Experience the 'International Theme Park Entertainment Course' at Open Campus on June 21 (Sun)

Osaka University of Arts Junior College (located in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture / President: Hidekuni Tsukamoto) will launch the 'International Theme Park Entertainment Course' within its Media and Arts Department starting April 2027. In preparation, the college will host an 'Experience入学 at Open Campus' event on Sunday, June 21, 2026, allowing prospective students to experience the new course firsthand.

On the day, a practical class titled 'Expression for Theme Park Entertainers' will be led by Instructor YUIYUI during the third period (14:10–15:10), followed by a lecture titled 'What It Means to Work at a Theme Park' by Professor Kahori Kanaya during the fourth period (15:30–16:30). Applications are now open via the Osaka University of Arts Junior College's 'Experience入学 at Open Campus' webpage.

https://taiken.osaka-geitan.jp/

Turning theme parks from a 'dream' into a place where you can 'shine'—a course designed to make your dreams come true

This new course positions theme park dancers and entertainers as professional careers, comprehensively developing the expressive skills, technical abilities, communication, and professional mindset required in real-world settings. In addition to practical training in dance, singing, MC work, and acting, students will study theme park operations, planning, production, and producing—equipping them with the skills to thrive long-term in the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, with an eye toward careers not only in Japan but also at theme parks worldwide, the course emphasizes practical English conversation skills applicable in professional environments. Students will learn conversational phrases used in rehearsals and lessons, industry-specific terminology, and how to interpret information from overseas auditions and job postings—building English proficiency that broadens their future career options.

The program follows a unique four-year integrated system: two years at Osaka University of Arts Junior College, followed by transfer admission to the four-year Osaka University of Arts for an additional two years. Aspiring students must first enroll in the junior college, which serves as the starting point for their dream. Since this course is not available through direct admission to the four-year university, enrollment in the junior college is mandatory.

Begin your journey at the junior college and pave your way toward becoming a top-tier entertainer.

May's experiential classes: Learning about theme park careers through lectures and hands-on practice

On May 24, the 'Experience入学 at Open Campus' event featured a lecture by Professor Kahori Kanaya titled 'Discovering the Work of Theme Park Production!' and a practical class by Instructor TERU titled 'Learning from Choreographers of Theme Parks and Idols!'

In her lecture, Professor Kanaya introduced the appeal of working at theme parks and key mindsets for pursuing entertainment as a career. Drawing from her own career experiences and insights into domestic and international theme park operations, as well as her work in live show production, she shared the essential skills needed for long-term success in the industry. In the latter half, she conducted a communication skills workshop using self-introductions as a theme, providing individualized guidance on hand movements, eye contact, and other expressive techniques characteristic of theme park performances.

Lecture by Professor Kahori Kanaya—engaging with participants throughout

Demonstrating theme park-style expression—workshop on communication using self-introductions—guidance on hand gestures and eye direction

Instructor TERU's class began with stretching, then progressed to rhythm training and posing techniques, culminating in participants attempting an original dance routine. Theme park dance requires all performers to move in unison and create a sense of unity across large stages. The class emphasized performing 'large' and 'clear' movements while considering the audience's perspective. Participants were able to feel their improvement even within a short session.

Dance lesson by Instructor TERU—participants challenge an original dance routine

Detailed guidance on movement techniques—experiencing unified expression as a group—Q&A session after the lesson

Event Overview: 'Experience入学 at Open Campus' on June 21 (Sun)

Title: 'Experience入学 at Open Campus'

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026

Venue: Itami Campus, Osaka University of Arts Junior College

Schedule: - 3rd Period (14:10–15:10): 'Expression for Theme Park Entertainers' (Instructor YUIYUI) - 4th Period (15:30–16:30): 'What It Means to Work at a Theme Park' (Professor Kahori Kanaya)

Application Deadline: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 9:00 AM

Registration URL: https://taiken.osaka-geitan.jp/

※ Program details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Official Instagram for Osaka Geitan's International Theme Park Entertainment Course

https://www.instagram.com/geitan.themepark

Upcoming Open Campus Dates

2026: July 20 (Mon, Holiday), August 2 (Sun), August 22 (Sat), November 1 (Sun)

2027: February 7 (Sun)