Shaping the Future of Themed Entertainment: Getting to Know Professor Peter Weishar, Director of the Themed Experience Graduate Program at UCF
When people think about the magic of theme parks, their minds often jump to thrilling rides or immersive storytelling. However, behind these awe-inspiring experiences, lies a world of creativity, collaboration, and education. At the forefront of this innovation is Professor Peter Weishar, Director of the Themed Experience graduate program at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Through is visionary leadership, Weishar has helped shape one of the most innovative academic programs in the industry of themed entertainment.
The Birth of the UCF/Universal Creative Lab
The concept for the UCF/Universal Creative Lab emerged from an already strong relationship between UCF’s Themed Experience programs and Universal Creative. With industry leaders like Bob Ward and Mike West on the program’s Advisory Council—and Universal Creative Directors already involved in teaching classes—it was a natural progression toward deeper collaboration.
A pivotal moment came when Weishar met with Mark Woodbury, then-President of Universal Creative. “I proposed a deeper collaboration by suggesting this class,” Weishar recalls. “He said ‘yes’ right away.” In a serendipitous twist, that same day, Woodbury was promoted to Chairman of the Board—perfect timing for a perfect partnership.
A Course Like No Other
The UCF/Universal Creative Lab is more than just a class—it’s a transformative experience. Students gain unprecedented access to Universal’s creative process, learning directly from professionals in budgeting, engineering, creative direction, and more. “There’s no better place to study Themed Experience than Orlando,” says Weishar. “We teach best practices and cutting-edge techniques, grounded in story, design, and production.”
A week in the UCF/Universal Creative Lab course is anything but ordinary. More than half of the sessions take place at on-site Universal—in their design offices, exploring backstage areas, or inside the parks. One day, students might walk the queue line of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with creative directors and operations staff. The next, they’re backstage with engineers discussing safety and maintenance. These experiences are often followed by in-depth sessions on budgeting and production timelines.
What Sets UCF Apart?
UCF offers three graduate tracks in Themed Experience: an MFA that blends themed entertainment with technical theatre, and two MS concentrations—Design & Production and Creative Producing. “We’re located in the heart of the industry, part of a public institution, and offer tuition that’s thousands less than private schools,” Weishar explains. “That’s why we’re the largest and most competitive program in our field.”
From a faculty standpoint, the collaboration with Universal Creative has been “amazing.” Universal hires about 40% of UCF’s graduates and dozens of their professionals contribute to the curriculum. “We couldn’t do it as well without their support,” Weishar says. “It’s real-world experience at its best.”
Challenges, Triumphs, and Community
Weishar came to UCF with a dream: to create the premier graduate program in themed entertainment. With the support of visionary colleagues and leadership, that dream became a reality. “UCF is one of the most innovative universities in the country,” he says. “Few institutions would embrace a new discipline like this.”
One of Weishar’s favorite moments is when former students, now full-time employees of Universal, return to speak with current students. “They share what to expect in their first years on the job. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them giving back to the program that helped launch their careers.”
Advice for Future Faculty
Thinking of joining UCF? “It’s a place that supports innovation and new ideas,” Weishar advises. “The campus is beautiful, the location is ideal, and there’s always something happening in Orlando. Just be ready for more paperwork than you thought possible!”
