When people think of themed attraction design, architects and engineers are often the first disciplines that come to mind. My own journey began in theatrical technical design and production, with a strong focus on lighting. Over time, I’ve found that this background brings a practical and creative edge to themed entertainment one that’s often overlooked but increasingly relevant.

Theatre is a world where precision is non-negotiable. There’s no such thing as a “soft launch” when the curtain rises; everything must work, every time. That discipline has shaped my approach to attractions. Reliability and technical rigour are essential, not optional. Working in theatre also means learning to be resourceful. Tight budgets and timelines are the norm, and delivering a compelling experience with limited resources is a skill I bring to every project.

Collaboration is another cornerstone. In theatre, designers, directors, and technicians all work together towards a shared vision. Themed entertainment projects demand the same coordination, especially when creative, technical, and operational teams each have different priorities. My theatre experience has made it second nature to manage diverse teams, sometimes scaling up to thirty or more specialists, while always keeping the end goal in focus.

Lighting, in particular, is about much more than visibility; it’s a storytelling tool. In Room on the Broom – A Magical Journey, lighting was critical in guiding families through each scene, building suspense, and creating moments of delight. We used theatrical techniques to transition between environments, set the mood, and support the narrative arc. Every lighting choice was deliberate, designed to draw guests into the story rather than simply illuminate the space.

Years in theatre have also ingrained habits around backup systems, redundancy, and rigorous testing, practices that are now second nature in my attraction work. The same discipline that ensures a lighting cue never misses its mark on stage underpins our approach to technical rehearsals, testing, and quality assurance.

Space is another area where theatre training pays dividends. Theatre designers learn to make every square metre count, transforming limited stages into immersive worlds. That skill set is invaluable in attraction design, especially in markets where space is at a premium. The concept of “stage pictures” composing each guest’s viewpoint directly informs how I think about guest experience.

Another advantage is the ability to integrate technology seamlessly. In theatre, the best technical work is invisible to the audience. I approach attraction design the same way, ensuring that AV and media systems support the story rather than distract from it.

Creativity within constraints is a constant in both theatre and themed entertainment. Whether working on a modest concept or a large-scale project, the focus is always on maximising impact per dollar spent. Tight budgets force innovative solutions, and I’ve learned to identify where investment will have the greatest effect.

The “show must go on” mentality is another lesson I carry from theatre. Rapid problem-solving and improvisation are essential, especially during installations or commissioning phases when deadlines are fixed. My background has made me comfortable with the unexpected, and confident in leading teams through challenges while maintaining high standards.

Themed entertainment benefits from cross-disciplinary thinking. My experience in theatrical technical design has proven that skills like spatial storytelling, technical integration, and creative problem-solving are just as valuable in attraction design as they are on stage. If you’re exploring new ways to approach attraction design, I believe there’s real value in the theatre designer’s perspective a practical, tested approach that delivers results both creatively and operationally.

What cross-disciplinary lessons have shaped your approach to themed entertainment? I’d welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we bring theatrical thinking to immersive experiences, connect with me or reach out to Blue Alchemy Labs. Let’s keep the conversation going.