Many theme park fans dream of going behind the scenes at their favorite attractions, but those VIP backstage tours are priced out of reach for many. This Friday night, you can experience the next best thing for a lot less, and support a good cause at the same time.
On Feb 24th, downtown Orlando’s Orange County Regional History Center will host the 3rd Annual Entertainment Designer Forum, bringing together top designers and directors from Universal, Disney, and Busch Gardens together to discuss their craft. You can read my coverage of the first two forums here and here.
There are two separate sessios at 6:30pm and 9:00pm, each with different speakers. Tickets are $25 per panel, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society, in honor of late Universal designer Stephanie Girard. To purchase tickets, call 407-836-7010.
The panel members are as follows:
6:30 p.m. Session
Scott Swenson: Director of Creative Services, Bush Gardens, Tampa
Mike West: Executive Producer, Universal Creative
David Hughes: Senior Designer, Universal Art & Designer, Entertainment
Lora Wallace: Show Director, Universal Entertainment Productions
Ron Hines: Sr. Studio Director, Nickelodeon Recreation
TJ Mannarino: Director, Universal Art & Design, Entertainment
9 p.m. Session
Mike Wallace: Designer, Universal Creative
Curtis Hopkins: Designer, Universal Art & Design, Entertainment
Guy Petty: Principal Art Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, Creative Entertainment
Vicki Bowlin: Art Manager, Universal Art & Design, Entertainment
Kenny Babel: President, White Bird Entertainment
Kim Gromoll: Designer, Universal Art & Design, Entertainment
Moderator (both sessions): Mike Aiello, show director for Universal Entertainment Productions.
This article appears in Feb 22-28, 2012.