CREATIVE EXECUTIVE 2010-2020 | Walt Disney Imagineering

Portfolio Creative Executive, Shanghai Disney Resort  2019-2020

Held the position of Vice President and Creative Portfolio Executive leading  ongoing Imagineering efforts in the development of  guest experiences for Shanghai Disney Resort. 

Vice President Creative Studios  2017-2019

Led the Creative Studio of 75 people which included Blue Sky, Story Development, Creative Direction and Concept Design Groups, while advancing innovative interdisciplinary practice.

Executive Producer, Shanghai Disney Resort 2010-2017

Headed up the development of an all new land known as Treasure Cove, including the highly innovative and award winning attraction “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Sunken Treasure”. 

Community Engagement 2012-2020

Developed immersion experiences for Imagineering teams with leading cultural institutions in partnership with  Vice President Carmen Smith, who heads up Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies. Through expert facilitation and thoughtfully designed creative exchanges,  this popular program broadened perspectives and built powerful bonds amongst the participants. She contributed to Disney's Children’s Hospital Initiative, among  many others.

Seruto & Company, Owner & Founder 

Built a boutique design and producing firm, in partnership with Robert Koval, who accomplished big

things by assembling top talent with an affinity for the subject. As the Owner, Producer and Creative Director, Nancy led the development of multiple world-class touring exhibitions including “Tutankhamun: King of the Pharaohs” for AEG, “America I Am” for Tavis Smiley, and “CSI: The Experience” for Bob Weis Design Island, and “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” for Leadership Conference of Religious Women. 

Lexington Scenery, Vice President Design and Production

Managed one of the largest independent studios in the country, specializing in custom construction  with over 200 employees. At this high velocity business, she led over 100 projects over 14 years for 

a wide variety of venues including:  museum and traveling exhibitions, theme parks, retail and restaurant interiors, film and television, and special events.

Lighting and Set Designer for regional theater and dance in the Los Angeles Area, and toured throughout the US, Southeast Asia and France with multiple dance companies including The Los Angeles Chamber Ballet, the Jazz Tap Ensemble, The Inland Pacific Ballet, and Jeff Slayton and Dancers. During this time she also worked as a scenic artist and backdrop painter for theater, film and television. Her love of lighting and appreciation of theater craft continue to influence her approach to projects.

Nancy is a plein air landscape painter, spending time painting directly from nature . The experience of standing in front of stunning natural beauty with a blank canvas is an exercise in humility, and a reminder of the importance of observation. Some of her work can be seen on her blog at  http://serutofinearts.com.

MASTER OF ARTS, Theater Arts

California State University Long Beach, 1983

HONORARY DOCTORATE

University of North Carolina

School of the Arts, 2018

The Imagineering Story

In Episode 6 of this docuseries on Disney+, Nancy speaks to her experience working in China on Shanghai Disney Resort, and on one of the most ambitious attractions ever created, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Sunken Treasure."

Imagineering in a Box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvtYXMflPiM

Nancy is interviewed on the development of story and theme, and how this plays out in the design of an immersive experience. 

Brainstorm Design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqCgDoMgICg

At this prestigious Fortune 500 conference in Singapore, Nancy shares more about working in China, and how Disney’s considered approach resonates with local audiences in park that is "Uniquely Disney and Distinctly Chinese".

UNCSA Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruanAiFa2lE

Nancy speaks about her journey, and balancing vulnerability with the armor needed for a career in the arts.