As announced by Blumenthal Arts last month, Blume Studios has found its first Director in Michael Thomas-Visgar.
“Following a highly competitive international search that attracted over 100 applicants, Michael has been selected as the inaugural Director of Blume Studios Events,” said Blumenthal Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “He will lead a diverse slate of programming, from national and international touring productions to corporate events and locally developed shows.”
Blume Studios is a relatively recent addition to Charlotte’s Artistic landscape. Blumenthal Arts opened the new venue in 2024, dedicating it to bringing immersive art and multimedia experiences to the public. Its first exhibit, “Space Explorers: THE INFINITE,” brought visions of space through interactive displays and models, including an immense spinning globe of Earth and a VR journey to the International Space Station, with 360-degree cinematic views of outer space.
Michael Thomas-Visgar is no stranger to the challenges Blumenthal Arts brings to visitors of its venues year-round. Having performed and directed at venues including the Pasadena Playhouse, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, and 3D Theatricals, the Los Angeles native boasts more than a decade of experience in the live entertainment industry, with a focus on the creative development of immersive events in non-traditional spaces.
Thomas-Visgar’s experience in entertainment and production includes original cast member status in “Frozen: Live at the Hyperion at Disney California Adventure.” During turns in the director’s seat, he has earned an LA Times Critics’ Choice recognition for “The Mongoose” and received critical acclaim and awards for multiple productions at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
In the last few years, Thomas-Visgar has also served as a key creative and operations leader at Rail Events Inc., where he oversaw the reopening of Old Tucson, an immersive Wild West theme park, following a two-year closure due to the COVID pandemic. One of his ongoing projects, which he is especially elated to be a part of, includes the development of the “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure,” a new immersive experience expected to launch soon.
Said Thomas-Visgar about his new role at Blume Studios: “I am deeply passionate about immersive art and its transformative potential within the entertainment industry. As audiences continue to seek out more engaging and innovative experiences, I believe immersive formats will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of artistic expression. I am honored to join Blume Studios and contribute to growing this cutting-edge form of entertainment in the Charlotte community.”Adds Gabbard: “Since opening in September, Blume Studios has earned some of the highest audience ratings in Blumenthal’s history. We are well on our way to realizing our vision of Blume Studios as a vibrant creative hub and national leader in immersive experiences and artistic development. Under Michael’s leadership, we look forward to sustaining that level of excellence while expanding ways that we are [a] catalyst for creativity.
One of Thomas-Visgar’s first major projects is the already underway “MONOPOLY LIFESIZED: Travel Edition” interactive exhibit. Bringing players into a life-sized version of the iconic game, they will navigate familiar properties like Boardwalk and Park Place, along with utilities, railroads and more. Attendees will solve clever puzzles, collect properties and outsmart opponents in order to win before time runs out. Monopoly Lifesized will run through July 27. Tickets are available at blumenthalarts.org/events-tickets.