Puppet Tears

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

In a very special installment of Cheers to Puppeteers we have an incredible mentor to both Adam and Cam - Richard Termine. Richard is a prolific arts photographer who has documented behind the scenes of Sesame Street and other Henson productions for nearly 40 years, in addition to working as a builder in the Muppet Workshop throughout the 1980's. Richard is one of the founders of the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center; his photography is also regularly featured in the arts' section of The New York Times. We talk to Richard about his early love for theater and stage-craft, joining the Jim Henson Company after their performance at 1980's World Puppetry Festival, and how he stumbled into the world of theater photography. Join us for an image-packed adventure through puppet history and we learn what makes a great puppetry photo. PLUS: find out how COVID has changed the way Richard takes photos on Sesame Street. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/RichardTermine Release date: December 9, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're going whole-hog for this Cheers to Puppeteers as we're joined by Muppet performer Eric Jacobson. You know Eric as the performer behind some of the most iconic Muppet characters, many of which were originated by Frank Oz, including Miss Piggy, Grover, Fozzie Bear, Bert, and many more. Eric also inherited the role of Oscar the Grouch from Caroll Spinney upon his retirement in 2018. Tune in as we talk with Eric about his incredible journey through the world of puppetry, from discovering his talent as a mimic at a young age, learning to perform marionettes at some of New York's most prestigious companies, and how Jim Henson's death inspired him to keep the Muppet legacy alive. We'll also discuss the challenge of puppeteering from home, his mentorship with Frank Oz, and the making of Muppets Now. PLUS: find out what happens when a radio-controlled Elmo goes haywire! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/EricJacobson Release date: November 25, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Cheers to Puppeteers continues the founder of the Center for Puppetry Arts - Vincent Anthony! Vince was the Executive Director of the Center from 1978 until December 2019, where he oversaw every aspect of the organization - from its award-winning performances to its world-renowned collection of puppet objects. He is also the co-founder of the Vagabond Puppet company and continues to serve the Center as an executive advisor. We talk to Vince about how the Center continues to educate and entertain during the COVID-19 pandemic, what it takes to develop a main-stage puppet show from beloved children's literature, and how he and his team curates the 6,000+ item collection. PLUS: find out what scene of The Muppet Movie Vince was on set for when he asked Jim Henson to be at the Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/VincentAnthony Release date: November 11, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On a special Halloween-drop of Puppet Tears, Barnaby Dixon returns to the show, following his spell-binding appearance in Netflix's Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and his YouTube channel reaching one million subscribers. Barnaby is best known for performing small, meticulously designed puppets that went viral back in 2016. He got his start in stop-motion animation and is now moving into directing puppets for theater. We catch up with Barnaby about how his career has continued to progress since we spoke with him in August 2018, bringing his signature approach to puppetry into the iconic world Jim Henson's and Brian Froud's The Dark Crystal, and preparing to make his theatrical debut, building and directing 30 of his puppets on stage. He also talks about his work ethic, the importance of failure, and the benefits of figurative plate spinning. PLUS: Did Barnaby actually step on Lisa Henson's foot...!? For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BarnabyDixon2 Release date: October 31, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

It's time to Cheers to Puppeteers! Our guest this week is Bonnie Erickson, whose unparalleled talent has helped define the Muppets' signature look on screen, in toys and merchandise, and on exhibition with The Jim Henson Legacy. Bonnie served as the head of the Muppet Workshop through the first season of The Muppet Show where she designed the original Miss Piggy, Statler, and Waldorf. Her own firm Harrison/Erickson went on to design and market brands such as Nutella, Budweiser beer, McDonald's, and various sports teams. Bonnie dazzles us with stories about how creating 99 costumes for a Strindberg play led her to The Jim Henson Company, the value of play when researching and developing new building techniques, and the one-of-a-kind opportunities that came when she formed Harrison/Erickson. Don't miss this amazing chat with the only person who has "Essence Checker" and "Anthropomorphizer" on her business card! PLUS: we learn once and for all how to do the Henson Stitch. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BonnieErickson Release date: October 28, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

The Cheers to Puppeteers keep on coming! We're joined this time by Michael Curry whose firm Michael Curry Design has created the legendary puppet and scenic designs behind some of the world's most iconic productions. You know his work from Disney's The Lion King on Broadway, Cirque du Soleil, Shrek on Broadway, Lake of Dreams in Las Vegas, multiple Olympics opening ceremonies, and so much more. We talk to Michael about his upbringing in a religious commune until the age of 18, discovering the joys of theater while working with Julie Taymor and Robert Lepage, and how a halloween costume landed him a million dollar contract from Siegfried and Roy. Don't miss this incredible conversation including a tour of his 55,000 sq.ft. Oregon workshop, his approach to the budgeting process, and how you can avoid creating generic work in just one minute. PLUS: he'll share with us the one most important thing in any artist's life. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/MichaelCurry Release date: October 14, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're serving up more Cheers to Puppeteers as we're joined this week by marionette master Phillip Huber. You know Phillip from his iconic film performances in Spike Jonze's Being John Malkovitch and Disney's Oz: The Great and Powerful. His theatrical work includes Darling Grenadine, Busker Alley featuring Tommy Tune, That's Christmas featuring Sandy Duncan, and much more. His own production Suspended Animation, a marionette variety show, has been performed worldwide in over 15 countries. Tune in as Phillip takes us through his storied history - from getting black-listed by travel insurance companies, learning all the left-handed roles in Tony Urbano's productions, to navigating the slings and arrows of puppets on film. We also discuss the importance of being a "rehearsal hog", giving your puppet's personality, and avoiding marionette gimmicks. PLUS: find out which of Adam's puppets Phillip most wants to introduce to his signature marionette Taffy. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/PhillipHuber Release date: September 30, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Cheers to Puppeteers continues as we chat with Muppet performer Matt Vogel. You know Matt for his starring role as Constantine in the 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted and for performing several legacy Sesame Street and Muppet characters, including Big Bird, Count von Count, Uncle Deadly, Floyd Pepper, and Kermit the Frog. He has a new podcast called Below the Frame where he interviews puppeteers and others in the Muppet Universe. Tune in as Matt shares his journey - from an early love of The Muppet Show, getting to Sesame Street to understudy Caroll Spinney as Big Bird, and eventually getting cast as Kermit in 2017. We also discuss the importance of a puppeteer's acting background, how he approaches directing puppets for television, and his process of taking on an established character. PLUS: we'll learn about some of Jerry Nelson's favorite video games. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/MattVogel Release date: September 16, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Our Cheers to Puppeteers series kicks off with the legendary Muppet performer Fran Brill. Fran was the first female puppeteer hired for Sesame Street who brought life to characters such as Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Countess von Backwards, Roxie Marie, and so many more. Other puppetry roles include Saturday Nigh Live, The Muppet Show, and The Jim Henson Hour. She also had an acclaimed acting career away from puppetry, including television appearances on All My Children and Law & Order, and off-Broadway roles, which earned her two Drama Desk Award nominations. We talk with Fran about how her acting career made her a perfect candidate for joining Jim Henson's team, what impact her being a female had on the characters she developed, and the experience of passing on Prairie Dawn and Zoe to a new generation of performers. Don't miss her incredible insights into the art of performance and helpful tools for aspiring puppeteers. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/FranBrill Release date: September 2, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

This week on Puppet Tears, we're joined by our good friends Alex Vernon and Sarah Olmsted Thomas to talk with us about their storied careers as performance artists. Their theater company Alex & Olmsted has devised many works for stage including Homebodies, Marooned! A Space Comedy, and Milo the Magnificent; the latter two productions were made possibly by grants from the Jim Henson Foundation. We talk to Alex and Sarah about their early influences as performers and how they found puppetry, their process of creating puppetry theater with little or no text, and some great tools to help you overcome stage-fright. Don't miss this deep-dive into magic puppets and puppet magic! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/Alex-Olmsted Release date: August 19, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

This episode of Puppet Tears is definitely for the birds ... by that, of course, we mean the flock behind Bird Call Radio: Calvin Lester and Kelsey Brady. Calvin and Kelsey have each worked as puppeteers at Walt Disney World for over a decade, notably performing in The Muppet's Great Moments in American History and Finding Nemo the Musical. They are the creative power-couple behind Bird Call: The Musical and its accompanying properties. We'll talk with them about their journeys to becoming puppeteers, the highs and lows of performing in the parks system, and using what they've learned to develop their own family of characters for Bird Call Radio. PLUS: don't miss a great conversation about being present in performance - whether in a hospital room or a magic kingdom! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BirdCall ​ Release date: August 5, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're going BIG this week, since our guest is a master of costume characters both inside and out! Cedwan Hooks is a puppeteer for screen and stage who you can see on Slugs and Bugs, Moon and Me, and Doom Patrol, plus a wrangler on a number of television series, including Sesame Workshop's Helpsters on Apple TV+. He is also the owner of Creatures Inspired, his own LLC where he designs, builds and consults on professional puppetry projects, including the Dreamworks Experience in Macau. Tune in for this awesome conversation ranging from Cedwan's early love for Barney and Friends, his big break in high school designing and building his own Audrey II, to now working full-time in the entertainment industry. Don't miss his insights into what makes an effective walk around puppet, puppeteering on a set during the COVID outbreak, and Cam and Adam drop a few Wizard of Oz puns for good measure. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/CedwanHooks Release date: July 22, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Puppet Tears LIVE!!! This is going to be an exciting chat with David, Liz, and Christopher who are premiering the Puppeteers of Color Conversations next week. We'll learn about what audiences can expect and what they hope to achieve with this innovative programming. This is one Puppet Tears LIVE-a-palooza you won't want to miss!!!

Jean Marie Keevins is back again on Puppet Tears for an exciting part-two conversation. Jean Marie is the founder of Little Shadow Productions, a full-service production company where she has devised work such as Elephant in the Room, Zwerge, and Whiskey Neat. She is also the Associate Artistic Director of the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and the Puppet Supervisor for Sesame Workshop's Helpsters on Apple TV+. We'll catch up with Jean Marie to discuss her unique approach to story telling, the responsibilities of working as the puppet supervisor of a new television franchise, and how she's learned to master the art of the pivot! Plus: she'll explain what makes a good puppet show, versus a radio-play, versus something else entirely... and as always, a new puppet tears story or two. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JeanMarieKeevins2 Release date: July 8, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity  

Back for a THIRD time to help us celebrate two years and 50 episodes of Puppet Tears, we have the one and only Jim Kroupa! Jim is a life-long puppet artist, best known for his mastery of puppet mechanics, performing Batley on Eureeka's Castle, and designing and/or building characters for iconic TV programs like Whimzy's House, Between the Lions, and The Book of Pooh. Most recently, he can be found performing in Sesame Workshop's Helpsters on Apple TV+. We catch up on some of his latest projects, including an inside look (literally) at his ever-growing cast of puppets for The Howdy Doo Show: Part Duh originally scheduled to premiere at the 30th National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Jim will provide new insights into his expansive career in puppetry and how he keeps things fresh, even when re-building characters with a 50+ year legacy. PLUS: We also get to have him share another classic Puppet Tear story he hasn't told on the show yet ... this time involving a penguin directed by Frank Oz. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JimKroupa3

Another world, another time - in the age of wonder... Beccy Henderson decided she would become a puppeteer. Beccy is the incredibly talented performer behind Deet in Netflix's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and also appeared in Pajanimals, That Puppet Game Show, and Wildwoods. She also appears as a human actor in another Netflix series, Derry Girls. We talk to Beccy about her journey from an early fan of creature movies like Gremlins, to a serendipitous invitation for a puppeteer workshop at Northern Ireland's Sesame Street co-production Sesame Tree, and eventually ending up as a main character in the Dark Crystal prequel series. Tune in for her unique insight into the rigors of performing such complex creatures, what it was like working with Henson-era performers like Kevin Clash and Louise Gold, and how her puppetry experiences have re-framed her work as an actor. Episode note: (correction) Beccy refers to overhead cameras used for Skeksis as "POV" or "Point of View cameras", they are actually known as "Witness Cams". Other body suit performers on Dark Crystal: AoR, however, did use POV cameras out the front of costumes for additional vision. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/BeccyHenderson ​ Release date: June 10, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're finishing up Fan Appreciation Month with an incredible visit from our friend Martin Robinson. Martin is the legendary puppeteer you know from Sesame Street, Little Shop of Horrors, and the new show from Sesame Workshop and Apple TV+ Helpsters where he performs Mr. Primm. His Halloween-horror musical-comedy All Hallows Eve had its first off Broadway run last October. As a returning guest, Martin catches up on various developments since our last conversation including filming content for Sesame Street and Helpsters from his home, his process for accessing the characters he performs, and what it meant to finally see his passion project make its way to a live theatrical audience. We also discuss a topic he most wanted to bring up, what style of puppetry he hopes will see a resurgence, and what he does to stay in character while performing Mr. Primm! PLUS: he shows us the furry star to one of his "pet" projects Taxi Dog. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/MartinRobinson2 Release date: May 27, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

This episode is sure to have a lot of Heart ... 's performer from Apple TV+'s Helpster - Ingrid Hansen! Ingrid is an incredibly talented Canadian puppeteer who has performed on programs such as Tiga Talk, Miss Persona, and Princess Sparkly Butt and the Hot Dog Kid. She is also the founder of SNAFU Dance Theatre and leads theater programs for incarcerated people in a Canadian prison system. We'll talk with Ingrid about her breakout role as Heart in Sesame Workshop's Helpsters and how she had prepared for that role - from preparing for early auditions, performing the character on set, and how she stays connected with them even when the show isn't in production. She also shares some great information about puppetry learning opportunities throughout Canada and how she approaches the art form as a tool for outreach. PLUS: find out which Muppet performer discovered her at a wool festival in upstate New York. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/IngridHansen ​ Release date: May 20, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

What does Star Wars, Star Trek, Gremlins, and The Muppets all have in common? The inspired influence of this week's guest Kirk Thatcher! Kirk is a prolific creator, writer, designer, director behind Dinosaurs, The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell, and a whole slew of Muppet projects like Muppet Treasure Island, A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, and the upcoming Muppets Now coming this summer to Disney+. The guys talk to Kirk about his new endeavor in consulting and brainstorming with aspiring writers and filmmakers. We also discuss coming up through Lucasfilm's ILM, a mentorship under Jim Henson, and the hustle of being a working creative in Hollywood. Don't miss this jam-packed episode for great insights into creating content PLUS his philosophy on directing the Muppets. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/KirkThatcher Release date: May 13, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Pam Arciero returns to Puppet Tears for an exciting part-two of our ongoing conversation (plus our first guest interview during shelter-in-place). Pam is the veteran Muppet performer best known for her role as Grundgetta Grouch, and is also Artistic Director of the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. As our second returning guest, Pam catches us up on what effects COVID-19 is having on this year's puppetry conference, how future seasons of Sesame Street may reflect the pandemic in its curriculum, and the implications that social distancing can have on puppet performing. We also discuss a topic she most wanted to bring up, what style of puppetry she hopes will see a resurgence, and a brand new puppet tears story you won't want to miss! For mentions and episode highlights, vitas PuppetTears.com/PamArciero2 Release date: May 6, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Desperate times continue! Our month of quarantine shows continues with our co-host Adam Kreutinger in the hot seat. Adam is an art teacher and is best known in the puppet community for his weekly YouTube tutorials, creating puppets for screen and stage productions, and live performances throughout Buffalo, NY with The Nimalz puppetry troupe. Cam talks with Adam about growing up as the second oldest of nine children, discovering a love for prop and costume making, and using his skills as a teacher to become an ambassador to the world of puppet building. You'll hear stories about formative moments in his puppetry journey, the value of building as many puppets as possible, and what it's like to work with Cam. PLUS: Adam shares the most important thing you need to do to become a master puppet builder. For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/AdamKreutinger Release date: April 22, 2020 Hosted by Cameron Garrity

#GraphicDesign #Puppetry #Podcast Desperate times call for desperate measures. Since Adam and Cam are trapped in their houses for the time being, they're doing some navel-gazing and interviewing each other! So this week's guest is Cameron Garrity, best known for his TEDxBuffalo presentation The Power of Puppetry, his theater pieces surrounding patient advocacy called Sanity Intact, and for his work as a graphic design - often for puppetry events like The Geppetto and Puppeteer of America Festivals. Adam and Cam discuss the importance of exercises for aspiring puppet writers, how he has transformed personal experiences into works of puppet theatre, and how he has married his passion for graphic design with a life-long love of puppetry. They guys also reflect on some of the highs and lows of projects they've collaborated on together. PLUS: hear his Puppet Tear story from a time he made a less-than-ideal first impression on Sesame Street's Sonia Manzano behind the scenes of Late Night with Eugene O'Neill. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/CamGarrity Release date: April 8, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger

What does the occult, a talking tongue, and children's television all have in common? This week's guest, James Godwin! Our friend and mentor James is the brilliant mind behind the one-man performances Lunatic Cunning and The Flatiron Hex. He's has worked as a puppet builder and on programs such as The Book of Pooh, Big Big World, Chapelle's Show, Oobi, and many more. He is also a performance coach for the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Don't miss this great conversation about James's evolution from painter, to stand-up and theatre performer, to one of puppetry's foremost creators. We dive deep into his artistic process, the individuals who most influenced him, and how to formulate the perfect reaction to an unruly audience. PLUS: hear an incredible tale from his time in the Hundred Acre Wood working on 'Team Pooh.' For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/JamesGodwin ​ Release date: March 24, 2020 ​Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Have you ever heard of Antron Fleece? If you're a long-time audience member of Puppet Tears, you probably have... Well, this week our guest is Laurie Nickerson - the Dye Master behind Puppet Pelts - who's here to talk all things textiles as we do a deep-dive into Antr-errr-*NYLON* fleece. We'll discuss how Laurie and her mom came to lead the charge of ensuring puppeteers have the highest-quality materials to build their puppets, origins of the "Muppet fleece" associated with moving-mouth television puppets, and why builders shouldn't be afraid of fabric alternatives like polyester fleece. This is an important master class for anybody interested in making the best puppets possible. PLUS: find out who besides puppeteers are dependent on the coveted "magical, unicorn" 14oz nylon fleece! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/PuppetPelts ​ Release date: March 11, 2020 ​ Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity Puppet Pelt Website https://puppetpelts.com/?ref=cuygmhnywum

Have you been working on a puppet show and are looking to take it to the next level? Are you hoping to premier your work in a formal theater space? Most importantly - do you need additional funding to make all of this happen? Then you're going to LOVE this conversation with z Briggs, Manager of The Jim Henson Foundation - the grant making institution with a mission of supporting excellence in puppetry. We talk to z about the process of submitting grants to the Foundation, discuss some best practices when drafting and assembling a visuals page, and find out about mis-steps you definitely will not want to take when submitting a letter of intent. If you're ever looking to apply for artist's grants for your puppet productions, you will NOT want to miss this info-packed conversation! ​PLUS: look out for a future episode of Puppet Tears when we bring z back to talk about her own work as a puppeteer with Wonder Spark Puppetry, as Dalia monster on Sesame Street, and more! For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/HensonFoundation Release date: February 26, 2020 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're celebrating Valentine's Day with two guests AND a guest host! Join two puppetry power couples Derek and Lauren Lux as they chat with Adam and his wife Maria Kreutinger. Derek and Lauren are Las Vegas performers who own and operate DLUX Entertainment and have created multi-media adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Together they'll discuss the highs and lows of a life in the puppet world, working in theatre with young children, and what about their partners inspires them most. PLUS Adam and Derek will leave the room and we'll hear their wives have a secret conversation about being married to puppet-crazed husbands. ​ For show notes and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/Valentine Release date: February 13, 2020 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Maria Kreutinger

This week on Puppet Tears we're talking to Terry Angus, an incredible puppeteer and builder best known for his work on Fraggle Rock, Blizzard Island, and designing the Muppet Master Replica photo puppets. Terry continues to build for the Canadian series M I Understanding and perform his signature character Butch G. Cat, which he created in 1988. We pour over Terry's incredible career -- from recreating the Muppets' most recognizable characters, to navigating his physically demanding job as a puppeteer with Cerebral Palsy. Tune in to hear some great memories from the sets of the 80's most iconic television, tips on treating puppet fur and fleece, and a few incredible times shared with Jim Henson himself! For episode highlights and show notes, visit PuppetTears.com/TerryAngus Release date: January 29, 2020 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Our next guest is one half to the dynamic duo behind Getting Felt Up: A Puppetry Podcast with Dan and Nate - Dan Becker! In addition to his contributions to the world of puppet podcasts, Dan has performed in John Tartaglia's ImagineOcean and constructed puppets for stage throughout Pennsylvania. Fans may also recognize him from his YouTube channel where, as Disney Dan, he explores the history and news about all things Disney, LEGO, Star Wars, Marvel, Funko, and more. We're talking to Dan about how he found puppetry, challenges he faced along the way, and lessons learned from producing Getting Felt Up. Don't miss this great conversation with pro-tips for YouTubers and other creators looking where to start. Dan also shares some great stories about his early influence from and eventual mentorship under John Tartaglia! For episode highlights and mentions, visit PuppetTears.com/DanBecker Release date: January 15, 2020 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're closing out 2019 with a very special neighbor... Mister Spencer Lott! Spencer is an accomplished performer, builder, writer, and director best known for his role as Samuel, Julia's brother on Sesame Street. He was the lead puppeteer and builder on the new film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. Spencer talks to us all about taking puppets out of their glass cases in order to create work that affects modern audiences! Tune in to hear his experiences working with Marielle Heller, Tom Hanks, and the Fred Rogers archive to deftly reproduce the iconic denizens from the Neighborhood of Make Believe. We also talk about Spencer's theatre work and finding his way to Sesame Street -- including a heart warming story about meeting Caroll Spinney on his first day on set. For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/SpencerLott Release date: December 18, 2019 Edited by Matt Bowen Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity  

We wanted to share our special from January 2019 where we celebrated Caroll Spinney, who died Sunday at the age of 85. Puppet Tears' very first 'Very Special Special' honors the work of Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer behind Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, who retired in October. This episode compiles video tributes, letters, fan art, and photos from viewers of all stripes and feathers. Thank you to all those who submitted content - we hope you are happy with the final result! Original release date: January 1, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

If you've ever tried to buy a puppet online, chances are you've seen the work of this week's guest - Steve Axtell. Steve is a performer, animator, voice artist, inventor, and entrepreneur whose company Axtell Expressions provides professional innovations to help you entertain the world. His creations are used by the likes of Derek Lux, Darci Lynn, Terry Fator, and Shaquille O'Neill. Steve is here to take us on a tour of his sprawling workshop as he regales us with stories of coming up as a young puppeteer through the highs and lows of owning his own company. You won't want to miss this special episode with one of the biggest names in puppetry! For mentions and episode highlights, visit PuppetTears.com/SteveAxtell ​ Release date: December 4, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity