[INTERVIEW] From Chalk Art to Broadway Stars: Inside EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts
Introducing your kids to the arts has more benefits than you may realize. Bringing together artists and entertainment from around the country is a work of art in itself. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns January 16 to February 23, 2026, transforming the park into a celebration of visual art, live performance, and creative expression for all ages. Families can expect a mix of Broadway performers, interactive experiences, and eye-catching art installations that invite kids and adults alike to slow down and explore creativity together.
Helping bring it all to life is Christopher Revetria, a producer with Disney Live Entertainment whose Disney career began not behind the scenes, but as a parade performer. Today, he collaborates with large teams across various disciplines to ensure the festival feels seamless, inspiring, and magical for its guests.
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Interview with Christopher Revetria
OP: What does a producer actually do at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, in terms families can understand?
CR: Producing a festival like this is very much a team effort. I work as part of a larger group to help coordinate performers, artists, and production teams so everything comes together smoothly for our guests.
OP: With so many artistic elements, what parts of the festival do kids tend to connect with most?
CR: Visual art really stands out, especially chalk art. Kids love watching art being created in real time and seeing something come to life right in front of them.
OP: What advice would you give parents who want to support a child interested in the arts?
CR: My parents really nurtured my interest in singing and performing, but I was also involved in sports like track and field and baseball. That combination helped teach teamwork and leadership. Supporting creativity while encouraging collaboration and being open to others’ perspectives is incredibly important.
OP: What advice would you give kids who dream of creating Disney magic someday?
CR: Be yourself, stay open to learning from others, and work well as part of a team. Entertainment—especially at Disney—is built on collaboration and shared creativity.
OP: Your Disney journey started as a performer. How did that shape your career?
CR: I auditioned to be a parade performer at Disneyland almost on a whim, thinking it would be for one season. Disney gave me opportunities to keep growing, develop leadership skills, and stay connected to my passion for the performing arts, which eventually led me into this role.
OP: What do you enjoy most about your job?
CR: The people. Some days are really long, but I love working with such talented, unique individuals. Teamwork makes everything worthwhile.
OP: What are you most excited for families to experience at this year’s Festival of the Arts?
CR: The live performances are a big highlight, including appearances by Susan Egan and James Monroe Iglehart. I’m also excited about the 3D chalk art—we give artists overall themes, but we really want their individual creativity to shine. There’s something special about seeing families stop, watch, and truly connect with the art and performances.
Festival of the Arts isn’t just about what families see—it’s about the creativity and teamwork that make it happen. Christopher’s journey is a reminder that with curiosity, collaboration, and encouragement, today’s young artists could be tomorrow’s storytellers.
Before you go, don’t forget to make time to play at EPCOT’s playgrounds!
Featured Image: Guests can grab a brush at the Expression Section and collaboratively bring a paint-by-numbers mural to life. Art comes to life Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2024 at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Delight in the magic of creativity through visual art and interactive experiences. (Olga Thompson, Photogrpaher)
