They’re the quiet legends. The creators. The solvers. The mentors.

Experts in design, technology, project management, finance – dozens of individual professionals who represent the themed entertainment industry at its best.

These are the TEA Masters.

Congratulations to the 2025 Masters!

Amy Cannon: Live Entertainment Producer
Beth Clapperton: Creative Director
Joe Garlington: Interactive Attraction Designer
Masaki Kawahara: Executive Creative Director
Piet De Koninck: Creative Master Designer
Cyndi McCormack: Concept Developer | Creative Director | Brand Developer & Steward
Scott Sinclair: Design Director | Concept Designer

Honoring Excellence in Themed Entertainment

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.

A Legacy of Excellence

Each year, a select few are honored as TEA Masters. These individuals:

Set the highest standards in their disciplines
Advance their field through innovation and dedication
Create unforgettable experiences in attractions, rides, events, and themed spaces

Many TEA Masters work behind the scenes, known primarily to their peers. This program shines a spotlight on their contributions, ensuring their work is recognized and celebrated.

Championing Diversity & Inclusion

TEA Masters come from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, representing an increasingly global industry. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of this program, expanding creative perspectives and making themed entertainment more accessible and resonant for all audiences.

When nominating, we encourage you to think broadly—who are the talented individuals who have been overlooked in the past? Let’s seek out those shining stars of more diverse backgrounds who might have been overlooked in the past.

Qualification Criteria

Professional Achievement

Outstanding performance over a 20+ year career within their discipline
Experience on the national or global stage
Played a distinctive role on multiple major or signature projects
Is a role model and widely respected within their discipline and the industry

Mentorship

Enthusiastically shares professional knowledge as a mentor
Empowers others to excel in their own skill and brings out the best in people
Instills confidence in those around them by epitomizing the highest standards of their discipline

Industry and Subject Matter Achievement (where applicable)

Has developed innovative ways of creating/producing evidenced by patents, inventions, etc.
Instrumental in improving/revolutionizing industry or subject matter means and methods
Long track record of improving the quality and efficiency of their product or service

Willing to Commit to be an active Participant

Will participate in the TEA Masters recognition ceremony and panel discussion
Will participate in TEA education and/or mentoring programs with a minimum of two years of commitment and service

Nominees may be asked to submit resumes, photos of completed projects, designs, artwork, work samples, graphics or video containing highlights of their craft to support the selection process.

Owners, operators, or managers of themed entertainment venues, except when directly involved in the creation of compelling places or experiences, Members of the current TEA International Board of Directors, Buzz Price Thea award recipients are ineligible for TEA Master consideration.

Examples of Crafts & Disciplines

(Non-exhaustive list - for reference only)

TEA Examples of Crafts and Disciplines

Key Updates for 2025 Nominations:

Only nominations from the last three years (2022-present) will be considered.
Past nominators (pre-2022) are encouraged to resubmit using the current form.

Key Dates for 2025:

1 April 2025 – Nominations Open at 1:01 AM PST
16 May 2025 – Nominations Close at 11:59 PM PST
18 September – 2025 Master Slate Announced
21 October – 2025 TEA Masters Induction Ceremony - Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

TEA Masters

They’re the quiet legends. The creators. The solvers. The mentors.Experts in design, technology, project management, finance – dozens of individual professionals who represent the themed entertainment industry at its best.These are the TEA Masters.