ERIC QUANG GELB

Many people’s first theatrical memories are not of Elphaba defying gravity or jellicle cats: it was when Junie B. Jones came to their school to sing about “Top Secret Personal Beeswax”. It was meeting Mickey, or seeing Big Bird dance down Sesame Street. It may not seem like high art - but it is critically important. It's making memories, sparking a lifelong love of the arts, inspiring the theatergoers of tomorrow by introducing them to it (through the vessel of whomever is currently dominating the scene - whether it’s Blippi or Jojo Siwa). 

 

At NYU, I studied Educational Theatre, specifically "Theatre for Young Audiences". I focused on creating entertainment with age-appropriate curriculum; how to capture the attention of children, keep adults engaged & align with the values of any given IP, all while being diverse and inclusive.

 

I graduated early so I could work at Disney World in Entertainment for four months before getting back to Broadway. But the world made the choice for me: after three months, COVID hit. 

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During the shutdown, I managed entire entertainment teams on ships, directed character experiences and more. When it reopened, a friend said to me:  “why don’t you do both?” 

 

So that’s what I do: yes, I can teach conservatory-style bootcamp and direct large-scale musicals, but live branded entertainment is also in my wheelhouse. Whether it’s Florida, New York, or on the high seas - I believe character is everything.