Explore the background and experience of Gene Columbus:
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Gene has spent more than 35 years in leadership roles
with the Walt Disney Organization with Live Show Production.
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He has spent more than two decades interviewing,
evaluating, and coaching as well as mentoring thousands of Entertainment
professionals.
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Gene is an Associate Professor of Theatre at University
of Central Florida as well as serving as Chair for the University of Central
Florida Conservatory Professional Advisory Board.
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Gene is a very active member of the community having been
inducted into the Events Solutions "Special Events Hall of Fame" as well as
having been honored by various organizations including "Volunteer of the
Year" by United Arts of Central Florida.
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Gene had a successful performing career in Motion
Pictures, Television and Musical Theatre and shares "stories with a moral"
to help individuals with their career and personal development.
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Gene has managed various departments at Disney
Entertainment and has taken part in the production of shows, ceremonies and
events for Walt Disney World.
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Gene has written, directed, cast, produced, managed and
performed as emcee for many productions.
The Gene Columbus Story
Gene began his entertainment story with a ten-year performing career in Los
Angeles working motion pictures, television and live stage productions. A
natural leader, he moved into Stage Management, and was quickly recruited by
the Disney organization.
In 1970 he joined the Disney management team and traveled around the world
with a large-scale stage production of "Disney On Parade." In 1977, he
accepted a position in Orlando, Florida as Manager of Entertainment for Walt
Disney World. Over the years Gene has served in many leadership roles with
the Company, including producing many major Disney productions. He is best
known for interviewing, evaluating and developing thousands of Disney job
and intern candidates. He has guided, coached and mentored many of the key
leaders within Disney Entertainment.
In 2000 Gene accepted a position as Associate Professor with the University
of Central Florida.
Through the years Gene has been a popular speaker on Disney Heritage, Career
Development and Leaderships for Disney Company members and Disney clients as
well as being a popular speaker at Colleges and Universities.
Before joining the Disney organization, Gene gathered great stories
performing in the chorus of major motion pictures such as FUNNY GIRL, DR.
DOOLITTLE and CLAMBAKE. He appeared on many network television shows such as
THE LUCY SHOW, THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE, THE DANNY THOMAS SPECIALS and many
more. On stage he performed in such productions as WEST SIDE STORY, PAL
JOEY, OKLAHOMA!, GUYS AND DOLLS and others. Gene worked his way up from
chorus member to stage manager, and then through the production ranks to the
role of Producer.
AWARDS
Event Solutions Magazine - Special Events Hall of Fame 2005
UCP Child Development Centers - Star of Gratitude 2004
Dream Maker Award - Edgewood Ranch Endowment 2003
United Arts of Central Florida - Volunteer of the Year 2001
Judy Salisbury Memorial Award of Volunteerism 1996 -1997
Partner in Excellence - Walt Disney World 1997
Walt Disney Entertainment Cast Member of the Month - 1996
Telly Award - 1996 Edgewood Children's Ranch Event
Mousecar - 1995 Community Volunteer