Principal Technical Director, Show Development and Production
Walt Disney World
What does your job entail?
As a Technical Director, I am responsible for working with directors and designers, coordinating the design and construction to ensure the collective ideas of the project team become a reality for the people who see our shows.
How did the show go from a few weeks a year to year round?
The show evolved from a special event at Walt Disney World Resort as part of Star Wars Weekends, to a part of the Star Wars Celebrations. Now, "Jedi Training Academy" is featured at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort every day as part of the "Year of a Million Dreams." It's one of the new, interactive entertainment experiences in the theme parks that let guests live their dreams and adventures.
Why do you think the show work so well?
The love of the story and characters, coupled with the immersion in the Star Wars Universe. Who wouldn't want the chance to battle Darth Vader? As a child (or child at heart) -- that is an incredible experience. As a parent who grew up with the Saga -- seeing a child experience that is priceless.
Are kids more afraid of Darth Maul or Darth Vader?
Kids will do the darnedest things. There are several "shy" Padawans, but they seem more eager to face Darth Vader then run from him. Personally, I find that Darth Maul is much scarier since you have facial expressions which can enhance the character. You have to remember, for most of the adults, Darth Vader was the embodiment of evil until the end of Return of the Jedi. We still see him as "more machine than man - twisted and evil". Today's kids know Darth Maul as a vicious Sith who died in battle after killing Qui-Gon Jinn. Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker has a little less of the omnipotence in their minds, having seen his fall thanks to the prequels.
Is it just boys that want to be Jedi?
Absolutely not, my five year old little girl wants to be a Jedi, and so do many other girls every day. Aayla Secura, Shaak Ti and Stass Allie are as compelling as Plo Koon or Ki Adi Mundi as role models. In our shows, we see as many little girl Padawans as we do little boy Padawans.
What does JTA teach to its participants?
I'm sure every child walks away with something different. I would like to think the show teaches children to believe in themselves, to try and do the good/right thing, and that any force should be used for knowledge and defense -- never attack.
How does Star Wars fit into the Disney family?
Disney and Star Wars are both deeply rooted in character and story. There is a deep attachment to the Star Wars characters, the universe they inhabit, and the story that exists around them. This is in many ways similar to the attachment existing to the characters and stories from Cinderella and Pinocchio, to The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. In each case -- it's not just a story, it's a world you can believe in and want to be a part of.
I am living a dream. Every day I have the opportunity to create incredible experiences for our guests - the smiles, laughter and gasps at the right moments are the fuel I need to continue, and at Walt Disney World, that is what we strive to do. As a Star Wars fan, it is an incredible feeling to bring a part of my childhood to life. When those doors open, and Darth Vader strides out of the smoke - the crowd cheers. And I think to myself, "I was a part of that."
Jedi Training Academy runs every day at both Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in California. For more information please go to http://disney.go.com/index
Keep an eye on starwars.com for more Star Wars Weekends related news.
