Dramatic Arts graduate takes center stage at Epic Universe's expansive theatre scene
In the world of themed experiences, Keeli Rodriguez has made a significant mark. Her journey began in Arizona, where she honed her skills in theatre and later expanded into the realm of theme park design.
Rodriguez, a graduate of Grand Canyon University's theatre and drama program, found her passion for visual arts and scenic design rekindled in a theatre design class at the university. This newfound passion led her to pursue a master's program in Themed Experience at the University of Central Florida and take on an attractions assistant role during the Disney College Program in Florida.
Her theatre work provided a solid foundation for her future endeavours. A production of "Tartuffe" in her junior year, for which she was the scenic designer, was a finalist for best scenic design. The play gave Rodriguez the confidence to pursue design on a larger scale.
Rodriguez's innovative sketch artistry was instrumental in the design process, with drawings covering Kary's whiteboard. One of her most notable works was an abstract show set in an orphanage, which she developed hours working in Kary's office.
Rodriguez's hard work and talent did not go unnoticed. Her dorm room design caught the attention of Assistant Dean of Theatre and Dance William Symington, and she received a nomination from the ariZoni Awards for outstanding achievement in Arizona theatre.
In 2017, Rodriguez joined Universal Creative's Themed Finishes team and worked for 3 1/2 years. During this time, she contributed to the design of Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic and the Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe. Rodriguez had a hand in creating every single facade, touchable item, and ride in the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe lands of Epic Universe.
Her innovative work did not go unrecognised. Rodriguez was later selected for Universal Creative's Themed Finishes team and crafted over 300 color boards for Epic Universe. She also became the paint documentation coordinator, responsible for organising paint documentation and assisting with scenic touch-up and tie-in before the park's grand opening.
However, when COVID-19 hit, Rodriguez's attractions assistant role ended. But she continued her graduate studies, and in 2021, she returned to the theme park industry, working as an attractions assistant at Universal Studios Florida.
Rodriguez's work on the theme park has been a bigger scale version of her theatre work, requiring collaboration and the application of her skills to bring a vision to life. Her work on the Ministry of Magic and the Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe is a testament to her talent and dedication.
Rodriguez's journey from Arizona theatre to Universal's Epic Universe is a reminder that passion, hard work, and talent can lead to great things. Her innovative designs have brought magic to life in the theme park, just as they did in the theatre.
