Building a career in themed entertainment
by Annie Quaile
After 25 years in the entertainment industry – spanning theme parks, live events, high-profile launches, and everything in between – I have learned a thing or two about what it takes to build a career in themed entertainment. I have sat in nearly every seat; from entry-level assistant, mid-level project manager, executive consultant, and educator. I have built teams, written job descriptions, and coached individuals through growth and sometimes hard exits. I have overseen program launches, led the creation of a leadership academy, developed curriculum, and guided thousands of students into careers that have shaped the magic we all love. And yet, if you asked me if I am qualified to give career advice, my honest answer would be, “Probably not any more than you are.”
Themed entertainment is one of the most complex and nuanced industries out there. It’s not just rides and costumes, it is a high-functioning, collaborative dance between business strategy, storytelling, engineering, technology, consumer psychology, and creative design. We create experiences that transport people to galaxies far, far away, or drop them straight into the middle of a dragon’s fiery breath, sometimes literally. To pull off something like that, you need more than passion. You need a strong foundation, real experience, and a touch of calculated pixie dust.
That foundation often comes through education. What I have seen is that the individuals who thrive in this industry are the ones who understand how to weave together knowledge from multiple disciplines. The ones who have studied the science behind storytelling, the math behind mechanics, and the psychology behind guest experience. The ones who have had the chance to fail safely, learn deeply, and connect with mentors who have already walked the path. That’s what higher education offers – not just theory, but immersion.
In fact, one of the greatest values of a strong educational program is access. Students are often taught by professionals who have spent decades building attractions, managing creative pipelines, and navigating the ever- changing landscape of entertainment. These are the same people who know how to turn a fantastical concept into a functioning, safe, and breathtaking reality. And, let’s be honest – there is a lot of science and math behind that magic. Higher education helps creatives demystify those skills and gives technical thinkers a window into the emotional core of an experience. It creates hybrid thinkers, which is something this industry increasingly needs.
My own career pivot led me on an unexpected road into higher education. After years on the road, I sought more balance and found purpose in teaching the next generation of magic makers. Over 12 years, I transitioned from professor to academic leader. I shaped curriculum, taught countless courses, and worked alongside industry professionals to ensure that what is taught in classrooms mirrors and advances what is needed in the field. In recent years, I have taken that a step further by bridging the gap between education and industry, collaborating directly with hiring managers and companies to align talent development with real-world needs.
We live in a time where employers are looking for unicorns: individuals with cross-disciplinary experience, creative insight, and the ability to navigate the fast-moving, ever- evolving world of entertainment. That’s a tall order, and one not easily met through job experience alone. Higher education gives you the space to become that unicorn.
Once that foundation is set, experience is what sets you apart. The most valuable team players I have worked with had winding career paths that spanned roles, industries, and disciplines. They bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that those with linear trajectories often do not. Give these people an impossible task and not only will they say yes, but they’ll also suggest how to make it better. So, how do you become that person? Say yes to projects and opportunities that challenge your limits. Step outside your comfort zone. That may mean ignoring imposter syndrome, leaning in, and speaking up, even when it is easier to stay quiet.
Once you have collected those experiences, the final touch is that calculated pixie dust. Remember the unicorn that everyone is trying to hire? Here’s a little secret: you are the unicorn. We all are unicorns. The magic lies in how you tell your story. That pixie dust is your ability to connect the dots and help others see how your unique journey, whether it started in retail and led to live events or began in construction and ended in animal training, fits their needs. It is not about having the perfect path – it is about making that path make sense to them and the role you are seeking. Your job is to match your story to their job description, drawing clear connections rather than hoping others find them for you.
So whether you’re just starting out, rebooting your career, or figuring out how to stand out in a saturated market – know this: you are not alone. The job market isn’t easy, and the path isn’t always clear. And if you’re still unsure whether you are qualified? You are. You just need to gather the right tools to build the future you want.
Because here’s the truth: there is no singular or linear path in this industry. Whether you are fresh out of school, mid- career and stuck, or seeking a pivot into something entirely new, themed entertainment doesn’t ask for a perfect resume. It asks for curiosity, resilience, and a deep understanding that making magic is anything but a simple, straight line. •
Annie Quaile is an Emmy-nominated producer and project manager with over 25 years of experience in themed entertainment, live events, and arts education. She has worked for major brands like Universal Parks & Resorts and FedEx, has previously led academic programs at Full Sail University, and currently serves as Assistant Director of Industry and Alumni Engagement at SCAD, bringing together industry and education to support the next generation of creative professionals.
