Ty Menard

Creative Producer & Storyteller | Themed Entertainment | Bridging Artistry and Execution in Immersive Experience Design

Orlando, Florida, United States

About

( he | they ) I’ve spent my career bringing stories to life—whether through the eyes of a puppet, the heartbeat of a live show, or the world-building of a theme park attraction. As a Creative Producer and Storyteller with 15+ years in themed entertainment, theatrical production, and live performance, I specialize in bridging imagination and execution—helping teams transform creative intent into experiences that move audiences and strengthen brands through operational excellence. With a BFA in Puppetry from UConn and a career spanning Universal Creative, Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney World, and Disney Live Entertainment, I’ve delivered projects that unite artistry and innovation through creative direction, production management, and collaborative leadership. From the creative development of Dark Universe to the delivery of How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and the launch of Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, I thrive where vision meets logistics—aligning diverse teams, managing complex creative assets, and translating ideas into powerful guest experiences. I’m passionate about fostering creativity through structure, leading with empathy, and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. While my foundation is in entertainment, I’m always exploring new ways to apply design thinking, storytelling, and cross-functional collaboration to broader creative industries. I believe creativity thrives when disciplines collide, and when teams are empowered to dream boldly while delivering with precision. I’m driven by curiosity, guided by empathy, and inspired by the belief that great storytelling isn’t just seen—it’s felt. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about immersive storytelling, creative production, or building teams that bring imagination to life.

Experience

  • Universal Creative ()
    • Associate Producer
      Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Delivering immersive experiences, including Universal Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, by bridging creative vision, brand integrity, and operational excellence. As Associate Producer with Universal Creative, I supported the creative development and delivery of How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk within Universal Epic Universe, collaborating with executive leadership, IP partners, and cross-functional teams to align story, design, and guest experience. I managed IP approvals and creative documentation, coordinated across Merchandise, Food & Beverage, and Legal partners, and oversaw design execution for themed scenic and environmental elements. My work focused on translating creative vision into immersive, story-driven environments that balanced brand integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence. In addition to my project responsibilities, I serve on the steering committee for the OUT Network, Universal Orlando Resort’s LGBTQ+ & Ally Alliance, helping to foster inclusion, mentorship, and visibility across the creative community.

    • Senior Project Coordinator (Show)
      Jul 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Supported the creative development of Dark Universe, coordinating design deliverables, partner communication, and IP alignment across disciplines. As Senior Show Coordinator, I contributed to the creative development of Dark Universe within Universal Epic Universe, supporting alignment between creative intent, IP guidelines, and technical execution. I coordinated vendor and partner communication, tracked design deliverables, and assisted in preparing creative documentation and approvals. Collaborating with producers, designers, and project management teams, I helped ensure creative consistency and quality from early development through production. Dark Universe received the 2025 Golden Ticket Award for Best New Theme Concept, celebrating the collaborative artistry and storytelling excellence of the team.

  • Freelance Theatrical Designer/Director at Freelance
    Jan 2005 - Present · 21 yrs 7 mos

    Design and direct theatrical productions blending artistry and engineering—most notably Little Shop of Horrors (2023), featuring four original large-scale Audrey II puppets built in under 90 days. Design and direct theatrical productions across puppetry, scenic, props, and set decoration, adapting creative vision to diverse venues and budgets. Notable projects include Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre Winter Haven, 2023), for which I designed and built four original Audrey II puppets in under 90 days—developing mechanical systems, costume hybrids, and ergonomic designs for performer safety and impact. Collaborate with mechanical engineers, scenic teams, and puppeteers to bring story-driven, visually inventive designs from concept to stage.

  • Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group ()
    • Artist - Character/Puppeteer (On Call), Stage Manager (On Call)
      Jul 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 1 mo

      Performs as “Mainamie,” a principal character, blending movement, puppetry, and storytelling to bring emotional depth to Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed production. Performer and puppeteer in Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, portraying “Mainamie,” a principal character representing the heart of the show’s narrative. Work collaboratively with directors, choreographers, and technical teams to ensure artistic integrity, performance safety, and storytelling consistency. Contribute to ongoing creative refinements and character continuity through detailed movement and emotional expression.

    • Assistant Stage Manager
      Dec 2019 - Jul 2022 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Helped create and launch Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, coordinating artists and technicians, managing safety, and supporting live performance operations. Served as Assistant Stage Manager during the creation and launch of Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, coordinating daily rehearsals, acrobatic training, and live performance logistics for 65+ artists and technicians. Supported the show’s development through the pandemic, ensuring communication, safety, and creative adaptability. Developed contingency plans, managed cueing and show adjustments, and partnered with puppet vendors to maintain alignment between artistic vision and operational execution.

  • Director at ENCORE CAST PERFORMING ARTS INC
    Feb 2025 - Jul 2025 · 6 mos

    Co-directed a large-scale musical production with over 300 performers, guiding creative adaptation, design, and performance in the Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Co-directed The Hunchback of Notre Dame alongside Meg Stefanowicz, leading a cast, choir, and orchestra of over 300 performers in a large-scale production at the Dr. Phillips Center. Adapted the work for contemporary audiences, balancing historical authenticity with modern emotional resonance. Guided a multidisciplinary team across design, production, and performance to bring the story to life with creative innovation and collaborative leadership.

  • Puppet Designer/Puppet Builder/Puppet Master at THEATRE WINTER HAVEN INC
    Dec 2022 - Mar 2023 · 4 mos

    Design and direct theatrical productions blending artistry and engineering—most notably Little Shop of Horrors (2023), featuring four original large-scale Audrey II puppets built in under 90 days. Designed and built four original Audrey II puppets for Little Shop of Horrors in under 90 days, developing innovative concepts that combined illusion, costume integration, and mechanical engineering. Collaborated with a mechanical engineer to create a 14-foot counterbalanced arm system and ensured ergonomic functionality for performer safety and endurance. Trained a team of five puppeteers, guiding safe operation while achieving the show’s creative and visual intent. The project blended artistry, engineering, and storytelling under tight creative and production timelines.