CalArts School of Theater to Host TEA Talks Live

Members of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) travel to CalArts on Tuesday night (Sept. 17) for a panel discussion with the 2018 TEA Masters—professional artists and designers who have been honored by the association and their peers for their contributions and innovations to the global visitor attractions industry.

Themed entertainment is growing, with a demand for new “experiences” in theme parks, museums, resorts, zoos, restaurants, retailers and branding campaigns leading the way. (Forbes reported that in 2017 alone, worldwide spending on theme parks surged to a record $44.8 billion.)

Roberta Perry, TEA past president and vice president at ETI, and John Lindsay, TEA Master of project management and program director at nFusion, moderate the panel discussion with the rest of the 2018 Masters:

• Glenn Birket, Engineering & Control Systems
• Joe Falzetta, Lighting Design
• Ralph Nielsen, Master Craftsman, Project Production
• Rich Procter, Writer
• Philipp van Stratum, Creative Director
• Nina Rae Vaughn, Illustrator and Art Director.

The evening begins with an introduction and brief history of the association and its programs, including the Project Development Guidelines for multidisciplinary Themed Entertainment Attractions. During the main discussion and panel, the 2018 Masters share best practices, life learnings and experiences during the growth of their industry since EPCOT opened in 1982 and Tokyo Disneyland in 1983.

The TEA Talks Live event draws attention to the programs and offerings of the School of Theater that provide CalArts students the ever-expanding set of opportunities, partnerships and classes in experience design. Theater artists and makers often thrive in the themed entertainment landscape, positioned between design and collaborative storytelling.

The TEA Talks are being held from 6-9:30 pm at CalArts’ Walt Disney Modular Theater, with 50 complimentary tickets for CalArts students, available on a first come basis.