The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the LA County Library to bring the world of STEAM education to life for youth across Los Angeles County through a pioneering webinar series titled “The ART of STEAM with TEA Masters.” This innovative series highlights the intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) within the themed entertainment and leisure industries—fields renowned for their blend of creativity and technical precision. By engaging some of the most esteemed professionals in themed entertainment, the series offers students ages 10 to 18 a unique window into the inspiring, multifaceted careers that shape immersive environments and awe-inspiring attractions worldwide.
This partnership not only underscores the importance of STEAM education in shaping the future workforce but also celebrates the rich craftsmanship behind themed entertainment. With a curriculum enriched by TED Masters, those recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry, this webinar series promises to elevate the learning experience by showcasing real-world applications and behind-the-scenes insights. “We are so proud to bring this incredible webinar series to the students of LA County,” said Melissa Oviedo, CEO of TEA. “STEAM education is the foundation of the themed entertainment industry, and we are excited to bring stories from some of the world’s most incredible rides and experiences to help educate and excite the future generation of creators, makers and innovators.”
The webinar’s unique format features some of the only 42 individuals who hold the prestigious TEA Master designation—industry veterans recognized for their innovation, leadership, and lasting impact. This elite group includes engineers, artists, producers, and craftspeople whose collective expertise forms the backbone of immersive themed environments. Oviedo further emphasizes the educational mission by noting, “One of TEA’s goals is to strengthen our community presence and outreach and serve as an advocate for education, creativity, and innovation. We hope the ‘Art of STEAM with TEA Masters’ webinar series will inspire students to explore STEAM-related coursework and future careers.”
This initiative marks a significant leap in how STEAM education can be intertwined with experiential learning, particularly through the lens of immersive themed entertainment. The industry itself is a vibrant confluence of storytelling, technology, design, and engineering—making it a compelling vehicle for teaching complex STEAM concepts in an engaging and accessible way. By offering students exposure to technical careers like ride system engineering, artistic direction steeped in color theory, graphic design, and executive production, the series broadens the traditional STEAM narrative to include creative and production disciplines that are often underrepresented.
In addition, the series’ spotlight on theatrical technology and innovation, as showcased by TEA Master Lanny Smoot’s work, highlights how imaginative engineering fuels the magic behind theme park attractions. Smoot’s contributions, such as the iconic Haunted Mansion levitating crystal ball and authentic Star Wars lightsabers, anchor the art of STEAM in tangible, memorable experiences that blend fantasy with cutting-edge technology. This relationship between inventive engineering and artistic expression exemplifies the pioneering spirit that defines themed entertainment and reflects the ever-evolving nature of STEAM fields.
Within the global fulldome and immersive media community, the “ART of STEAM with TEA Masters” series resonates profoundly by integrating education with powerhouse industry insights. Its focus on immersive storytelling, technical innovation, and experiential learning mirrors the core values celebrated at dome festivals, planetarium venues, and touring immersive exhibitions worldwide. Moreover, by making such content accessible through virtual platforms, TEA and the LA County Library expand educational outreach beyond traditional settings, fostering a broader appreciation for themed entertainment careers and STEAM disciplines alike.
In a field where technology and creativity must coalesce flawlessly to evoke wonder and engagement, this series serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for the next generation of industry professionals. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders, and its continued development promises to contribute richly to the future of immersive media education globally. The “ART of STEAM with TEA Masters” not only celebrates the exceptional talent that has shaped themed entertainment but also plants the seeds for future innovators eager to transform imagination into reality.
Originally reported by IPM News via www.inparkmagazine.com on 2025-08-07 15:39:00.
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