Sammi Schneider
Fireworks & Pyromusical Concepts

Sammi
Schneider

Fireworks & Pyromusical Concept Designer

Designing choreographed fireworks show concepts in Finale 3D, where musical timing, spatial layout, and live-entertainment storytelling meet.

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About

My passion for fireworks design comes from a lifelong love of live entertainment and storytelling.

Throughout my career in live entertainment, I’ve been drawn to experiences that create emotional connections with audiences, and fireworks represent the ultimate combination of creativity, music, technology, and spectacle. Over the past several years, I’ve built a foundation through work in theme parks, theatre, and entertainment technology, and I’ve shot and shadowed a number of fireworks displays to learn show operations, safety, and setup firsthand.

Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to learning and growing in Finale 3D, developing my skills in pyromusical choreography, effect selection, timing, pacing, visual storytelling, and the technical aspects of fireworks design. The work you’ll see here is a portfolio of original fireworks show concepts I’ve designed and previsualized in Finale 3D. Each project is a complete design study, featuring timecoded cue sheets, firing logic, rack layouts, and firing positions built around a piece of music. My technical background in lighting, A/V, and stage management shapes how I approach these concepts, and I’m actively seeking the opportunity to bring them from screen to sky alongside experienced professionals.

  • Finale 3D
  • Cue Timing & Firing Logic
  • Pyromusical Design
  • Rack & Position Planning
  • Site Maps & Safety (NFPA 1123)
  • Previsualization
Sammi Schneider on site with a loaded fireworks show, ready to fire
On site, loaded and ready to fire.
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Concept Portfolio

Written in light. A selection of fireworks show concepts designed and previsualized in Finale 3D, synced to music and built around emotional pacing. Each is a design study.

Featured Pyromusical

Ocean / Khalid

Designed for a waterfront venue, this pyromusical places the audience approximately 500 ft (152 m) from launch positions in open water. A reverse triangular firing layout creates depth and symmetry while maintaining clear sightlines across the show.

To account for audience proximity and fallout, aerial shells were limited to 4 inches, with careful consideration given to spacing, break heights, and fallout zones. This project also strengthened my understanding of site-aware design, rack layout, and effect selection, using layered, wave-like choreography to complement the sweeping feel of Ocean.

Finale 3DMusic-Synced
Effect Study

Cakes & Slices

Building Blocks · Fan & Slice Effects

After seeing how extensively custom cakes and slices are used in pyromusicals on a show site, I was inspired to create my own sequences. Before building them in Finale 3D, I documented each one to show its timecode, effects, and firing angles.

Fan CakesMirroring CrossetteVertical Fan
Hand-sketched study of cake and fan fireworks effects
Effect Sketches
Design Study

Outro / M83

Pyromusical · 6 Firing Positions

Built around the emotional progression of Outro, this left/right spatial pyromusical builds from gold and white to sunset-inspired pinks, aquas, and green. I also created a cue sheet to demonstrate practical show documentation.

Fan CakesCrossette CometsGlittering Mines
M83 Outro cue sheet, a pyromusical design study
Cue Sheet · Design Study
Pyromusical

Epcot Forever

This EPCOT Forever-inspired project reimagines “Tomorrow’s Child” for World Showcase Lagoon, using visual easter eggs that celebrate EPCOT’s history. Designed with realistic shell sizes, venue constraints, and safety considerations, it balances creative storytelling with technical feasibility.

Finale 3DLayered Effects
Pyromusical

Reflections of Earth

Inspired by IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, this show pays tribute to its three-act story of chaos, order, and meaning through corresponding color palettes. The finale recreates EPCOT’s original Fountain of Nations with silver comets while showcasing my ability to design a cohesive, impactful ending.

Finale 3DCinematic Build
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Resume

2+ yrs
Designing Concepts
5
Show Concepts
7
Productions Led (Tech)
B.S.
Entertainment Mgmt
2024 – Present
Fireworks Concept Designer · Self-Directed Portfolio
Designing pyromusical show concepts in Finale 3D: timecoded sequences synced to music, cue sheets and firing logic, rack layouts and firing positions, with NFPA 1123 safety concepts applied throughout. Design studies and previsualizations.
2025
Production Technology Manager · Orlando Family Stage
Led lighting, audio, and video installations for seven productions; collaborated with designers and production teams to troubleshoot and maintain systems within budget.
2023 – 2025
Stage Manager · SeaWorld Orlando
Executed precise cue-based live show operations for SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration and delivered immersive, high-impact experiences for Howl-O-Scream.
2024
Entertainment Costuming · Walt Disney WorldDisney College Program
Entertainment costuming internship completed through the Disney College Program.
2024
Technical Director · Pineapple Theatre CompanyUCF Student Theatre Club
Technical director for PTC's Footloose; earlier served as Assistant Stage Manager & Sound Technician (QLab, Yamaha LS-9, Shure) on Into the Woods.

Fireworks Design

  • Finale 3D
  • Pyromusical Design
  • Effect Choreography
  • Visual Storytelling
  • Effect Selection
  • Firing Modules
  • Wiring & Show Setup
  • Firing System Logic
  • Site Planning
  • Show Documentation
  • NFPA 1123 Knowledge

Show & Technical

  • Stage Management
  • Show Control
  • QLab
  • Lighting Design
  • Audio / A/V
  • Live Mixing
  • Audacity
B.S., Entertainment Management
University of Central Florida — Rosen College of Hospitality Management · 2021–2024
Completed a rigorous curriculum on the theme parks & attractions management track.
Download résumé (DOCX) →
What's Next

Let's light up the sky.

I'm looking to build my career in fireworks design and contribute to a team creating unforgettable live experiences. Through design, previsualization, and show documentation, I hope to continue learning from industry professionals while helping bring creative visions to life.