Registration Now Open!
- Each submission will receive constructive feedback.
- Your work will be reviewed by seasoned industry professionals who are there to help you!
- Compete for “best in show” and other awards!
Registration Dates
Registration Opens: February 17th, 2025
Meeting ID: 474 268 0016
Submission Portal opens: May 8th, 2025 at midnight
Submission Portal closes May 25th, 2025 at midnight Pacific
Panelist scoring and feedback begins June 1st-15th
Feedback sessions to be scheduled in June (T.B.D.)
Questions and Answers
What format of projects can be submitted?
The student showcase is a “big tent”. Because there are 140 different job disciplines associated with themed entertainment there are very few limitations in terms of content. For example, if you are a good illustrator and just want to display your drawings, this would be perfectly acceptable.
Can it be something from another Themed Entertainment student competition?
Yes!
Can it be an event that our TEA club put on? (Haunted house, escape room, etc.?)
Yes. Feel free to showcase an escape room or a club project. Be sure to describe the experience and the process you went through to reach the final product. The more you can lead the panelists through your thought process, the better!
What should the quality of my submission be?
In terms of quality, it’s always advisable to put up a completed project rather than one still in progress.
What should the viability of my submission be?
Some projects are “simply for fun” produced with the intention of never being built. That’s okay if you state this from the outset. However, it is also beneficial to think about the real-world application of your idea. Your idea will be awarded points on the upstream and downstream viability of the project. In other words, how does your project fit within the overall scope of an entire project or operation? For example, if it’s a theme park ride, have you thought about ride capacity, queue area, retail, food and beverage, and egress? Submissions with thought given to real-world requirements will be favored.
How will my project be scored?
Your project will be scored from 1-5 by each panelist assigned to your project. This scoring rubric will then be totaled and weighted (based on various factors) and awards will be finalized. More importantly, you will be given many comments.
All submissions scored based on the below criteria:
Novelty, Storytelling, Narrative, Operations, Upstream / Downstream (recognizing how your work fits into the broader context throughout the process and how it affects those you will work with.)
This year every score will be weighted based on your class and team. Freshmen will have a slight advantage against seniors, individuals will have a slight edge against teams, for example.
Which iteration should be used for a project of many different iterations?
Answer: “Show the finished product and then talk about the process you went through to make it work.” – Scott Ault
“Storyboard your process” – Greg Andrade
“Highlight the experience component so it’s not just an exercise in tech for tech’s sake. For example, highlight a narrative treatment on the communications device, and give an example of how communications can be for a good guest experience.” – Mark Amos
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, but try to respect the panelists’ time as much as possible by limiting your entries. If we get too many entries, we reserve the right to limit them.
Can you submit something that was submitted for a competition, but wasn’t under specific coursework?
Yes! We are a big tent.
Can AI be used?
As long as it is properly attributed. Don’t submit an AI image if you’re trying to market yourself as an illustrator. In other words, don’t use AI to replace the skill set you are asking to be evaluated upon.” – Mk Haley
“List your prompts.” – Chris Stapleton
How “themed-attraction-y” does my project need to be? For example, a video game someone developed, a prop someone designed, or a story they wrote? Can these all be related enough to the topic to be submitted? What is the limit?
We are a themed entertainment-oriented site. There is wide latitude for your work because there are many different disciplines in this industry. In general, you should tailor your project to the type of career you are pursuing.
When is it acceptable to use IP (intellectual property) that does not belong to you?
In general, submissions should never use existing IP. There are a couple exceptions. 1) If it was part of assigned course work from your university program. 2) If permission was granted by the IP owner or 3) The IP is in the public domain. For example, Peter Pan is in the public domain. But Disney’s version of Peter Pan is not.
Academic Advisory Council
- Dr. Jesse Kamm, IAAPA Academic Symposium / PMP / Licensed General Contractor
- Peter Weishar – Professor University of Central Florida / TEA Eastern North America Board member / TEA Academic Society
- Christian Rogers – Associate Professor Computer / Themed Attraction Design & Motion Design IU / PUI – (Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis)
- Jamie DeRuyter – Faculty Entertainment Design / Ringling College of Art + Design
- MK Haley, University of Texas, Austin
Faculty wishing to participate in your program, please contact us at themedattraction.com.
Join us
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