Michael Blau is president and principal of Adirondack Studios (ADKS), a company that provides creative solutions for designers, artists, producers, and owners in the themed entertainment industry. With over four decades of experience across various verticals, geographies, and roles, he has used his business acumen, design talents, teaching skills and leadership ability to help shape the global attractions industry we see today.
Blau’s career has spanned from theatre technician to design to business development. He now leads a team of over 300 employees across multiple countries and continents.
Blau received a bachelor’s degree in Business from Siena College and an MFA in Design and Technical Theater from Syracuse University. He has worked on over 170 theatrical productions, along with artwork for restaurants, national print ads, corporate events, television and retail. His desire to never stop learning and growing professionally led him to ADKS.
Starting as art director at ADKS and ultimately becoming president, board chair and shareholder, Blau’s career evolution has been to learn new ways to develop and explore strategies that bring actual results. Michael Blau has helped the company evolve from a boutique show set fabrication company for world-class operas into a world leader in show set solutions across markets and regions.
ADKS has grown its presence internationally under Blau’s tenure, and his goal as president is to steward its legacy for many years to come by growing a diverse pool of company talent that will strengthen services in its traditional and emerging markets by pursuing innovation, exploring new verticals and centring global growth.
Speaking to blooloop in 2022, he said: “The company has grown from a tiny little garage shop to a global business. We design and build across the location-based entertainment spectrum. Theme parks, retail, theatre, museums, etc. Anywhere there is a visual story to tell and an emotional connection to be created, that’s where we want to be.”