UCF announced a new partnership with Universal Creative, the team that develops attractions, shows for Universal Orlando to create specially designed coursework and on-site sessions at the theme parks for students in 2023.
Starting in the Spring semester of 2023 Students will have the opportunity to work outside the traditional classroom and into one of World’s most renowned theme parks, at Universal Orlando Resort. There students will get the chance to interact with engineers, producers, and creative directors with the goal of providing students with an in-depth look at the development and design process.
Mike Hightower, president of Universal Creative said he is excited about the program being introduced to UCF students as it will help grow and inspire future creators.
“People love the energy and thrill of experiencing epic stories and exhilarating adventures and Universal is an incredible place to build a career,” Hightower said. “The Creative Lab with UCF gives students immersive, hands-on, real-world experience through instruction from our talented team. This kind of learning is great for UCF students, great for our theme parks and entertainment and great for Universal Creative as we help grow and inspire the next generation of creators.”
The new UCF/Universal Creative lab will also give students interested in being theme park designers and storytellers the skills and to build the necessary relationships needed entering the workforce with Universal Parks & Resorts as they develop potential prospective talent.
Under UCF’s themed experience program which includes a Master of Science degree and theatre MFA with a track in the specialty, will give UCF students the firs-hand knowledge to meet the growing demands of the tourism and hospitality needs in Orlando and beyond according to Peter Weishar, founding director of UCF’s themed experience program.
“Orlando is the international hub of the themed entertainment industry,” said Weishar. “World-leading organizations, like Universal Creative, are right here at our doorstep. We know our students need first-hand knowledge of the cutting-edge innovation and industry best practices to become the next generation of themed entertainment. We are grateful Universal Creative shares that vision.”
The first UCF/Universal Creative Lab class will be offered to graduate students in UCF’s themed experience program in the Spring 2023 semester. A second class will be open to graduate and upper-class students in Summer 2023.
