Music and sound are critical elements for shaping the theme park experience. The burgeoning field of scholarship in this area has forged a path for further study of the musical materials and sonic qualities of themed experiences, including sonic/musical design in theme park attractions and spaces, music of live themed entertainment, and music and sound in virtual themed happenings.
This two-day, virtual conference (to be held in a synchronous format) invites paper proposals for research talks and demonstrations about the music and sound of themed experiences. We accept proposals from academic researchers, industry professionals, or anyone with experience, knowledge, or insight to share. Research topics might include (but are certainly not limited to):
Analytical perspectives on music and sound in theme parks,
Conceptual approaches to music and sound in virtual themed experiences,
Historical antecedents and models of music and sound in theme parks,
Cultural and social issues of theme park sound and music,
Adaptation and representation of theme parks and their music across media,
Sonic technologies and live/virtual implementations of sound in theme parks,
Virtual experiences of theme park sound and music,
Guest behavior and virtual agency with regard to theme park music and sound.
While we encourage research that considers the virtual format of this conference and the possibilities this setting might inspire (virtual experiences, representations, or interpretations), we equally invite investigations and discussions that consider other areas of inquiry.
We encourage proposals for 20-minute talks, but we also welcome proposals for other formats and demonstrations. Feel free to email the organizers to discuss the possibilities. Please submit your paper proposal of no more than 250 words (with a short provisional bibliography) by email to tim.summers@rhul.ac.uk by January 10, 2025. We aim to communicate the program decisions by February 7, 2025. If you require more information, do get in contact with us.
Organizers:
Carissa Baker (University of Central Florida)
Tim Summers (Royal Holloway University of London)
William Ayers (University of Central Florida) | william.r.ayers@gmail.com