Damaris Dubon
Q What do you do?
“By day I work for a theme park. Outside of my service role, I design themed entertainment experiences in various attraction and leisure spaces for families.”
My work has been part of places such as Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Travel Town Museum, and most recently, Cemetery Lane at the Heritage Square Museum. These design experiences include public parks, new exhibits, and flipping historical houses into Halloween mode.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I didn't know that theme park design was a real thing. I was very much inspired by the behind-the-scenes documentaries on the Disney Parks (particularly, Walt Disney World) that aired in the early 2000s on the Travel Channel. During college, while researching opportunities to break into the industry, I got an internship with a local company that focused on entertainment design. It really introduced me that there was a whole world to designing rides and attractions not just for theme parks but also for museums, aquariums, and even hospitality. The themed entertainment industry runs on a vast spectrum of colors! I've taken many turns and inversions throughout my career with its wonderful and difficult moments. I've also been a member of the Themed Entertainment Association since 2014 and it has been a great resource for networking with professionals, connecting with mentors, and even getting to visit some cool theme parks! They do some of the best social events for networking.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have left and right brains working at any given time. I have a passion for learning new subjects and tools quickly. My studies vary from animal welfare, communications, foreign languages, to even English country houses! My liberal arts training continues to thrill my brain well after the English degree. I know how to seek interesting projects and find a way to contact the people leading those projects and lend a hand. I know how to get into a dig site. Oh! I am also an independent writer. I live next to a small Japanese tea house that is part of a local park, which inspired me to start blogging on LinkedIn by writing short-form stories about travel, mystery, and fantasy.
Q What are you working on right now?
Finding cookbooks at the library to try out new recipes at home. Incorporating fitness routines and random picnic lunches at parks. I'm also planning a trip to a theme park I've never been to before here in the States. I had to skip the rainy season in Orlando as a runner-up! Also, I'm managing my blog on my LinkedIn feed and continuing to connect with amazing creatives via that platform.
Q What’s your style?
My writing is experimental. The stories don't usually have characters or central plots. They are free-flowing and are kept to short-form as much as possible. They often have an element of mystery (anonymous) but also keep you entertained.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Public speaking – just knowing how to talk to people on a daily basis with verbal conversations.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Work comes and goes in our industry. Robots taking over our job searches. Trying to always become the “next” thing when we should realize that we are good enough already and are always “becoming” in our fruitful careers.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would have them work on sales, marketing, accounting, and chasing the spreadsheets. Even work on creative aspects such as research, event production, project builds, etc.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told my college self that it's okay to settle with what you got. You don't have to go bold and strong each time. Learn to pause more often. Take some Saturdays off and go see your family and friends. It's okay to waste time. I'm very proud of the journey you continue to make for yourself!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Construction, A/V systems, and Stage Combat.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Roles I am open to include Project Coordinator / Administrative Assistant, Show Writer, and Creative Director. I'm also expanding to Seasonal Decorator and Marketing Specialist. Work environments should be in Creative Development, Entertainment Production, and / or Scenic Fabrication.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Friendly. Team player. Values my work and what I bring to the table. Maintains a positive attitude even when it comes to coaching or if we have to put the fires out.
Q: What is your rate?
I am open to negotiating salary and PTO time, depending on how I fit into the organization.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can email me. You can connect with me on LinkedIn as well. I'd like for us to connect!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Students who are interested in this career but are not enrolled in a design school. CalArts and SCAD are wonderful schools and have great connections to our industry but it's important to expand the palette.
Samantha Brown. She is currently the travel host of Places to Love on PBS. She introduced me to all of those wonderful Walt Disney World park and hotel shows on the Travel Channel. She has a great personality that comes on camera. I am happy to see that she continues to create travel shows for us after all these years. She's over 50 and still going!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Going to the library. Watching theme park vloggers on YouTube. Doing arts and crafts from time to time with my own hands. Traveling locally and internationally.
This member profile was originally published in May 2022.