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What is Show Programming?

A Show Programmer choreographs the motion of ride vehicles, animated figures, and show action equipment on a themed attraction project.

But it is the ART OF MOTION that Show Programmers contribute to a project team. While talented designers craft the story, and brilliant engineers invent the mechanical, electrical, and control systems that make the experience physically real, it is the show programmer's job to showcase those amazing figures and vehicles by puppeting an engaging performance and immersing the guests within the story. We animate those visceral moments on a ride vehicle, connected by subtlely synchronized motion textures in-between, keeping the audience off-balance and drawing them INTO the story of the show. And we stage those nuanced postures of an animated figure to capture the guests' attention and ground the story in that new reality.

It is the CRAFT of a show programmer to carry the Creative Director's artistic vision and fashion it into the physical world using tools built by brilliant engineers and technicians. It's a show programmer's passion and privilege to be part of the team that physically touches the audience and provides our guests with a memorable experience they can reach out and feel.







Show Programming Promotional Video


In 2019, Universal Creative released promotional videos describing the various roles and teams involved in designing and building attractions at Universal Parks and Resorts. I had the privelege of managing the diversely talented team of show programmers (dubbed "Ride & Show Performance") and was asked to describe what we do and how we do it.

  • Ride Vehicle and Figure Animation
  • Define Creative intent with attraction designers and producers
  • Show Performance Animatics
  • Show Action Equipment Performance
  • Special Effects Timing and Intensity
  • Show Sequencing
  • Track Trigger Timing
  • On-site test and adjust


















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Ride Motion & Figure Animation

Show programmers use computer animation tools to choreograph the character animation of figures, as well as the subtle movements and visceral moments in ride vehicle motion.
  • Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey™
  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man™
  • Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem™
  • Fast & Furious: Supercharged™
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™
  • Harry Potter & The Escape From Gringott's™



Show Sequencing & Timing

Show programmers work with controls engineers to test and adjust trigger timing to ensure that all various show elements work in perfect sync throughout the show, and can recover to a synchronized state in the event of a show stop.
  • Jurassic World Adventure™
  • Transformers 3D™
  • Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest™
  • Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey™
  • Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure™
  • Jurarassic Park: Velocicoaster™


Coaster Analysis

Show programmers work with engineers and attraction designers to provide hyperaccurate timing analysis for roller coasters to support propulsion and trajectory studies.
  • Transformers 3D™
  • Cancelled project;
  • Jurarassic Park: Velocicoaster™
  • Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure™