainment shows and installations will be used. It will also include a base explanation of core timecode concepts.
ASK A PRODUCER Michael Duncan | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Kate Frankl | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Chris Do | Producer, Knott’s Berry Farm Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences
A Q&A forum for attendees who are starting out in production to ask questions of Producers working in the industry in an open environment. This session offers attendees a chance to engage with production professionals who are not always available at the college and community level.
STAGE MANAGER Q&A Michael Vitale | Vice President, Production and Producing Director, LA Philharmonic Association Shannon Bicknell | Senior Production Manager, Center Theatre Group Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Production, LA Philharmonic Meredith Greenberg | Chair & Production Manager, Dept. of Theatre & Dance CSULA
Small group session where you can ask seasoned stage managers anything about their roles, responsibilities, and experiences. Gain insights into the behind-the-scenes planning and problem solving that drive every performance.
3:30 pm - Workshops / Panels Session 5
SETTING THE STAGE AT SEA: CRAFTING UNFORGETTABLE CRUISE SHIP PRODUCTIONS Daniel Graber | Specialist, Production Services Casting, Princess Cruises Lindy Lucas | Production Services Specialist, Princess Cruises Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Productions, LA Philharmonic Denise Saviss | Vice President, Entertainment Experience, Princess Cruises
Explore the unique challenges and innovative solutions involved in developing entertainment for life at sea. From adapting performances to compact stages to captivating an international audience, this presentation dives into the creative and logistical process behind successful onboard productions. Attendees will gain insight into the design, staging, and the technical considerations that bring a cruise ship show to life.
SCENIC FABRICATIONS THAT MAKE MAGIC Austin Johnston | CEO, AK Johnston Group Joey Gallagher | President, Gallagher Staging Chris Tone | Area Manager, Scenic Fabrication, Disney Live Entertainment
Get an inside look at the fabrication techniques used to bring stories to life in various uniquely demanding entertainment settings. This discussion will explore how design and fabrication decisions can be adapted to suit a variety of events, from small theater productions to stadium sized performances.
FROM SKETCH TO STREET: DESIGNING & DEVELOPING COSTUMES FOR DISNEY PARADES Hannah Black | Senior Costumer, Disney Live Entertainment Yonit Olshan | Costume Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Hear from both a Costume Designer and a Costumer as they outline the process of designing, approving, prototyping, producing, fitting, and rolling out costumes for parades in Disney theme parks. Speakers will touch on what makes costuming for outdoor parades different from traditional stage shows.
PASSPORT TO CAREERS IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Suzanne Davison | Manager, Entertainment Resources, Disney Live Entertainment Maureen Townsend | Manager, Costume Production and Sustainment, Disney Live Entertainment Mari Cataldo | Senior Manager, Technical Direction and Design, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Justin Glatt | Senior Video Systems Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Jeff Hall | Project Manager, Entertainment Resources, Disney Live Entertainment
This hands-on session introduces students to the wide range of career paths available with Disney Live Entertainment in technical theatre, creative roles, production, costuming, performance, and other areas of live entertainment - including some roles you might not even know about. Led by a team of Disney Live Entertainment professionals from a variety of disciplines, this workshop is fun, fast and interactive.
IT’S NOT MAGIC, IT’S MOTORS! A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STAGE AUTOMATION Chris Wessels | Principal Controls Engineer, TAIT Kyle Cole | Manager, Show Control Design, Disney Live Entertainment
Discover how motors, drives, and control systems bring sets to life. This beginner-friendly session introduces the essentials of stage automation—covering safety practices, real-world case studies, and hands-on equipment that show how automation makes the impossible look effortless.
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR HAUNTED THEME PARK ATTRACTIONS Karyn Lawrence | Assistant Professor, Lighting Design, CSULA Anne E. McMills | Professor, Head of Lighting and Technology, SDSU
Gain valuable insight into the process of designing the lighting for the immersive and terrifying world of haunted theme park attractions. Presenters Karyn Lawrence and Anne E. McMills share their experiences designing the lighting for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm. Learn the spooky method behind the madness.
4:30 pm - Networking Hour
McCarty Grand Foyer
Continue building your professional network through informal conversations with fellow students and industry professionals.
Registration: $5 before September 10th, $10 thereafter.
Thank you for your continued support. Now, on with the show!
Box Office Information
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Closed on major holidays, Winter, Spring and Summer Breaks
The Box Office is also open one hour prior to scheduled ticketed performances (sale is limited exclusively to that day's performance's only).
Cash, check or credit card accepted
The Box Office is located on the southwest corner of the Clayes Performing Arts Center. Free 15-minute parking is available at the north/east corner of the Nutwood Parking Structure (1st floor).
Parking for Performances: Effective August 25, 2025, parking on Saturdays and Sundays will be $6. At all other times, daily permits are required and can be purchased in advance for $12 via the ParkMobile website Zone 1678 . You can also access the ParkMobile app via QR code on the sign by the elevators before you exit the parking structure.
Further information on parking on campus can be found here
Contact Information: Clayes Performing Arts Center Box Office (657) 278-3371
For Students and Early Career Professionals
8a-5:30p
8am - Registration | Coffee Break hosted by USITT
9am - Welcome & Intro Panel
STAGE MANAGEMENT WITHOUT A STAGE Suzanne Davison | Disney Live Entertainment Carlos Jimenez | Disney Signature Experiences Kimberly Mitchell | LA Phil Shannon Bicknell | Center Theatre Group Veronica Horton | Disneyland Resort
Hear from professionals who’ve managed productions in places you’ve likely never considered - from city ports to airplane hangars. Gain insight into how the balancing act of stage management flexes and bends when there’s no traditional stage in sight. Start the day with a conversation that invites you think about pushing boundaries and problem solving to bring live experiences from concept to reality in unexpected places.
9:55 am - Workshops/Panels Session 1
LIGHTING UP THE STAGE: INTEGRATING COSTUME DESIGN WITH LIGHTING Austin Allen | Lighting Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Hannah Black | Senior Costumer, Disney Live Entertainment Yonit Olshan | Costume Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Explore the design considerations and challenges of integrating lighting into costumes to maximize their visual effect. Hear perspectives from both a Lighting Designer and Costuming professionals as they share examples and stories from their collaborative projects.
SOUND DECISIONS: BUILDING SYSTEMS AND CAREERS IN THEATRE & THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Robyn Bykofsky | Training and Education Manager, Meyer Sound Brian Hsieh | Principal Sound Designer, DnB Design Michael Hooker | Sound Design Professor, UC Irvine JD Damacion | Audio System Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Richard Bugg | Digital Products Solutions Architect, Meyer Sound
Curious about how audio design works in theme parks and theatres—and how to build a career that spans both? This session breaks down the differences in system design between immersive and traditional spaces, while also tackling real-world career questions like imposter syndrome, transferable skills, and applying for jobs when you don’t check every box. Hear from a panel of pros who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share the lessons they wish they’d known earlier.
INTRO TO RIGGING HARDWARE: WHEN THE BATTEN STOPS, DOES YOUR SCENERY? Jerry Kraft | Region Manager, ETC Rigging West
Let's discuss the best ways to hang things over people’s heads...using theatrical rigging. We'll go over selecting the appropriate hardware for the load as well as the required safety practices and calculations. And for fun, we'll examine some outdated practices that seem to persist despite our best efforts.
BLUE SKY CREATIVE CHARRETTE #1 - DARK RIDE/ATTRACTION Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a dark ride/attraction. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We’ll put together a few summary slides based on each session to share at the end of the day.
STAGE MANAGER Q&A Michael Vitale | Vice President, Production and Producing Director, LA Philharmonic Association Shannon Bicknell | Senior Production Manager, Center Theatre Group Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Production, LA Philharmonic Meredith Greenberg | Chair & Production Manager, Dept. of Theatre & Dance CSULA
Small group session where you can ask seasoned stage managers anything about their roles, responsibilities, and experiences. Gain insights into the behind-the-scenes planning and problem solving that drive every performance.
THE TECHNOLOGY OF KNOTT’S SCARY FARM Payden Adams | Vice President of Entertainment, Knott’s Berry Farm Sam Brezarich | Director of Production, Knott’s Berry Farm Paul Marshman | Technical Director, Knott’s Berry Farm Eric Rodriguez | Technical Director, Knott’s Berry Farm
Ever wondered what it really takes to bring Knott’s Scary Farm to life? Join us for an exclusive behind- the-scenes panel that pulls back the technology curtain on one of the most iconic haunted attractions in the world. Discover how technical teams collaborate across disciplines like Scenic Design, Lighting, Special Effects, Audio, and Show Systems Control, to craft immersive experiences that thrill and terrify guests year after year. This session will explore the innovation and coordination required to mount a full-scale theatrical production of this magnitude. Learn how each discipline contributes to the storytelling and atmosphere, and how they come together to support the legacy of the original and longest-running Halloween event, Knott’s Scary Farm.
11:05 am - Workshops/Panels Session 2
SHIP LIFE IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT Brooke Harper | Show Director, Disney Live Entertainment Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences Mary Buckley | Internship Coordinator, Carnival Cruise Lines Denise Saviss | Vice President, Entertainment Experience, Princess Cruises
Panel with representatives from three world renowned cruise lines - Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, talking about ship life in the world of entertainment. Learn what makes working onboard unique and the valuable experiences that can be gained backstage at sea.
COSTUMING FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Katie Wilson | Chair, Dept of Theatre and Dance, CSUF Karen Weller | Principal/Co-founder, The Costume Connection, Inc. Bonnie Sinclair | Principal/Co-founder, The Costume Connection, Inc. Wendy M Benitez | Costume Designer
A panel discussion featuring costuming professionals from Universal Studios and other esteemed studios, sharing their insights and experiences in the field of costume design, development and installation.
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG - A DISCUSSION ON HOW PRODUCERS FACE CHALLENGES Michael Duncan | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Kate Frankl | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment
A three-person panel of producers using small case study examples to highlight how they have addressed challenges such as technical integration, COVID, local government changes, and interpersonal team challenges. Producers will provide real life examples to discuss how they approach different types of challenges and how these lessons can apply to student productions.
SOUND DESIGN FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Michael Hooker | Professor of Sound Design and Composition, UC Irvine
In this seminar you will learn to apply the skills you may already have as a theatre sound designer towards working in the commercial world of themed entertainment design. A comparative framework will be built to understand the industry-standard team structure, process and lingo of each phase of commercial sound design - with focus on concept and content design rather than system design. As a prerequisite, you will need a basic understanding of the traditional theatrical design and production process.
BLUE SKY CHARRETTE #2 - LIVE SHOW Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a live show. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We will put together a few summary slides based on each session to share at the end of the day.
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR THEMED ENTERTAINMENT Nick VanHouten | Manager, Lighting Design, Disney Live Entertainment
From traditional stage shows to parades and character encounters, through a series of case studies this session will explore the extension of theatrical lighting into the world of themed entertainment and beyond. It will highlight the diversity of lighting design applications within themed entertainment.
12:05 pm - LUNCH & NETWORKING McCarty Grand Foyer
Enjoy a light lunch while you start building your professional network through informal conversations with fellow students and industry professionals. Happening throughout the day.
1:10 pm - Workshops/Panels Session 3
WORKING WITH HIGHLY TEXTURED HAIR Shemika Draughan | Senior Entertainment Manager - Cosmetology, Disneyland Operations
Be better prepared to meet the needs of BIPOC performers with this introduction to recognizing and more effectively supporting natural hair and protective styles, including curls, coils, hair extensions, locs, and braids.
BRIDGING THE GAP Brooke Harper | Show Director, Disney Live Entertainment Icela Chavez | Manager, Professional Recruitment, Disney Live Entertainment Maureen Townsend | Manager, Costume Production and Sustainment, Disney Live Entertainment Gareth Mogford | Manager, Technical Design and Direction, Disney Live Entertainment
A Panel Discussion and Q&A about bridging the gap between your education and your career. Panelists will discuss their own journey, areas of interest, uncommon experiences that inform their work now, and leadership.
DISNEY STORIES OF STAGE MANAGEMENT Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences Veronica Horton | Operations Manager, Disneyland Entertainment Operations David Hansen | Sr. Manager, Disney Live Entertainment
It's not always easy managing live entertainment at the Happiest Place on Earth! Hear experienced stage managers share their unique experiences and insights from working behind the scenes on Disney productions.
STEP INTO PROJECTION MAPPING Justin Glatt | Senior Video Systems Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Join us for an introductory presentation on projection mapping as a Disney Live Entertainment Video System Designer takes you from model to field.
TECHNICAL CAREERS AND INTERNSHIPS WITHIN THE CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY Mary Buckley | Internship Coordinator, Carnival Entertainment
The cruise line industry offers a wide range of technical career paths—from stage automation and lighting to broadcast and audio—requiring both specialized skills and hands-on experience. This presentation will explore those career opportunities and highlight Carnival Entertainment’s Automation Technician Practicum Program, which provides recent graduates with real-world training and onboard experience. Designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional readiness, the program equips graduates with the tools to launch successful careers in technical entertainment.
BLUE SKY CHARRETTE #3 - THEMED LAND WITHIN A THEME PARK Diana O’Rourke | Senior Producer, The Bezark Company Stefan Lawrence | Creative Director, The Bezark Company
One of three separate creative charrettes throughout the day, with focus in this session on a themed land within a theme park. We’ll run a fun, high-level blue-sky charrette, representative of what you might encounter in a professional location-based entertainment job. No bad ideas and lots of “yes, and!” We’ll put together a few summary slides based off of each session to share at the end of the day.
2:20 pm - Workshops / Panels Session 4
FABRIC TECHNOLOGY IN THEATRE Jeff Flowers | Director of Special Projects, Rose Brand
The Fabric of Design is a fun yet educational, look at the various curtain styles, nomenclature, fabric compositions, curtain finishes and other related topics. The session, sprinkled with a bit of Theatre Jeopardy, will allow students to gain a better understanding of the uses of theatrical fabric in stage and even design. (Oh! Did we mention the SWAG??)
HOW DO LEDs MAKE MAGIC? Damien Rozendal | Field Project Coordinator, ETC
Dive into the story of LEDs—how they started, the tech behind them, their surprising uses in everything from stage lights to wearables, and how they’re lighting up the future of entertainment and design.
MEOW WOLF’S DESIGN AND DELIVERY DEEP DIVE Chris Soley | Director, Technical Direction, Meow Wolf Derek Pendergrass | VP, Design and Integration, Meow Wolf
Hear how Meow Wolf approaches exhibition development from a show design and delivery perspective. Join members of Meow Wolf's Show Leadership team on a dive into what our "typical" team, workflow, and tools are to deliver a complete Exhibition.
TIMECODE AND SHOW CONTROL IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Nick VanHouten | Manager, Lighting Design, Disney Live Entertainment
This session will dive into the use of timecode to automate various crafts as well as synchronize them for the purpose of consistency or complexity. Various case studies from Disney Live Entertainment shows and installations will be used. It will also include a base explanation of core timecode concepts.
ASK A PRODUCER Michael Duncan | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Kate Frankl | Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Chris Do | Producer, Knott’s Berry Farm Carlos Jimenez | Manager, Production Resources, Disney Signature Experiences
A Q&A forum for attendees who are starting out in production to ask questions of Producers working in the industry in an open environment. This session offers attendees a chance to engage with production professionals who are not always available at the college and community level.
STAGE MANAGER Q&A Michael Vitale | Vice President, Production and Producing Director, LA Philharmonic Association Shannon Bicknell | Senior Production Manager, Center Theatre Group Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Production, LA Philharmonic Meredith Greenberg | Chair & Production Manager, Dept. of Theatre & Dance CSULA
Small group session where you can ask seasoned stage managers anything about their roles, responsibilities, and experiences. Gain insights into the behind-the-scenes planning and problem solving that drive every performance.
3:30 pm - Workshops / Panels Session 5
SETTING THE STAGE AT SEA: CRAFTING UNFORGETTABLE CRUISE SHIP PRODUCTIONS Daniel Graber | Specialist, Production Services Casting, Princess Cruises Lindy Lucas | Production Services Specialist, Princess Cruises Kimberly Mitchell | Associate Director, Productions, LA Philharmonic Denise Saviss | Vice President, Entertainment Experience, Princess Cruises
Explore the unique challenges and innovative solutions involved in developing entertainment for life at sea. From adapting performances to compact stages to captivating an international audience, this presentation dives into the creative and logistical process behind successful onboard productions. Attendees will gain insight into the design, staging, and the technical considerations that bring a cruise ship show to life.
SCENIC FABRICATIONS THAT MAKE MAGIC Austin Johnston | CEO, AK Johnston Group Joey Gallagher | President, Gallagher Staging Chris Tone | Area Manager, Scenic Fabrication, Disney Live Entertainment
Get an inside look at the fabrication techniques used to bring stories to life in various uniquely demanding entertainment settings. This discussion will explore how design and fabrication decisions can be adapted to suit a variety of events, from small theater productions to stadium sized performances.
FROM SKETCH TO STREET: DESIGNING & DEVELOPING COSTUMES FOR DISNEY PARADES Hannah Black | Senior Costumer, Disney Live Entertainment Yonit Olshan | Costume Designer, Disney Live Entertainment
Hear from both a Costume Designer and a Costumer as they outline the process of designing, approving, prototyping, producing, fitting, and rolling out costumes for parades in Disney theme parks. Speakers will touch on what makes costuming for outdoor parades different from traditional stage shows.
PASSPORT TO CAREERS IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Suzanne Davison | Manager, Entertainment Resources, Disney Live Entertainment Maureen Townsend | Manager, Costume Production and Sustainment, Disney Live Entertainment Mari Cataldo | Senior Manager, Technical Direction and Design, Disney Live Entertainment Jennifer Magill | Executive Producer, Disney Live Entertainment Justin Glatt | Senior Video Systems Designer, Disney Live Entertainment Jeff Hall | Project Manager, Entertainment Resources, Disney Live Entertainment
This hands-on session introduces students to the wide range of career paths available with Disney Live Entertainment in technical theatre, creative roles, production, costuming, performance, and other areas of live entertainment - including some roles you might not even know about. Led by a team of Disney Live Entertainment professionals from a variety of disciplines, this workshop is fun, fast and interactive.
IT’S NOT MAGIC, IT’S MOTORS! A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STAGE AUTOMATION Chris Wessels | Principal Controls Engineer, TAIT Kyle Cole | Manager, Show Control Design, Disney Live Entertainment
Discover how motors, drives, and control systems bring sets to life. This beginner-friendly session introduces the essentials of stage automation—covering safety practices, real-world case studies, and hands-on equipment that show how automation makes the impossible look effortless.
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR HAUNTED THEME PARK ATTRACTIONS Karyn Lawrence | Assistant Professor, Lighting Design, CSULA Anne E. McMills | Professor, Head of Lighting and Technology, SDSU
Gain valuable insight into the process of designing the lighting for the immersive and terrifying world of haunted theme park attractions. Presenters Karyn Lawrence and Anne E. McMills share their experiences designing the lighting for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm. Learn the spooky method behind the madness.
4:30 pm - Networking Hour
McCarty Grand Foyer
Continue building your professional network through informal conversations with fellow students and industry professionals.
Registration: $5 before September 10th, $10 thereafter.
Thank you for your continued support. Now, on with the show!
Box Office Information
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Closed on major holidays, Winter, Spring and Summer Breaks
The Box Office is also open one hour prior to scheduled ticketed performances (sale is limited exclusively to that day's performance's only).
Cash, check or credit card accepted
The Box Office is located on the southwest corner of the Clayes Performing Arts Center. Free 15-minute parking is available at the north/east corner of the Nutwood Parking Structure (1st floor).
Parking for Performances: Effective August 25, 2025, parking on Saturdays and Sundays will be $6. At all other times, daily permits are required and can be purchased in advance for $12 via the ParkMobile website Zone 1678 . You can also access the ParkMobile app via QR code on the sign by the elevators before you exit the parking structure.
Further information on parking on campus can be found here
Contact Information: Clayes Performing Arts Center Box Office (657) 278-3371
Venue
Meng Concert Hall
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton CA 92831
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