I specialize in producing live character entertainment shows, as well as writing, directing and editing kid-focused comedic videos starring iconic puppet, costumed, animatronic, and (sometimes) human characters. As the Director of Entertainment for CEC Entertainment (parent company of the Chuck E. Cheese brand), I am continually working to tell stories and build a positive emotional connection between Chuck E. Cheese and his audience. I strive to position Chuck E. and his friends as fun-loving, deep, rich characters, instead of just restaurant mascots.I began working for CEC Entertainment in 2001 by programming animatronics and stage light shows. In 2005, I took a break from CEC and moved to Los Angeles to grow my professional Entertainment Industry experience. Ultimately I landed at the Walt Disney Company in Southern California, then later in Hong Kong, and I learned how to create immersive and story-rich entertainment experiences that emotionally connect with guests. I credit my time at the Disney Parks with developing my expert puppeteer skills and growing my inspiration to put on fun, interactive, live entertainment at its highest quality. (Disney is also where I met my wife!)In 2010, I returned to the mouse that launched my career, Chuck E. Cheese. What I find most rewarding about my job is the opportunity to develop established, iconic characters for a new generation. Conceptualizing, directing and producing shows for kids allows me to further explore and deepen the stories and traits of the familiar characters that I loved as a child. In 2021, and again remounted in 2022, I wrote and produced the "Chuck E. Cheese Summer of Fun Concert Tour," our company's first-ever, 20-minute, theme-park style, traveling live show. In addition to scriptwriting, I oversaw all aspects of production, including casting performers and staffing a choreographer and stage crew. I managed the project's design and production budgets, reported status updates to senior leaders and supervised all cast on tour. At each show I was happy to see the smiles and laughter of kids and their families who could, for the very first time, sing-and-dance along with Chuck E. and his friends outside the four walls of a CEC fun center. This project has been one of the most rewarding of my career.Feel free to check out some of the videos we've produced lately on the official CEC YouTube Channel and contact me here on LinkedIn, if you'd like to connect.