Rich Taylor
Rich Taylor's success spans a breadth of roles, including live entertainment corporate executive, accomplished producer, college dean and servant leader. The first years of his entertainment career were performing, producing, directing, marketing and teaching for famed music and show business pioneer, Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians.
He then joined Walt Disney Entertainment for their era of massive growth, advancing through a myriad of executive leadership positions, including head of creative development, talent casting, special events, Director of Entertainment for Disneyland Paris, and Corporate Director of Communication, Planning and Administration. For 10 years, he served as Vice President of Disney Creative Entertainment & Costuming, leading the the team and cast of nearly 5,000 performers and entertainment professionals. Rich was the executive responsible for the creation of countless Disney parades, shows, spectaculars, and marketing and special events that continue to make magic for millions.
The next eight years of personal and professional growth were spent as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma, of which Rich was a Distinguished Graduate and Regents Alumni Award recipient. As dean and tenured professor of Musical Theatre, he created the vision, initiated positive change and led the academic and operational teams for the Schools of Art & Art History, Dance, Drama, Music and Musical Theatre. He led and coordinated the education of 1200 talented students, supervising over 180 world class faculty and staff. During his tenure, the OU Schools of Dance and Musical Theatre ranked in the top 3 nationally, and millions of dollars were raised for the OU College of Fine Arts through donor development and relationships.
As Executive Producer of OU University Theatre, Rich was instrumental in re-designing and streamlining the production and marketing process and departments for the college. He oversaw and coordinated the annual production of over 350 Musical Theatre, Opera, Ballet, Modern Dance and Drama presentations.
Now back in Central Florida full-time, Rich is always involved and consulting in a variety of projects. In addition to Rich Imagination, he is a semi-professional photographer, former adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management and on the advisory board to craft the new Entertainment Management degree program.
Boards & Professional Affiliations
Past & Present
University of Central Florida/Rosen College Entertainment Management Degree Program Advisory Council
Creative Oklahoma, Chairman
Music Educators National Conference Advisory Board
Two time judge of the Miss America in Atlantic City
The Florida State University School of Motion Picture, Television and Recording
Fred Waringʼs America at Penn State
Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera
Oklahoma City Allied Arts Entertainment
Oklahoma Arts Institute Board
Awards & Recognition
National Association for Music Education, Lowell Mason Fellow Award
Media Fellowship Internationalʼs Ambassador Award.
Official “Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador” by Governor Mary Fallin in 2012