Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has appointed Susan Vargo as Head of Live Events. She will be work across all the Moonbug properties, including Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.
In the newly created role, Vargo will lead, oversee, manage and drive all of Moonbug’s brand and franchise specific live shows, branded areas, character events and experiences in locations such as theme parks, water parks, attractions and more. Vargo will be based in the UK head offices, working closely with the Moonbug team in the USA.
Vargo is the Tony Award nominated and Drama Desk Award winning executive producer of The SpongeBob Musical on stage and for television. Before joining Moonbug, she oversaw global creative development for Nickelodeon live entertainment, including stage adaptations, theme park programmes and resort entertainment.
During her time at Nickelodeon Vargo was also responsible for the strategic expansion of the live theatrical business from one domestic US touring theatrical to multiple simultaneous domestic and international tours, including preschool megahit adaptations of Paw Patrol Live! and Dora The Explorer Live!
Previously, Vargo managed licensing of stage adaptations for Paramount Pictures, including Ghost the Musical, The First Wives Club, Mad Hot Ballroom, Leap of Faith, and Clueless.
Earlier in her career, Vargo worked on Broadway general management for shows including Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago and more. She has also advised theatrical producers Fiery Angel Productions, Limelight Productions and Cinema Gypsy Productions on creative development, global licensing expansion and property acquisition and continues to develop independent projects for the stage.
“I am thrilled to be joining Moonbug at such an exciting time of the company’s growth,” Vargo says. “There are so many opportunities to bring the joy of our brands to parents and preschoolers across the globe via events and attractions. I can’t wait to get started.”
Simon Philips, Managing Director Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, comments: “In just three years we have become an award-winning global entertainment company with a portfolio of leading children’s brands. Susan’s Vargo’s recent appointment is a key role in our continued growth and reflects our commitment to bringing the best quality content both online and offline to parents and preschoolers across the globe. Susan has a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are excited for her to join us on the next stage of the Moonbug journey.”
