Wendy Ruth is a writer, director, and creative director who celebrates the imagination and all things Disney. From completely personal, immersive role play to outdoor shows filled with fountains, projections, and fireworks (and everything in-between), Wendy likes to create experiences that tug at the heartstrings and leave lasting memories. Working in both theatrical and theme park environments make it possible – when you believe!

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I’m fascinated by the breadth of categories and creators. I’m really looking forward to the innovation, artistry, and engagement from this year’s entries.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

I started out as a stage manager! It taught me to put safety and efficiency at the highest priority, as well as how to think on my feet and to work with diverse combinations of creative, artistic, and technically-minded people.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I’m very proud of the nighttime spectacular, “Believe – Sea of Dreams” at Tokyo DisneySea. It took an army of wonderfully creative and technical collaborators to put this piece together over a number of years and through the pandemic. The story and the execution are close to my heart and the culmination of many of my childhood dreams. The show’s theme is about never giving up on a wish… I’m glad I held onto mine until I could make them come true.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

In immersives, it’s important that the video experience is seamlessly integrated into the story or the emotional journey, moving the story forward and even making the audience want to join in. In large scale spectacle, excellence shows in the ways that quality imagery and careful, thoughtful choreography captivate the target audiences into emotional responses. In any video creation, I look for unity of details, care, and delightful creativity.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I lead creative teams and contribute concepts and direction for live entertainment product in different Disney Parks around the world. I love that I get to learn from audiences across the US and in different countries, feeding their fandoms and inviting them to play.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

I’m really into creating experiences that leave lasting impressions and give guests a story to tell. It’s a great compliment when people share a video, bring a friend to participate (again), or work their experience into a tale that they tell over and over – starring themselves!

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

Honestly, sometimes it’s critical to take a break and just dream a little. Unplug, go for a walk or lie down and watch the clouds or listen to the birds or the waves. I try to be open to ideas that hit me out of nowhere when I least expect it. You never know where that odd thought or surprising vision will lead.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

Supportive, creative parents nurtured imagination in my sisters and me. The early exposure they shared, introducing us to plays, music, movies, and books and people who worked in the arts showed me what was possible. Oh, and a huge love for Disneyland.