Themed Entertainment Design Certificate
Launch Your Dream Career as an Innovative Themed Entertainment Storyteller
Do you find yourself captivated by the immersive and entertaining experiences major theme parks like Disney and Universal deliver to their audiences? Are you interested in helping bring themed experiences to life at museums, zoos, parks, aquariums and more? Purdue’s 100% online Themed Entertainment Design Certificate, offered by Purdue’s Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering, teaches learners the fundamentals of creating effective, breathtaking themed experiences for a variety of audiences. Upon completion of the certificate, learners will be able to:
This certificate provides students the unique ability to take their skills and move into the fun and exciting industry of themed attraction, exhibit, and experience creation.
Chris Rogers
Purdue University Associate Professor, Computer Graphics Technology and Affiliate Faculty, Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering
Courses
An Introduction to Themed Entertainment Design
An introduction to immersive entertainment and attractions industry; including the consideration of operations, graphics, engineering, technology and design. Students will apply their knowledge in narration and graphic principles to concept projects in immersive spaces.
Planning and Communicating Themed Entertainment Design
Building on knowledge of narrative creation and design, students will learn about the fundamentals of operations, graphics, engineering, technology and design to create theme-based immersive attractions. This course will focus on design concepts, technical design, management and creation of immersive experiences.
Current and Future Trends in Themed Entertainment Design
Students will learn about current trends in immersive attractions. Current technologies will be explored that can be used to enhance the narrative in a themed immersive space. Students will also work on team-based projects working directly with clients. Past students have worked with organizations such as the Imagination Corporation, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Horizon Athletic League.
Meet the Instructors:
Christian Rogers, Ph.D.
Christian Rogers, Ph.D., is an associate professor and site director with the Department of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University in Indianapolis. He is also an affiliate faculty member with the Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering and directs the Experiential Design Lab. Chris has worked in marketing, technical direction, sales with Apple Inc. and education. He has also worked in media production for live and immersive experiences. He teaches courses in themed entertainment and motion graphics design concentrations. His research interests focus on the use of pervasive technology and media to educate in the public and not-for-profit sectors. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the themed entertainment and attractions industry as well as a strong network of industry professionals. Chris’ specialties include video production, web design, software training (Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Studio), instructional design and curriculum development.
Josh Polk
Josh Polk is a versatile educator excelling in problem-solving and creativity through art and technology. With a strong commitment to learning and success, he effectively transfers knowledge to students by developing highly applicable class projects and fostering local partnerships that provide real-world experience. His extensive expertise encompasses advanced digital design, UX/UI prototyping, interactive experience design, sports graphics and themed entertainment design. He has been teaching since 2003 and has worked for the Department of Defense, Purdue University athletics, ad agencies, Disney and more.
Marc Dittmer
Marc Dittmer is a seasoned, passionate, scrappy, analytical and deeply technical creative executive who is always getting the right things done and inspiring others to do the same. He describes himself as a multi-sided peg thriving in a square-hole world. He is a leading innovation catalyst who is always looking at things differently and bringing unique perspectives, approaches and insights that spark new thinking and big ideas. Marc has worked across many different organizations as a “creative ideation guy.” He delivers a powerful style of creative problem-solving through innovation and has an enormous passion for entertainment technology, production, people and a knack for creating memorable experiences. Marc has been part of many organizations with roles ranging from technical operations, film production, construction, live events in entertainment, attraction design, building, leading teams and creative project management. Marc has extensive experience in the design and development of complex show systems, rides, lighting, audio, emerging and innovative technological ideas, video production, and a multitude of information technology areas.