Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies
Timeline
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Charles Gray

Orlando,FL

Summary

Accomplished Senior Show Director at Universal Orlando Resorts, renowned for elevating Halloween Horror Nights production value and audience engagement through innovative collaborations and technical creativity. Excelled in story development, IP communication and relationship building, and infield problem solving, fostering team growth, mentorship, and achieving high-quality performances. Skilled in creative vision and teamwork, consistently delivered memorable and profitable events that surpassed expectations.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Show Director

Universal Orlando Resorts
04.2013 - Current
  • Collaborated with designers to select creatively diverse stories for each Halloween Horror Nights event.
  • Boosted overall production value through strategic collaborations with renowned designers and technical experts.
  • Led cross-functional teams from script development through final curtain call, ensuring cohesive vision throughout entire production process.
  • Mentored junior staff members in directing techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating innovative visual and audio elements in show production.
  • Directed rehearsals to refine performances and maintain high-quality standards.

Performer

Universal Orlando Resorts
04.1993 - 04.2013

Performed in multiple roles at Universal Orlando Resort as an actor, dancer, and singer. Shows included Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review, Horror Make up Show, Nickelodeon Studio's Game Lab, and many more.

Performance Coordinator

Universal Orlando Resorts
11.2012 - 12.2012
  • Assisted the show director teach choreography, Grinch performances, and open the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular show.
  • Directed performers within timelines for successful completion, ensuring rehearsal milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.

Research and Development Performer

Universal Orlando Resorts
06.2007 - 08.2007

Disaster Show

  • Collaborated with directors and adapted quickly to changes in scripts or direction, demonstrating flexibility under tight deadlines or last-minute adjustments.
  • Created choreography for synchronization within tight illusion spaces to match the musion screen's holographic performance.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Organizational And Interpersonal Communications

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
05.2017

Skills

  • Creative vision
  • Technical knowledge
  • Script Analysis
  • Audience Engagement
  • Sound design
  • Rehearsal Direction
  • Casting expertise
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Task Delegation
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Attention to Detail
  • Content Development
  • Script Reading
  • Concept Development
  • Story Development
  • Story pitching
  • Shot and Scene Planning
  • Stories Editing
  • Script review and revision
  • Rehearsal Review

Accomplishments

Starting in 2013, has created 74 haunted house and 5 scarezones from inception to event opening, for Halloween Horror Nights, breaking financial, GSAT, and attendance records during that span.


Pitched successfully to Ivan and Jason Reitman, Abel (The Weeknd), Greg Nicotero, Malek Akkad, and the Chiodo Brothers.

Hobbies

Performs improvisational comedy every month on the SAK stage in downtown Orlando. Writes short stories and film scripts. Creates games ranging from RPG to table top styles for children and adults. 

Timeline

Senior Show Director

Universal Orlando Resorts
04.2013 - Current

Performance Coordinator

Universal Orlando Resorts
11.2012 - 12.2012

Research and Development Performer

Universal Orlando Resorts
06.2007 - 08.2007

Performer

Universal Orlando Resorts
04.1993 - 04.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Organizational And Interpersonal Communications

University of Central Florida
Charles Gray