Puppet Tears: Puppetry Shop Talk

WE. ARE. BACK! We’re joined by Kevin Carlson, creator and star of the iconic 90’s video series Timmy the Tooth. Kevin is also known for his work on projects including The Mr. Potato Head Show, Imagination Movers, Crank Yankers, and The Muppets. Additionally, he is a co-chair of the SAG/AFTRA Puppeteers Committee, which fights to ensure fair contracts for professional puppeteers. We talk to Kevin about the responsibility of negotiating for fair wages and residuals for puppeteers, evolving Timmy the Tooth from a live variety show to a major TV program, and his fail-safe approach to preparing for auditions. Don't miss this conversation with this incredible performer, writer, and puppetry advocate! PLUS: find out which celebrity once hired Kevin and his crew to perform at their kid’s birthday party. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/KevinCarlson Release date: December 13, 2023 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity #SAG/AFTRA #TimmyTheTooth #puppeteer https://www.puppettears.com/

We’re joined today by the godfather of puppetry fleece — Larry Guild! Larry’s family-owned company, Hampshire Textiles, manufactured countless styles of fabrics that were distributed throughout the world until 2018. He became a key-player in the puppetry world after meeting Jim Henson at a trade show in the early 1970s and introducing the Muppets to Antron Fleece.. We talk to Larry about his storied career in the textile world, how he persisted through supply shortages to consistently manufacture the fleece, and what it meant for him to play such a unique role in the history of puppetry. Join us for an incredible education—led by a living-legend—about how this vital resource is created! PLUS: find out the three characters he ever made custom-dyed Antron fleece for. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/LarryGuild Release date: March 30, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're back with one of the busiest puppeteers in the industry—Jake Bazel! Star of Disney's Winnie the Pooh Show off-Broadway, which he also wrote and helped to develop, Jake also starred in Paddington Gets in a Jam, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train: LIVE. His on-screen credits include Sesame Street, Helpsters, and Duncan the Skunk and the Big Costume Trunk, which he stars in and created. We talk to Jake about the responsibility of upholding the 95 year legacy of Winnie the Pooh, developing an original character for an innovative in-app video series, and his fail-safe approach to on-set etiquette. Don't miss this fun catching up with one of our oldest friends in puppetry. PLUS: find out which Broadway icon used to live in Jake's apartment. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JakeBazel. Release date: January 26, 2022 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're celebrating the re-opening of theatre on Broadway and "The 21st Day of the Month of September" with the puppeteer cast of Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors revival — Eric Wright and Teddy Yudain! Together, they perform Audrey II in this production of the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's cult-classic musical. Outside of the show, Teddy is a working actor and puppeteer, Eric is the owner and head chef at The Puppet Kitchen. Both artists are alumni of the University of Connecticut and the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. We'll chat with the pair about their many responsibilities associated with bringing the iconic antagonist to life, re-mounting the show after shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they have made the role their own while keeping it fresh every night. This is a can't miss episode for any Little Shop fans or creators interested in putting on this show themselves! PLUS: find out what happens when a puppeteer forgets to wear their seatbelt on stage. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/LittleShopNYC Release date: September 20, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this week's show we're joined by one of puppetry's rising stars — Haley Jenkins! Haley currently stars in the title role of PBS Kids's Donkey Hodie, based on characters from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. She has also performed on Helpsters, The Pee Wee Herman Show Live on Broadway, Sesame Street, where where she originated the role of Karli. We talk with Haley about first finding bravery on the stage in high school, how her time in the Disney College Program ultimately led her to Sesame Street, and how all of her experiences in puppetry have informed her work as Donkey Hodie. We also talk about Haley's experiences Zari, the Muppet from Afghanistan's Sesame co-production Baghch-e-Simsim, for appearances in the United States! PLUS: find out her celebrity name-drop who never forgets to send a "happy birthday" text ! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/HaleyJenkins Release date: September 6, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Here to discuss his decades as a writer and biographer, Puppet Tears welcomes Brian Jay Jones. He has written best-selling biographies on iconic artists such as Washington Irving, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), and George Lucas. His 2013 book, Jim Henson: The Biography was written with the cooperation of the Henson family, who granted Jones unprecedented access to the Henson Archives. We talk with Brian about his journey in creating his acclaimed "book shelf," his admiration for Jim Henson's "creatively restless" work ethic, and how he is forever intertwined with the legacy of his subjects. He also shares the Muppet myths he was most excited to bust in the Jim Henson biography. PLUS: find out which part of the book was his personal gift to the Henson family! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BrianJayJones Release date: August 23, 2021 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this episode, we're celebrating 20 years of ToughPigs.com with the help of Joe Hennes and Ryan Roe! As co-owners of the site, as well as editor-in-chief and head writer, respectively, Joe and Ryan have overseen the evolution of ToughPigs from a little-known fan blog to a robust media outlet for all kinds of Muppet related content. They each host their own podcast for ToughPigs. Joe oversees The Muppet Fan Podcasts with ToughPigs.com, currently celebrating with a retrospective series ToughPigs at 20. Ryan is the host of Movin' Right Along, where he and Anthony Strand re-visit Muppet movies two minutes at a time; that show is wrapping up its third season, covering The Muppets Take Manhattan. We talk to Joe and Ryan about the formative moments in ToughPigs's history, how they quantify a successful Muppet production, their experience in breaking the news Matt Vogel's casting as Kermit following Steve Whitmire's departure from Disney, and detail their plans to celebrate 20 years of "Muppet Fans Who Grew Up." PLUS: what Broadway standard did Adam and Cam have to clear so this interview could happen? For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/ToughPigs Release date: August 9, 2021 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

​Let's give a big hand for this week's guest and our ol' pal Chase Woolner! Chase is the owner and operator of Busy Hands studio, where he crafts handmade puppets, pottery, and art supplies. He has worked as an additional Muppet performer on numerous projects including the films The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted, appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and the 2015 ABC series The Muppets. We talk to Chase about his recent move from LA to Michigan where he works as a full-time visual artist, how a puppetry turned into his first professional gig on the set of 2011's Muppet movie, and lessons learned from all-star mentors throughout his journey. He also discusses finding inspiration from the animation industry and his eclectic puppet collection. PLUS: does Adam admit to being a flat-earth-er...? For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/ChaseWoolner Release date: July 26, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

For this episode of Puppet Tears, the guys have their yearly check-up with The Godfather of Puppet Tears - Mr. Jim Kroupa. Infamously known for his work as a puppet builder and mech designer, Kroupa has worked on countless films and television shows from Sesame Street and The Muppets Take Manhattan to Helpsters and the upcoming reboot of Fraggle Rock. One program he was heavily involved in - Eureeka's Castle, on which he was a lead character, head builder, and writer - has re-emerged this year, streaming on Paramount Plus. We talk to Jim about his experiences while bringing Eureeka's Castle to the screen, his recent appearance on Tina Fey's Girls5Eva, and taking a break from puppetry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also get an early look at some groundbreaking applications of his signature mechanism techniques for Apple TV+'s reboot of Fraggle Rock. PLUS: some new Puppet Tear stories not even Adam and Cam had heard before! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JimKroupa4 Release date: July 12, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're back with a guest who has traveled from galaxies far, far away, to green lands before the Crystal cracked - Hugh Purves! You know him from his work on Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and so much more. He is the owner and operator of the one-stop-online-shop PuppetThings.com. We'll chat with Hugh about the many projects on his expansive C/V, his innovative approach to material use and puppet building, and what he's learned while on the sets of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. Join us for a conversation jam-packed with insights into upping your puppetry game! PLUS: hear about his run-in with the Jedi master himself, Mark Hamill. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/HughPurves Release date: June 28, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this week's show we're joined by the one-and-only Stacey Gordon. Stacey is the founding owner of Puppet Pie, a puppet building art studio in Phoenix Arizona. She is also a performer on Sesame Street, where she has performed Julia, the first Muppet character with Autism, since 2015. We talk with Stacey about how her early love for dolls and toys lead to an interest in theatre, growing her business from an Etsy shop to an international arts programming, and the series of events that lead her to Sesame Street. Tune in for a truly inspirational chat full of insights into how to find success in the arts! PLUS: find out what do when your camera only records video 5 seconds at a time! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/StaceyGordon Release date: June 14, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this episode, we have an animated discussion with the one-and-only Jamie Bressler! An absolute power-house puppet builder, Jamie has built characters and props for the Jim Henson Company, Saturday Night Live, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and beyond. Her own work has earned her Comic-Con and Internet fame, creating on-model puppet versions of Disney and Pixar characters. We talk to Jamie about how her training as a scenic designer evolved into a passion for puppetry, skills she learned from Puppet Kitchen and Bob Flanagan's Den Design Studio, and the experience of seeing her builds come to life on stage and screen. Join us for some great pointers on how to being your puppet building journey! PLUS: find out which guest-host kept breaking a sword Jamie built for SNL. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JamieBressler Release date: May 17, 2021 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Here to discuss their critically renowned documentary Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, Puppet Tears welcomes the film's producers Trevor Crafts and Ellen Scherer Crafts. Their movie, based on Michael Davis's 2008 book Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street, was an official selection at the 2021 Sundance Film festival, is in theaters now, and is available on-demand Friday, May 7. We talk with Trevor and Ellen about their journey in creating the acclaimed film, the unique challenges that came with unearthing over 55 years of Sesame Workshop archives, and how their appreciation for Sesame Street's legacy has expanded and deepened since starting this project in 2015. Don't miss a great discussion with these visionary creators of this definitive Sesame documentary. PLUS: learn why the filmmakers chose to gift us with footage of swearing Muppets! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/StreetGang Release date: May 3, 2021 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

It's time to meet our very special guest Fergie L Philippe to Puppet Tears podcast! Fergie is an accomplished musical theatre actor best known as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in Hamilton on Broadway. Fergie is rocketing his way towards a career in puppetry as well and is host of the new podcast It's Time to Meet the Muppets on Broadway Podcast Network. We talk to Fergie about his early love for puppetry pointing him towards a career in musical theatre, how his appreciation for the All-American Musical morphed upon joining it's second touring production, and where the Muppets will be in ten years. He also talks about what he's learned from his mentors - stars of Sesame Street and Avenue Q. PLUS: a puppet tears story about Hamilton's iconic double turn-table! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/FergiePhilippe Release date: April 19, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

For this episode of Puppet Tears, the guys are joined by one of their best friends in the world of puppetry - Madison J. Cripps. Known around the world for his boisterous approach to busking, Madison is the founder of Cripps Creations (formerly Cripps Puppets). He has performed marionettes at venues across the United States, including multiple National Puppetry Slams. He received a UNIMA citation of excellence for his work on Billy the Liar in 2015. We talk to Madison about his unique method for developing characters, how to weather the critique process, and what he learned from the power-house cast of mentors who have helped him sharpen his point of view over the years. He also shares some great tips for busking and keeping audiences engaged. PLUS: tune in after the credits to find out what the "J" in Madison J. Cripps stands for! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/MadisonJCripps Release date: March 29, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're back with one of the hardest working puppeteers in the business - Warrick Brownlow-Pike! You know him from his work with CBeebies as Oucho Cactus and Dodge the Dog, performing Marion the Cat on BBC 2's Mongrels, a lead performer and puppet captain on Netflix's Dark Crystal Age of Resistance, and performing Gonger on Sesame Street. We'll chat with Warrick about the many projects on his expansive C/V, how different productions called for him to access different performance techniques, and what it's like to create and star in an original Sesame Street segment. Join us for a conversation jam-packed with puppet tear stories - some even including Warrick's own illustrations! PLUS: hear what event reminded him that he is definitely claustrophobic. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/Warrick BP Release date: March 15, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this week's show we're hopping across the pond to chat with a real puppetry work horse: Phil Fletcher. Phil has been performing Hacker the Dog live on CBBC nearly every day for over twelve years. He is the prolific puppet builder and cabaret performer behind his original troupe 'The Gluvets.' Phil has also appeared as an additional performer in numerous television programs, including Netflix's Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. We talk with Phil about his early aptitude for puppet construction, the benefits and challenges of performing on live television, and his non-stop drive to create original, truly unique characters. Tune in for an off-the-wall conversation that goes from Banana Splits to Feebles in no time at all! PLUS: find out how you can write-off a bathroom mirror on your taxes! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/PhilFletcher Release date: January 27, 2021 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Welcome to 2021! We're kicking off the year with Chris Thomas Hayes, the rising star who has performed Hoots the Owl on Sesame Street since 2019. Chris is a member of the Sesame Workshop mentorship program for new puppeteers, and has worked with the Center for Puppetry Arts and Madcap Puppets. He is also an accomplished human actor on both stage and screen. The guys talk to Chris about how he made the switch from theater to monitor-style puppetry, the power of representation in media, and the responsibility involved in taking on a legacy character on Sesame Street. Tune in for some fun discussions about the joys of walk-around puppets, the pitfalls of mascot characters, and the multiple times Chris's birthday has brought him good luck. PLUS: we'll try to get the attention of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/ChrisThomasHayes Release date: January 13, 2021 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

The Cheers to Puppeteers series comes to a close with a very special guest - Debra Spinney. Affectionately known as "Mrs. Big Bird", Deb is the wife of the late Caroll Spinney who brought life to Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street for 50 seasons. In addition to being Caroll's manager, she traveled the world with the iconic show and pitched story-lines which became some of Sesame Street's most historic moments. We talk to Debbie about her path that brought her to working for the Children's Television Workshop in 1972, how her life changed after falling in love with Caroll, and how she continues to be an ambassador to Sesame Street. You can not miss this heart-filled conversation packed with stories about Deb and Caroll's adventures and how she's working to keep his art alive. PLUS: find out why we need to get #ReleaseTheSpinneyCut trending! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/DebSpinney Release date: December 26, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

In our penultimate installment of Cheers to Puppeteers, we're talking to Dave Goelz - the legendary performer who created and still portrays some of The Muppet Show's most iconic characters, including Gonzo the Great, Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, and more. He has recently reprised the roles of Boober Fraggle and Uncle Traveling Matt for Apple TV+'s Fraggle Rock: Rock On, which was filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown. We talk to Dave about coming into puppetry from his first career as an industrial designer at IBM, rising to stardom with Gonzo in The Muppet Show and The Muppet Movie, and the challenge of taking on a legacy character. He also shares some wisdom from his father that has guided him through his work as a designer, puppet builder, performer, and more. PLUS: we get a new story about Kermit Love that you just can't miss! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/DaveGoelz Release date: December 23, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity