Themed Experience
Master of Fine Arts, Theatre
UCF’s MFA in Theatre, Themed Experience track prepares students to be the next generation of creative leaders in the themed experience industry. The Themed Experience track teaches the unique creative and production skills, process and concepts utilized to design and produce themed environments such as theme parks, zoos, aquariums, themed retail, dining, museums, virtual worlds and exhibitions.
Creating themed environments takes a unique set of skills in storytelling, design and guest management. This graduate track in the School of Performing Arts will pull from the strength and diversity of the faculty and from the direct connection to leaders in the field. Students will take classes in creating immersive experiences that include storytelling, how to visualize themed experiences and hands-on studio design.
What is a themed experience?
A themed experience is an interaction with a physical or virtual environment designed to convey narrative. Themed environments can educate, entertain and inspire individuals who can become participants in an immersive experience.
Themed Experience track graduates will be qualified to work as an art director, show producer, designer, production artist, or creative executive for the production of themed experiences.
Many graduates may work directly for theme parks, but others will find employment in exciting and innovative specialty firms producing industry-related items like custom rides, exhibitions, retail, theatrical experiences, effects, events, and museum exhibits, as well as for companies that provide support and services for the themed experience industry.
News
UCF College of Arts and Humanities Recognized for Innovative MS Degree in Themed Experience
March 01, 2021 Orlando Business Journal, Nicholson Student Media and InPark Magazine have recognized the UCF College of Arts and Humanities for its first-of-its-kind Master of Science program in themed experience.
Themed Experience Program Collaborates with VR Pioneer Carolina Cruz-Neira
November 18, 2020 Peter Weishar, director of UCF’s Themed Experience program, shares how he and the students in the MFA Theatre – Themed Experience track collaborate with Carolina Cruz-Neira, Agere Chair in Computer Science and creator of the CAVE virtual reality system.
Column: What should Themed Experience graduates know, say, do?
April 14, 2020 Themed Experience professor Peter Weishar discusses how he gathers input from industry to build UCF’s new graduate program. (This article is part of a series of articles written for InPark Magazine.)
