Program Manager  ·  Themed Entertainment

Noel Christian Noble

Senior Manager, Capital Projects  |  Technical Entertainment  |  Universal Studios

21+ Years Experience
$40M+ Budget Managed
11 Managers Led
4 Major Park Clients
Background
About Me

I'm a results-driven Program Manager with over 21 years of experience in themed entertainment, having progressed from hands-on technician to technical leader across some of the industry's most iconic attractions. My background spans the full project lifecycle — from scope development and RFP through design, integration, commissioning, and handover. That progression means I've spent a significant portion of my career in the field — on construction sites, at vendor facilities, and on project sites around the world.

Currently functioning in a Program Manager capacity within Universal Studios' Technical Entertainment group, I drive multiple concurrent capital programs spanning Audio, Video, Projection, Lighting, Pyrotechnics, Scenic, Facility Infrastructure, Show Action Equipment, and Type One Safety Systems — leading a team of managers and overseeing budgets in excess of $40M. I bring both Agile and Waterfall experience to every program, with a track record of keeping complex, multi-discipline workstreams on schedule and on budget.

Throughout my career I've delivered large-scale projects for Universal Parks & Resorts, Disney Parks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Sphere Entertainment Co., and the National Geographic Society — including experience with safety-critical Type One systems. I'm equally comfortable at the whiteboard defining scope as I am on the floor working through commissioning challenges, whether that's in Orlando, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas, or anywhere else the project takes me.

I also own and operate Insein Group, an independent engineering and A/V consulting firm providing third-party reviews, technical consulting, and expert support for projects where deep industry knowledge makes the difference.

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Photo A
Noel Christian Noble — Program Manager, Themed Entertainment
What I Do
Core Expertise
🎛️
Audio / Video Systems
Parkwide, attraction, and ride vehicle onboard A/V design, integration, and commissioning.
💡
Lighting & Projection
Themed lighting design, large-format projection, and direct-view LED systems.
🎆
Pyrotechnics & Show Action
Special effects and show action equipment integration for live entertainment environments.
🏗️
Scenic & Facility Infrastructure
Coordinating scenic fabrication and facility infrastructure to support complex show systems.
🎢
Ride Vehicle Systems
Onboard audio, lighting, and control systems integrated with ride vehicles and manufacturers.
🤖
Animatronics & Show Control
Show control system design and animatronic integration for immersive attraction environments.
📋
Program Management
Driving multiple concurrent capital programs end-to-end using Agile and Waterfall — from scope definition and RFP through design, integration, commissioning, and handover. Experienced managing cross-functional teams and budgets in excess of $50M.
🤝
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
RFP development, vendor selection, contract oversight, and cross-functional team leadership — including direct partnerships with ride manufacturers Intamin, Mack, and B&M.
🛡️
Safety-Critical Systems
Hands-on experience overseeing Type One safety-critical systems within active capital programs, ensuring full compliance with functional safety requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
Featured Work
Project Spotlights
Universal Studios — Technical Entertainment  |  2025–2026  |  ✨ Now Open

Universal Celestial Goodnight — Epic Universe

Functioned as Program Manager for Epic Universe's first permanent nighttime spectacular — managing a team of discipline managers responsible for Pyrotechnics, Lighting, Audio, Controls, Facility Infrastructure, and Safety Systems from project inception through opening night. The show features 7 million LEDs, 350+ choreographed dancing fountains, nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures, and a fireworks finale set to a sweeping musical score drawing from all five themed lands.

Scope of Responsibility
Pyrotechnics Lighting Systems Audio Show Controls Facility Infrastructure Safety Systems Fountain Systems Type One Safety Systems
Key Deliverables
  • Led program from initial concept through opening night — writing scopes, reviewing designs, and managing all workstreams end-to-end
  • Managed a team of discipline managers across Pyrotechnics, Lighting, Audio, Controls, Infrastructure, and Safety Systems
  • Coordinated cross-functional design reviews and ensured all vendor deliverables met technical and contractual requirements
  • Delivered Epic Universe's first dedicated nighttime spectacular on schedule
Project Gallery
Celestial Goodnight — fireworks and light beams over Epic Universe lagoon Celestial Goodnight — project team photo with show logo Celestial Goodnight — fountains and fireworks with lagoon in foreground
Celestial Goodnight — show lighting over Epic Universe
Universal Creative  |  2018 – 2020

Epic Universe — Universal Orlando

Served as Senior Technical Manager for Ride and Show Engineering on Epic Universe, Universal's largest park expansion — overseeing audio/video, projection, CCTV, and ride vehicle onboard systems across multiple themed lands and attractions.

Scope of Responsibility
Parkwide Audio Ride Vehicle Audio Ride Vehicle Lighting Themed Land A/V CCTV / Surveillance Land Interactives Attraction Queues Vendor Management
Key Deliverables
  • Developed Scopes and RFP Packages for the Parkwide Audio System
  • Managed design and integration of multiple ride vehicle audio and lighting systems
  • Drafted full themed land A/V system scope encompassing CCTV, queues, and interactives
  • Reviewed all vendor designs and documentation to ensure contractual compliance and that Creative intent was met
  • Managed contractor mock-ups and prototypes to validate and achieve the intended Creative vision
Attractions
  • Isle of Berk — Audio/Video systems and roller coaster onboard audio
  • Dark Universe / Monsters Unchained — Onboard audio
  • Celestial Park / Stardust Racers — Onboard audio and lighting
Project Gallery
Epic Universe — Isle of Berk portal concept art Epic Universe — Isle of Berk project team photo Epic Universe — Isle of Berk roller coaster night shot
Full Portfolio
All Projects

A selection of projects spanning over two decades in themed entertainment — from individual attractions to full park gates, across Universal, Disney, SeaWorld, and beyond.

Universal Orlando Technical Services  |  2009
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, FL
Show Control Technician
Part of the Technical Services project team during commissioning and integration of onboard audio and show control systems for this music-themed coaster — an early project that gave me a strong foundation in ride vehicle show systems.
Onboard Audio Show Systems Commissioning
Universal Orlando Technical Services  |  2012 – 2013
Transformers: The Ride 3D
Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, FL
Show Systems Technician
Supported integration and commissioning of A/V and show control systems for this large-format motion simulation attraction, gaining valuable hands-on experience with complex show system deployments at park scale.
Show Control Audio/Video Integration
Universal Orlando Technical Services  |  2013 – 2014
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, FL
Show Systems Technician
Contributed to show systems integration and commissioning for this multi-dimensional thrill ride, working across A/V, projection, and special effects as part of the Technical Services project team.
Audio/Video Projection Special Effects Show Systems
Universal Orlando Technical Services  |  2013 – 2014
Hogwarts Express
Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, FL
Show Systems Project Integration
Worked alongside vendors during integration and commissioning of the train's audio, projection, and control systems. The attraction's unique Doppelmayr/Garaventa funicular format presented real technical challenges — several of which were solved through approaches developed on-site during the project.
Onboard Audio Projection Control Systems Commissioning
Universal Creative  |  2015 – 2017
Universal's Volcano Bay
Universal Orlando Resort — Orlando, FL
Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Joined Universal Creative for a true ground-up build — literally from an empty field to a fully operational water park. Managed the parkwide surveillance scope end-to-end and contributed to parkwide audio design and Wi-Fi network integration across the entire property.
Surveillance / CCTV Parkwide Audio Wi-Fi Network Ground-Up Build
Volcano Bay — construction team in front of volcano structure Volcano Bay — on site during construction overlooking the park
Universal Creative  |  2015 – 2016
The Incredible Hulk Coaster Refurbishment
Islands of Adventure — Orlando, FL
Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Managed the full A/V scope for this iconic coaster's major refurbishment, overseeing onboard audio and attraction-wide audio/video upgrades as part of Universal Creative's Ride & Show Engineering team.
Audio/Video Onboard Ride Systems Refurbishment
Incredible Hulk Coaster — night shot with green lighting Incredible Hulk Coaster — launch tunnel interior Incredible Hulk Coaster — project team at reopening
Universal Creative  |  2017 – 2018
The Walking Dead Attraction
Universal Studios Hollywood — Hollywood, CA
Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Led A/V technical direction for this immersive walk-through attraction, overseeing systems design and integration to build a high-impact guest experience across multiple themed environments.
Audio/Video Immersive Experience Technical Direction
Universal Creative  |  2018 – 2019
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Islands of Adventure — Orlando, FL
Senior Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Managed onboard audio, lighting, and control systems integration for this Intamin multi-launch coaster, working directly with ride manufacturers to bring one of the most celebrated theme park attractions ever built across the finish line.
Onboard Audio Onboard Lighting Ride Systems Vendor Coordination
Universal Creative  |  2018 – 2019
Super Nintendo World — Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
Universal Studios Hollywood / Japan
Senior Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Contributed to ride vehicle onboard systems scoping and A/V design during the Nintendo collaboration effort — one of several high-profile developments running in parallel during my time on the Epic Universe team.
Ride Vehicle A/V Show Systems Scope Development
Universal Creative  |  2019 – 2020
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Islands of Adventure — Orlando, FL
Senior Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Contributed to early ride vehicle systems scoping and onboard A/V design during initial development phases of this high-speed multi-launch coaster — one of several Epic Universe-era projects running concurrently at the time.
Ride Vehicle Systems Onboard A/V Scope Development
Holovis Inc.  |  2022 – 2023
Darkastle / Darkoaster
Busch Gardens — Williamsburg, VA
Technical Director
Led A/V and projection systems from initial concept through delivery on this Intamin indoor launching coaster. Oversaw a full show technology package including audio, video, projection, and show control integration.
Audio/Video Projection Show Control Technical Direction
Holovis Inc.  |  2022
Villain-Con Minion Blast
Universal Studios Florida — Orlando, FL
Audio Design Engineer
Took ownership of attraction audio design from day one — responsible for speaker selection and placement across Queue, Ride, and Retail zones. The system was delivered to strong stakeholder approval and remains a solid example of attraction-wide audio design done right.
Audio Design Queue Audio Ride Area Audio Speaker Systems
Holovis Inc.  |  2021
Decepticoaster
Universal Studios Beijing — Beijing, China
Technical Director / Lead Engineer
Led show technology delivery for this B&M launched sit-down coaster at Universal Studios Beijing's opening day lineup. The attraction features an inclined launch through a Decepticon Driller tunnel packed with special effects and lighting — a technically demanding integration delivered on an international scale.
Onboard Show Systems Special Effects Lighting International Delivery
Holovis Inc.  |  2021 – 2023
SeaWorld Yas Island
Yas Island — Abu Dhabi, UAE
Design & Engineering Consultant
Contributed technical direction on the parkwide A/V scope for this landmark marine life park — the first SeaWorld-branded park to open outside North America in 30 years. The project featured one of the world's largest cylindrical LED screens at 3,000+ sq meters, 1,800+ speakers, 250 digital displays, and a first-of-its-kind 160-drone indoor show.
Parkwide A/V LED Systems Digital Signage Show Audio Interactives
Holovis Inc.  |  2022 – 2023
SeaWorld Penguin Trek
SeaWorld Orlando — Orlando, FL
Technical Director / Systems Designer
Served as Technical Director and sole designer of the audio, video, and projection system for this immersive penguin-themed coaster experience. Took the show technology scope from concept through design, developing a fully integrated A/V and projection package to support the attraction's themed environment.
Audio Design Video Systems Projection Technical Direction
Holovis Inc.  |  2022 – 2023
The Sphere Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Design & Project Management
Contributed to design and project management for an LED ring installation at one of the most technologically ambitious entertainment venues ever built. A complex, high-profile project that required close coordination between multiple technical disciplines and stakeholders.
LED Systems Project Management Integration
Universal Creative  |  2018 – 2020
Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort — Orlando, FL
Senior Technical Manager — Ride & Show Engineering
Led technical project management across audio/video, projection, CCTV, and ride vehicle onboard systems for Universal's largest-ever park expansion. Developed RFPs, managed vendor relationships, and drove multiple workstreams from scope through commissioning. See the full project spotlight above for details.
Parkwide Audio Ride Vehicle A/V CCTV Program Management
EOS Lightmedia  |  2024 – 2025
National Geographic Museum Upgrade
Washington, D.C.
Senior Manager / Program Manager
Functioned as Program Manager over a team of managers responsible for delivering a full technology upgrade across the museum — encompassing Audio, Video, Projection, and LED walls. Coordinated cross-discipline workstreams from scope through delivery, ensuring all systems met the client's vision for an elevated visitor experience.
Audio Video Projection LED Walls Program Management
EOS Lightmedia  |  2024 – 2025
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — Top of the Tower
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Senior Designer
Led the A/V and interactives design for the Top of the Tower refurbishment at this historic museum — one of Hawaii's most visited landmarks. Responsible for the full design of audio, video, and interactive systems, creating an engaging and technically robust visitor experience within a historically significant environment.
Audio Video Interactives Museum Design
EOS Lightmedia  |  2024 – 2025  |  🔧 Design Phase
Glenbow Museum
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Senior Designer
Served as Senior Designer for the audio, video, projection, and interactive systems across this major Canadian cultural institution. Delivered a comprehensive A/V design package covering all exhibit spaces — a technically diverse scope spanning multiple disciplines within a museum environment.
Audio Video Projection Interactives Museum Design
EOS Lightmedia  |  2024 – 2025  |  🔒 Unannounced
Qiddiya — Confidential Immersive Project
Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia
Senior Designer
Served as Senior Designer for a large-scale, multi-building immersive experience at Qiddiya — one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious entertainment destinations. The project encompassed Audio, Video, Projection, LED walls, and ride vehicle onboard audio across multiple interconnected spaces. Project details remain confidential pending official announcement.
Audio/Video Projection LED Walls Ride Vehicle Audio Immersive Design
Universal Studios  |  2025 – 2026  |  ✨ Now Open
Universal Celestial Goodnight
Epic Universe — Orlando, FL
Senior Manager, Capital Projects (Program Manager)
Functioned as Program Manager for Epic Universe's first permanent nighttime spectacular, managing a team of discipline managers from inception through opening night. See the full project spotlight above for details.
Program Management Pyrotechnics Lighting Show Controls Now Open
Career
Experience
2025 – Present
Universal Studios
Senior Manager, Capital Projects Current
Universal Studios — Technical Entertainment  |  Orlando, FL
Leading program management of multiple concurrent capital projects, overseeing up to 11 direct reports and budgets in excess of $40M across scopes including Audio, Video, Projection, Lighting, Pyrotechnics, Scenic, Facility Infrastructure, and Show Action Equipment.
Feb 2023 – Present
Insein Group
Owner / Lead Engineering Consultant Current
Insein Group — Davenport, FL
Provide expert engineering and A/V consulting to clients lacking in-house resources. Services include independent third-party reviews of engineering documentation, SOWs, and RFPs; technical consulting for complex entertainment projects; and tailored support for unique project challenges.
Apr 2024 – Apr 2025
EOS Lightmedia
Senior AV Engineering Manager
EOS Lightmedia — Orlando, FL
Oversaw multiple teams leading strategic technical direction, project execution, and team development for domestic and international themed entertainment A/V projects — including programs with budgets surpassing $50M USD.
Sep 2021 – May 2024
Holovis Inc.
Technical Director / Lead Engineer
Holovis Inc. — Orlando, FL
Provided technical leadership and managed execution of large-scale themed entertainment A/V projects for Universal Parks & Resorts, Disney Parks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and Sphere Entertainment Co.
Nov 2020 – Sep 2021
Ocado Engineering
Senior Engineer, Controls
Ocado Engineering Group — Groveland, FL
Managed integration and commissioning of Siemens facility control systems, conducted SAT inspections, and mentored the engineering team on automated control systems and operational procedures.
Aug 2018 – Nov 2020
Universal Creative
Senior Technical Manager – Ride & Show Engineering AV
Universal Creative — Orlando, FL
Led technical project management for Epic Universe across audio/video, projection, CCTV, and ride vehicle onboard systems. Developed RFPs, managed vendor relationships, and drove programs from scope through commissioning.
Mar 2015 – Aug 2018
Universal Creative
Technical Manager – Ride & Show Engineering AV
Universal Creative — Orlando, FL
Managed A/V technical execution across Incredible Hulk Coaster, Volcano Bay, and Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure — covering onboard ride systems, parkwide audio/video, CCTV, and guest interactives.
Aug 2004 – Mar 2015
Universal Orlando
Parkwide / Ride & Show Technician
Universal Orlando — Orlando, FL
Maintained audio, video, projection, network, and CCTV systems across Universal Orlando Resort. Contributed to major projects including Spiderman, Transformers, Hogwarts Express, Simpsons, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Capabilities
Skills
Management & Leadership
Project Management Technical Leadership Vendor Management Scope Management Budget Management Stakeholder Management Agile Waterfall
Technical
Audio/Video Systems Ride Vehicle Systems Technical Documentation Quality Assurance Show Control Animatronics Lighting ASTM F24 Compliance
Systems & Platforms
Siemens Allen Bradley Schneider Drives PLC Programming Alcorn McBride
Certifications
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Scrum Alliance
SAF-TUV1: Functional Safety for Machinery
Rockwell Automation
OSHA 10-Hour (Construction & General Industry)
Florida Safety Council
Scaffold User Certification
Alpha-Omega Training and Compliance
Industry
Professional Memberships
Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) — Active Member
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
Scrum Alliance — Active Member
Project Management Institute (PMI) — Active Member
Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) — Active Member
Get In Touch
Contact

Interested in connecting, collaborating, or learning more about my work? I'd love to hear from you.