What happens behind the scenes sets the stage for incredible moments when guests feel the magic and make lifelong memories, thanks to Teena Sauvola and other talented professionals like her. Sauvola is a designer and art director for internationally branded theme parks, such as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Universal Studios. She is part of a team that not only designs attractions, but also entire parks following a master plan.

“Much of my job consists of coming up with entertaining concepts for rides, shows, restaurants, and interactive experiences,” Sauvola said. “I largely have to think about the story we are trying to tell guests when they visit.”

Sauvola explained how they brainstorm different concepts that upon completion might be as glamorous and recognizable as Cinderella’s castle. When planning, her team asks themselves questions like, “What types of feelings do we want guests to experience when they walk through a theme park land?” she said. “In what activities will they participate?”

A BFA in theatrical design and early career work as a theatrical set designer prepared Sauvola with the necessary experience for her current role as a storyteller.

“Viterbo was pivotal in developing my abilities to craft stories that resonate with audiences,” she said.

Sauvola started college as an acting major but found that she thrived in design courses.

“I had a lot more fun being on the crew than acting in the show,” said Sauvola, who went on to work theatre jobs around the country and earn a graduate degree from the University of Texas before moving to Los Angeles and finding her career niche.

One of the biggest changes she has encountered since her education is the use of technology. When she was new to the business, designs were largely done by hand. “Sets, drafting, and paint elevations were all done without a computer. Today, designers use software and digital techniques.”

Sauvola recently reconnected with her Viterbo professors and she was invited to design the set for Bat Boy: The Musical.

“Almost everything I did for Bat Boy was done on the computer using programs like Photoshop, Sketchup, and AutoCAD. I even ventured into using some Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help me.”

Sauvola uses AI sparingly and only on things that would take longer than would be creatively worth doing by hand.

“AI is everywhere lately, and it is already making major changes to creative industries,” she said. “Although, it seems that many of the large theme park companies have forbidden us from using it on projects as there are major copyright conflicts they wish to avoid.”

Magic is one ingredient important to the Disney parks’ recipe for success, and Sauvola adds that good planning, management, and experience are not to be left out. Those three things are the real secret ingredients that make everything look so magical.

“In a single night, a fairly small crew changes the entire Magic Kingdom from Halloween to Christmas decor,” she said. “Being on site to watch this happen is exciting, but it really comes down to every last detail being well-organized and managed.”

Sauvola’s imagination and keen eye for detail are also showcased in her personal art. Her Etsy store, TheArtofTeenaSauvola.etsy.com, carries a whimsical array of art prints, stickers, and enamel pins. Many designs are inspired by her favorite movies, artists, and places, like the woods and water surrounding her hometown of Eagle River. Her scenes come alive, making one feel they are in the midst of them.