From Performer To Producer In Themed Entertainment
- Katapult Team
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
We were delighted to welcome Katrina Mena Rick, Themed Entertainment Professional at Disney Live Entertainment, Walt Disney Imagineering onto our podcast. Together with our project producer, Alex Tyrrell, they both shared their career journeys from performer to producer in th themed entertainment industry.
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Q: Kat, welcome! You have a fascinating role at Disney. Tell us about what you do.
Kat: Thank you! I’ve been with Disney for 15 years now, and I’m currently a Creative Producer for Global Inclusion Strategy. I work at the intersection of Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering. My role is essentially being a creative strategic thought partner—providing input and insights on the development of our guest offerings to ensure they resonate with our diverse audiences and meet our business objectives.
Q: You both started as performers. How do those "theatre skills" translate to project management?
Alex: Theatre people aren't just artsy; they are battle-hardened logistical ninjas. You have a goal (opening night), a roadmap (the script and rehearsal schedule), and you have to deal with unexpected issues like technical difficulties or "snagging" constantly. Those problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box are exactly what I take with me into every project at Katapult.
Kat:Â I agree completely. My entryway to Disney was actually as a casting director for the American Idol Experience. I noticed early on that our Spanish-speaking guests didn't have songs in their language to sing, so I researched and pitched adding them. That led to producing the songs, working in the music studio, and eventually into leadership. The opportunity really grew with me as I followed my heart.
"What we do brings joy, heals hearts, and provides an escape in an uncertain world. That is literally the definition of magic." — Katrina Mena Rick
Q: We talk a lot about representation at Katapult. How important is it to see "people like us" in attractions?
Alex: It’s vital. My "superpower" has been my dyslexia; it allows me to see things others can’t and break down barriers. Seeing characters like Julia—the autistic Sesame Street character at PortAventura—is a wonderful thing for this generation. It shows kids that what they might see as a weakness is actually a strength.
Kat: It really hits home. My seven-year-old daughter wears glasses, and when she saw Mirabel’s face in Fantasmic!, she just squealed with joy. It’s a validation that children are seeing themselves in ways we didn't when we were younger. Whether it’s characters with glasses or strong female leads who don't need rescuing, it’s about being authentic and not being afraid to be who you are.
Q: Kat, you mentioned a "pinch-me" moment with a Disney Legend. Can you share that?
Kat: It was meeting Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) while we were working on The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. Ariel was my gateway into theatre, so having Jodi walk into the dark theatre and start singing while we were uploading files was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. She sat and watched our run-through and interviewed the team. It was a beautiful blessing for a show that infuses new technology into a legacy story.
Q: Kat, What are the three big things that make a show or park feel special?
Perspective:Â Being grateful to be there and remembering that "little you" would be so proud of "big you."
The "First Show" Mentality: It might be your 1,000th performance, but for the guest, it’s their first. It has to feel fresh.
Impact:Â Realising that what we do makes a difference. We create moments of nostalgia and joy that can truly change someone's life.
To hear the full conversation—including Alex’s Disney movie picks and Kat’s advice to her younger self—listen to the full episode of the Katapult Podcast.