The LA County Library and TEA Partner to Create a First-of-Its-Kind Webinar Series for Elementary, Middle and High School Students
The LA County Library and TEA Partner to Create a First-of-Its-Kind Webinar Series for Elementary, Middle and High School Students
‘The Art of STEAM with TEA Masters’ Collaboration Celebrates How Creative Professionals Use STEAM Concepts to Bring Real World Projects to Life in the Themed Entertainment Industry
BURBANK, CA (6 August 2025) – TEA, the Themed Entertainment Association, has proudly partnered with the LA County Library to create a first-of-its-kind new webinar series that celebrates STEAM education and its applications in the themed entertainment and leisure industries.
‘The ART of STEAM with TEA Masters’ series brings together globally recognized themed entertainment professionals and creators for engaging conversations about their work developing incredible attractions and theme park rides around the world. Designed to inspire and encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) concepts, this engaging new series was developed to extend education and STEAM career exploration to youth across Los Angeles County. Made possible by the 2025 Edison International Grant and TEA’s talented member volunteers, the virtual sessions will introduce students to real-world STEAM applications within the themed entertainment industry. The conversations and stories are aimed at students ages 10 to 18 to help inspire future interest in STEAM-based careers.
To bring this webinar series to life, TEA invited the esteemed industry leaders who have earned the coveted honor as a TEA Master. The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes exceptional individuals—artists, writers, producers, engineers, and craftspeople—who have made a lasting impact on the themed entertainment industry. Through innovation, leadership, and expertise, these professionals have shaped the experiences that thrill, delight, and inspire guests worldwide. To date, only 42 professionals have earned the designation of TEA Master.
“We are so proud to bring this incredible webinar series to the students of LA County,” said Melissa Oviedo, CEO, TEA. “STEAM education is the foundation of the themed entertainment industry, and we are excited to bring stories from some of the world’s most incredible rides and experiences to help educate and excite the future generation of creators, makers and innovators.
“The insight, experience and 'behind the scenes' stories the TEA Masters bring to each episode will inspire everyone,” Oviedo continued. “One of TEA’s goals is to strengthen our community presence and outreach and serve as an advocate for education, creativity, and innovation. We hope the ‘Art of STEAM with TEA Masters’ webinar series will inspire students to explore STEAM-related coursework and future careers.”
Kicking off on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, the ‘Art of STEAM with TEA Masters’ webinar series will present new episodes each week from 4 – 5:00 p.m. PST. The first three webinars are:
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Presenter: Frank Weigand | TEA Master of Engineering & Ride Systems | The TWT Group
Engineering Careers in Themed Entertainment
Join TEA Master Frank Weigand for a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering roles that bring themed attractions to life. Learn key lessons for success in technical careers, explore different types of engineering jobs—from design and analysis to fabrication and field work – and hear real case studies from Frank’s work in the industry.
Wednesday, 20 August 2025
Presenters: Catherynne Jean | TEA Master of Art & Creative Direction, Color Specialist | Independent Contractor;
Wayne Hunt | TEA Master of Graphic Design | Hunt Design (Retired); and
Jodi McLaughlin | TEA Master of Executive Production | Walt Disney Imagineering (Retired)
Moderator: Chris Conte | TEA Master of Audiovisual Technology Design, Technical
Direction | Electrosonic
STEAM-Powered Storytelling: The Hidden Disciplines Behind Immersive Worlds
This dynamic panel will explore how science, technology, engineering, art, and math come together in the creation of immersive environments and unforgettable guest experiences. From color theory to technical systems, these TEA Masters will share how diverse team of specialists must collaborate to bring themed entertainment to life applying STEAM skills every step of the way.
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Presenter: Lanny Smoot | TEA Master of Theatrical Technology | Walt Disney Imagineering - California
Designing the Attraction: The STEAM Behind Attractions
From concept to installation, learn what it takes to create an attraction – and explore real-world examples of the power of creativity, invention, and collaboration in action. With over 100 patents, and 48 years of technical experience, Lanny has created some of Disney Experiences’ most magical special effects, including Madame Leota’s Haunted Mansion levitating crystal ball, the real-life lightsabers found in Disney’s Star Wars attractions, and more. Along with discussing how science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) come together to create unforgettable theme park experiences, he will share some advice on starting on a successful career path, how to remain successful, and how to have fun all along the way! Lanny will be sharing some of his experience as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist, and researcher
TEA and LA County Library will continue to announce additional topics and presenters.
To tune in to the free webinar series, interested classrooms, teachers, and students can visit:
August 13: Engineering Careers in Themed Entertainment
Event Page: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/14299258
Zoom Registration: https://library-lacounty-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Oe1Gr4IARWGwBew-omybfQ
August 20: STEAM-Powered Storytelling
Communico: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/14299253
Zoom: https://library-lacounty-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c9iTVjFBTGqtCwrsWDORBw
August 27: Designing the Attraction
Communico: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/14299246
Zoom: https://library-lacounty-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GT9RiXu7RYCX5LFDukP-xA
About TEA
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) brings together the creators and makers of experiences worldwide – from the creative storytellers to the technical builders, from operators to investors, from idea to operation - and provides them with tools, education, advocacy, community, and connection to help grow their businesses and careers.
The international non-profit association’s members focus on creating for and serving the leisure and travel sectors. Their work can be seen in entertaining and educational projects found in theme parks, water parks, museums, zoos, corporate visitor centers, casinos, restaurants, branded experiences, multimedia spectaculars, retail spaces, resorts and hospitality, destination attractions and more. TEA encompasses a dynamic community of more than 1,600 member companies in over 40 countries. TEAConnect.org
About LA County Library
LA Country Library belongs to our communities and serves as a portal to learn, grow and succeed. Founded in 1912, it is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US and was awarded the nation’s highest honor – the National Medal for Museum and Library Service – in 2023. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing access for all through culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services. LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, including Bookmobiles, MākMō make mobiles, Reading Machines and outreach vehicles. To learn more visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.