Themed Entertainment
Advance Your Skills with Online Courses Designed by Themed Entertainment Professionals
Discover the Art, Technology, and Business Behind Unforgettable Experiences
The Fusion Studio’s Themed Entertainment courses provide accessible, industry-informed learning opportunities for those interested in the creative, technical, and business disciplines that bring immersive experiences to life. Offered 100% online, these courses explore topics ranging from experience design, storytelling, and entertainment history to networking and systems, technology integration, brand management, and franchise development.
Learners have the opportunity to gain insights from accomplished themed entertainment professionals whose careers span organizations including Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, and more. Whether pursuing the Themed Entertainment Design Certificate or enrolling in individual courses to build knowledge in a specific area, these offerings connect learners with real-world perspectives and expertise from across the industry.
Learners have the opportunity to gain insights from accomplished themed entertainment professionals such as Ron Martin, Theron Skees, Jason Surrell, Robert Marick, and Dan Mastropietro whose careers span organizations including Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, and more. Whether pursuing the Themed Entertainment Design Certificate or enrolling in individual courses to build knowledge in a specific area, these offerings connect learners with real-world perspectives and expertise from across the industry.
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Courses and Certificate Available
Instructed by Theron Skees
Course Overview
This course introduces students to the art and process of designing immersive, story-driven experiences. Through an exploration of themed entertainment fundamentals, collaborative creative processes, and the global experience economy, learners gain insight into how memorable environments are conceived, developed, and delivered. The course also encourages students to identify their own place within the industry and understand how storytelling, branding, and emotional connection shape successful experiences.
This course requires the purchase of Theron Skees book titled “Creating Memorable Worlds” and can be ordered HERE.
Key Topics
- Foundations of themed entertainment
- Collaborative creative teams
- Experience design processes
- Storytelling and brand dimensionalization
- Narrative experience design
- Career pathways within the experience economy
Course Format
- 3 asynchronous modules
- Monthly 90–120 minute virtual session
- Module quizzes and guided reflection
Theron Skees
former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, has spent his career infusing brand stories and narrative into theme parks, destination experiences, and organizations worldwide. Leading projects worth billions of dollars, he now applies his 30+ years of experience as the founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio. By using Narrative Experience Design to transform customers into engaged audiences, drive business growth, and enhance brand equity, Theron emphasizes that story and experience are core values, not just addons, in shaping an organization’s identity.
Theron is an author, global speaker and creative brand strategist.
The Themed Entertainment Design Certificate 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:
- Demonstrate foundational skills in storytelling for themed entertainment.
- Showcase strong technical design skills for building themed experiences.
- Excel in the areas of project management and leadership.
- Describe current trends in the themed entertainment industry as well as the field’s future directions.
Learners can take all the courses in the certificate to earn the Themed Entertainment Design Certificate, or they can take any of the courses individually for targeted skills-building. All courses are offered online and taught by experienced industry professionals.
This certificate includes enrollment into the following courses:
- An Introduction to Themed Entertainment Design
- Planning and Communicating Themed Entertainment Design
- Current & Future Trends in Themed Entertainment Design
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.
Instructed by Jason Surrell
Course Overview
This course explores the evolution of the themed entertainment industry through the history of The Walt Disney Company and its groundbreaking creative and technological innovations. From early animation and Disneyland to international resorts and modern Imagineering, students examine the milestones that helped shape contemporary themed entertainment and immersive storytelling.
Key Topics
- Early Disney animation and storytelling
- The creation of Disneyland
- Walt Disney World and EPCOT
- International Disney parks
- The transformation of Walt Disney Imagineering
- The future of themed entertainment design
Course Format
- 17 asynchronous modules
- Monthly 90–120 minute virtual session
- Short quizzes for each module
Jason Surrell
Jason Surrell is an author, screenwriter and a former Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative, with 30 years of experience as a writer, producer and director in the entertainment industry. For fifteen years, 1999-2014, Jason was a Senior Show Writer, Show Producer and Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative design division of the Walt Disney Company.
Jason’s major theme park credits include the originating overall creative direction of Universal’s Epic Universe, Universal Studios Beijing and Universal Studios United Kingdom (2014-2025); Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (2017); unannounced Universal projects at the attraction, land, theme park and resort levels; the creation of multiple entirely new lines of business for Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Kids Park and Universal Horror Unleashed; New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (2012); The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Starring Johnny Depp (2012); Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (2011); Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom; Symphony in the Stars: A Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular (2010); Star Wars Weekends; The Great Movie Ride (2002); Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (2007); The American Idol Experience; Jurassic Park River Adventure (1999); A Day in the Park with Barney (1995); The Magic of Disney Animation and enhancements to Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Jason is the author of The Art of Marvel’s The Avengers, The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic, The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak, Screenplay by Disney: Tips and Techniques to Bring Magic to Your Moviemaking, Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies and The Art of the Haunted Mansion. He contributed essays and feature articles to The Imagineering Way, The Imagineering Workout, The Disney Insider Yearbook and Disney Twenty-three magazine. Jason also wrote for Walt Disney Television’s internationally syndicated television series, Secrets of the Animal Kingdom. Jason also wrote and directed the independent feature film, Characters.
Jason most recently served as the overall creative director of Universal Studios United Kingdom, Universal Epic Universe and Universal Studios Beijing, the company’s first destination resort in China, and the Executive Creative Director of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, which opened in April of 2017 at Universal Orlando Resort. He is currently working on a variety of new projects for the film and themed entertainment industries.
Instructed by Ron Martin
Course Overview
The Backside of Magic takes learners behind the scenes of immersive experience design, revealing how storytelling, illusion, technology, and production disciplines combine to create compelling themed environments. Students explore the complete creative process—from vision casting and story development to production, technology integration, and guest experience design.
Key Topics
- Storytelling in physical environments
- Multi-sensory design and illusion
- Vision casting and creative direction
- Entertainment technology integration
- Projection mapping and live entertainment
- Industry trends and future innovation
Course Format
- 12 asynchronous modules
- Monthly 90–120 minute virtual session
- Module quizzes and experiential assignments
Ron Martin
Ron Martin brings over 40 years of technology leadership to the entertainment industry in the television, film, and theme park sectors. Born and raised in Hollywood, Ron has been around movie studios, production stages and theme parks his entire life.
Ron has served as Vice President of Engineering and Operations of Universal Studios Hollywood for 14 years, Chief Technology Officer for Deluxe Digital Studios, and over 20 years Vice President and Director of Panasonic Hollywood Lab (PHL) which is a division of Panasonic Research and Development Corporation of America, best known for engaging technological development with the Movie Studio and Themed Entertainment community. Ron currently serves as Principle Electronic Engineer for Imaging Technologies at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Ron has made significant contributions in the launching of entertainment technologies ranging from the early days of digital special effects, to film scanning and recording, all the way to distribution technologies that include DVD, Blu-ray, Digital Cinema, 3D, UHD, and HDR production, mastering and distribution. Ron was also recognized on The Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List 2021 for projection imaging and special effects development.
Ron’s career is marked by leadership, creativity and vision combined with his background of architecture, TV and film production, and technology research. These disciplines have given him a unique perspective and skill set to approach storytelling in an innovative way which has positively impacted the entertainment industry.
Ron has lectured and driven research groups at universities such as Stanford, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, MIT, and Purdue University. He also enjoys sharing his many years of encounters and stories of developing technology for entertainment.
Ron has played a leadership role if films such as Titanic, Moulin Rouge, Avatar and Tree of Life, and compelling theme park attractions such as T2-3D, Jurassic Park, Mickey and Minnie’s Run-Away Railway, Star Wars Galaxies’ Edge, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Ron currently lives in Southwest Colorado with his family and enjoys his 5 grandchildren!
Instructed by Robert Marick
Course Overview
This course examines how entertainment brands expand into global franchises through licensing, consumer products, interactive gaming, media, and location-based entertainment. Students learn the principles of franchise development, brand management, and intellectual property strategy while exploring how successful entertainment companies scale their brands across multiple platforms and markets.
Key Topics
- Global brand franchise strategy
- Entertainment licensing fundamentals
- Merchandise and consumer products
- Interactive games and media
- Location-based entertainment
- International business strategy
Course Format
- 8–10 asynchronous modules
- Monthly 90–120 minute virtual session
- Quizzes and project-based learning
Robert Marick
Robert Marick brings over 30 years of experience working across Fortune 100 companies including Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Warner Music Group, and Mattel Inc., where he has led businesses ranging from startup operations to managing multi-billion-dollar global divisions.
As the founder of M2G: Marick Management Group, Robert specializes in global brand management, advising companies on building and monetizing entertainment properties through consumer products, interactive gaming, licensed media, and location-based experiences.
He began his career in the toy industry at Mattel and expanded his expertise into music, home entertainment, and interactive gaming. Over the course of his career, he has developed a strong track record translating complex entertainment properties into compelling consumer products, services, and experiences, leveraging deep expertise in entertainment licensing, brand strategy, and global franchise development.
Robert brings extensive international experience, having led initiatives across EMEA, APAC, and LATAM, including establishing Buena Vista Home Entertainment operations in Germany, France, and Spain. His current work focuses on helping companies expand into high-growth global brands with emphasis in international markets, including China and the GCC.
In addition to his industry leadership, Robert has contributed to academic programs as an Adjunct Professor in the Business School at Loyola Marymount University, where he taught Entertainment Licensing, and has supported the university’s Master of Entrepreneurship and Leadership (MELM) program. He currently serves as an Industry Fellow at Purdue University, where he develops and teaches The Business of Entertainment – The Brand Franchise Approach, focused on building scalable brand franchises across content, consumer products, and experiential platforms.
Instructed by Dan Mastropietro
Course Overview
This course introduces students to the complex networking and systems infrastructure that powers modern themed entertainment experiences. Learners explore how data networks support attractions, show systems, ride systems, and operational technologies within entertainment venues. The course emphasizes practical understanding of networking concepts in themed environments and the specialized protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting methods used in live attractions and immersive experiences.
Key Topics
- IT vs OT (Operational Technology) environments
- Data networking fundamentals
- Show systems and ride systems
- Device and systems integration
- Industrial controls security
- Network observability and troubleshooting
Course Format
- 8 asynchronous modules
- Weekly 30-minute virtual sessions
- Module quizzes and final project
Dan Mastropietro
With more than 25 years of experience, Dan Mastropietro is a technology leader known for creating high-performance, secure networks that power innovation. He has architected, designed, transformed, and optimized data networking systems across a wide range of industries, bringing both technical depth and strategic insight to complex challenges.
In addition to his technical leadership, Dan is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He actively contributes to internal technical growth and mentoring programs at Disney and extends his expertise to academic settings by developing curriculum and teaching at multiple schools and universities.
As a Technical Fellow at Disney, Dan helps lead multidisciplinary technology teams responsible for architecting and designing both the company’s core infrastructure and specialized environments that bring Disney experiences to life, including studios and theme park attractions. He also supports the ongoing operation and optimization of these systems, ensuring that Disney’s world-class experiences remain reliable, innovative, and continuously evolving.
- Three-time recognized award winner by Themed Entertainment Association for “Outstanding Achievement” in Attractions.
- 2022 CIO Culture Award winner for “Thinking Big”.
- Multiple ESPN Standing “O” Awards – For exemplary performance and achievement.
- ESPN “Grand Slam” Award – For forward thinking in technology
- Nominated as one of Disney’s 1st Technical Distinguished Thought Leaders (<2% of employee population).