Shirley Saldamarco is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center and a seasoned entrepreneur, producer and educator with more than three decades of experience in the entertainment, media and themed entertainment industries. With a strong foundation in theater from Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama, Shirley combines her creative expertise with her passion for teaching and producing.
As a member of the School of Drama faculty from 1990 to 2009, Shirley produced the WQED Television Showcase, a collaboration with master’s students in playwriting, directing and design, culminating in productions aired on WQED. She also co-produced the “Television Workshop” master class and taught "Creative Enterprises" in the Heinz School’s Master of Entertainment Industry Management Program.
Since joining the ETC faculty in 2006, Shirley has taught courses and workshops across Pittsburgh, Silicon Valley, Osaka and Salford, and mentored students in numerous interdisciplinary projects. She has designed innovative courses, including “Producing for Television and Film,” “Themed Entertainment Design Studio” and “Guest Experience in Theme Park Design.” From 2006 to 2012, she served as Director of Creative Services at the ETC.
As President and CEO of Interactive Media Productions, the company she founded in 1982, Shirley has produced award-winning programs, including documentaries and children’s programming like “Charlie’s Sharing Adventure” and “Johnson and Friends.” Her work has earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy nomination, Matrix Award, Golden Cine and multiple Telly Awards.
Shirley is an active leader in the themed entertainment industry, serving on the Themed Experience and Attraction Academic Society Steering Committee, the Themed Entertainment Association International Board and the National Civil War Museum Advisory Council. She also consults professionally and has contributed to initiatives like the CMU Robot Hall of Fame, Carnegie Science Center’s Robo World Advisory Council and Steeltown Film Factory.
Shirley Saldamarco joined the ETC in 2006.
Education
Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama 1975-82
