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UCF’s first Themed Experience graduating class enters high-demand workforce

ORLANDO, Fla. — Since his childhood trips to Magic Kingdom, Jordan Zauha has loved live entertainment.

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After excelling in performing arts, Zauha found the University of Central Florida’s new Themed Experience graduate program, where he added skills in design, storytelling and creating 3D immersive environments.

And, he just scored a job with a major theme park company.

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Zauha is one of the first 10 graduates of a new and unique master’s degree program at UCF, filled with established architects, interior designers, writers and producers.

“We all come in with skills that we mastered outside of here and are now bringing those skills in to do something new,” he said.

Artists who create themed experiences are in demand at theme parks, zoos, museums, hotels and retailers across the globe.

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The selective program, which offers two degrees, started with 12 students and anticipates growing to 90 students within the next two years.

“Every object, every prop, every part of that set conveys a narrative to the guest,” program director Peter Weishar. “There’s just a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction I have in seeing their accomplishments and what they can do.”

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.