Keywords

Theme Parks, Themed Experience, Themed Entertainment, Immersive Theater, Interactive Theater, Guest Interaction, Halloween, Haunted House, Show Writing

Abstract

This thesis examines the nature of guest interactivity in themed entertainment, considering best practices when approaching the creation of an interactive theme park offering with the belief that narrative interactivity and guest agency increases the potential for meaningful, memorable, and engaging entertainment experiences. Taking both established literature and existing offerings into consideration, this thesis presents an original creative narrative design concept for a Halloween haunt event overlay, titled Fear the Unknown, that enhances the guest experience with an emphasis on interactivity and agency. This creative work is presented specifically from the point of view of the show writing discipline, consisting of a high-concept treatment and other relevant narrative design documentation. The setting of a Halloween event was chosen for its uniquely immersive, narrative, and visceral nature. For this exploration, it is viewed as a relatively self-contained offering where an interactive narrative could increase guest engagement in the event’s story and overall experience, thus driving greater and repeat attendance without sacrificing the practicalities and efficiency demanded of a major theme park event. Logline: When a sinister cult of hackers unleashes their techno-terror on a local theme park haunt, you must choose your fate and fight for survival in this interactive, story-based horror event. Do you Fear the Unknown?

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Weishar, Peter

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Theater

Identifier

DP0029273

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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