Mike Scanlon

About Mike Scanlon

I’m a creative producer and experience designer with over a decade of success leading high-impact projects across themed entertainment, live events, and immersive brand experiences. My work sits at the intersection of creative vision, operational precision, and emotional resonance—building experiences that don’t just look good, but feel unforgettable.Whether leading elevated guest environments at globally recognized music festivals, managing multi-million dollar creative development for themed attractions, or building cross-functional teams from scratch, I bring a calm, focused presence to high-pressure environments. I’ve delivered results across North America and internationally, working with everyone from internal creatives and executives to city officials, fabricators, and talent.I specialize in: Turning abstract creative goals into actionable, scalable production plans Leading cross-disciplinary teams through complex timelines, logistics, and creative approvals Mentoring designers, producers, and managers to perform at their highest level Protecting brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries Creating premium, emotionally resonant spaces that make people feel seen and inspiredMy experience spans festivals, theme parks, haunted attractions, immersive activations, VIP and hospitality product design, touring experiences and IP-driven storytelling environments. I’m at my best when I’m building something that’s never been done quite this way before—and guiding a team toward the moment when it all clicks.If you\'re looking for someone who can speak both creative and operational fluently—and deliver unforgettable experiences with integrity and impact—I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Senior Creative Producer, North American Legoland Resorts - Merlin Magic Making

   Merlin Entertainments

   Apr 2025 — Present · US

   As the Senior Creative Producer for LEGOLAND Resorts in North America, I serve as the regional creative lead for Merlin Magic Making collaborating closely with London based creative teams to bring immersive, guest-focused concepts from ideation through on-site execution at Resorts in California, New York and Florida. I partner with cross-functional teams—including design, production, and project management—to ensure the LEGOLAND brand vision is delivered with integrity, creativity, and precision. From themed attractions and rides to accommodation and environmental storytelling, overseeing all aspects of creative development integration, ensuring projects are on brand, on time, and within budget.

Education

• Illinois State University

  Technical Theater

  2000 — 2001

• International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA)

  Haunted Attraction Safety & Mangement Seminar

• Jay O. Glerum & Associates, Inc.

  Stage Rigging Master Class

• International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions

  Operations Management & Guest Service

• College of DuPage

  Emergency Medical Technician Certification

• Columbia College Chicago

  Bachelor's degree, Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

• Las Vegas Magical Arts Center

  Illusion Show Production

• Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers International (AIMS International)

  Crisis Management Series Certificate

• Illinois Park & Recreation Assosciation IPRA

  Facility Management

Skills

• Entertainment
• Festivals
• Adobe Photoshop
• Event Management
• Stage Lighting
• Amusement Business Computer Systems (Abc) Programmer
• Customer Service
• Live Events
• Illusion & Special Effect Fabrication
• Haunted Attraction Design & Operation
• Public Relations
• Project Management
• Pyrotechnics
• Omni Ticket Network System Administrator
• Alcorn Mcbride Show Automation Control Programing
• Stage Management
• Production Management
• Training
• Marketing
• Script Developement
• Strategic Brand Positioning
• Event Planning
• Photoshop
• Brand Development
• Theatre
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Fog Systems
• Art Direction