In a Nutshell: How Beth Novak brings immersive storytelling to life
Ever wondered how people design popular theme parks like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? These experiences transport visitors into new worlds through storytelling and strategic design that engage all five senses. See how students at OHIO learn the methods behind the magic.
January 29, 2025
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In our latest episode of “In a Nutshell,” Beth Novak, associate dean of the Honors Tutorial College and associate professor in the School of Media Arts and Studies in the Scripps College of Communication, shows how she is helping OHIO students unlock the secrets of immersive storytelling—and take their learning beyond the classroom to study theme parks firsthand.
From Athens to Orlando: Learning through experience
Beth’s early fascination with storytelling turned into a career dedicated to helping students explore how stories shape worlds around us, whether through film, animation, virtual reality, or theme park attractions.
In the Storytelling in Theme Parks course Beth teaches with John Bowditch, students go beyond reading about immersive storytelling to experiencing it. After studying the intentions behind theme park design in class, they travel to Orlando, Fla., where they analyze everything from attraction layouts to soundscapes, understanding how these elements transport visitors into unforgettable worlds.
A classroom like no other
As Beth walks through Ohio University’s Advanced Animation Lab, she introduces us to students designing their own immersive stories. Whether working with stop-motion animation, character design, or virtual environments, or venturing into on-site learning in Tokyo, they’re developing the skills to engage audiences in new and innovative ways.
And for Beth, it’s all about bringing stories to life—whether in a classroom, a theme park, or right here at Ohio University.