May 20, 2015

SVSU theatre grad hired at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Recent Saginaw Valley State University graduate Blake Mazur has a busy summer schedule, including plans to begin work as an audio technician at Hollywood Studios in Orlando's Walt Disney World.

A theatre major who acted and provided sound design in 10 SVSU theatre productions, Mazur was offered the full-time job when he interviewed for the position with Walt Disney World employers during a recent conference at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.

“I'm very excited that I have a huge opportunity like this right out of college,” the Saginaw resident said. “I feel very fortunate that my education at SVSU helped me to reach this step. Without SVSU, I definitely would not be where I am right now.”

Mazur said he enrolled at SVSU because its theatre program - unlike many other institutions - allows freshmen the opportunity to play significant roles in theatre productions. As a result, Mazur gained experience that helped him develop his skills immediately.

At first, Mazur was interested exclusively in acting at SVSU. But, during his sophomore year, he served as the sound designer for the university's “Death Of A Salesman” play.

“It was tough, but I learned, and it ended up being something I wanted to do,” he said. “And here I am.”

As an audio technician at Hollywood Studios, Mazur's responsibilities will include helping to maintain the audio used at the resort's attractions. Those include rides and live performances based on popular characters including Cinderella and Indiana Jones as well as franchises such as “Star Wars” and “Frozen.”

Mazur said he is excited for the opportunity. He hopes eventually to rise in the ranks to pursue a career as a sound designer, which oversees a production's audio and manages its audio technicians.