Puppet Tears: Puppetry Shop Talk

Welcome to Puppet Tears! In this first episode, we meet puppeteer and mech master Jim Kroupa.   Jim's bio info: http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Jim_Kroupa    Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtjcymmkbjo&list=PLeYjVOvIFYr9J5vFgNO3XUMO6F0COLaXj

Rick Lazzarini give us some insight on "making it" in the puppetry biz.   Rick's website: The Character Shop http://www.character-shop.com/   Follow Rick on Twitter @RickLazzarini Rick's bio https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/art...   Magic Wheel Chair https://www.magicwheelchair.org/   Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtjcymmkbjo&list=PLeYjVOvIFYr9J5vFgNO3XUMO6F0COLaXj  

Instagram: @peter.linz www.facebook.com/peterlinzpuppeteer Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtjcymmkbjo&list=PLeYjVOvIFYr9J5vFgNO3XUMO6F0COLaXj  

Instagram: @lilshadproduc http://www.littleshadowproductions.com Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube https://youtu.be/2-163TSPSVc  

Youtube: BarnabyDixon Twitter: barnabyjdixon Facebook: barnabyjdixon Patreon: barnabydixon Instagram: barnabydixon   Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube. https://youtu.be/LNVWF9zD94A

Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube.

Katie Williams joins us on this episode from Bristol in the UK! We talk to her about what it has been like to come up as a puppet builder in today's competitive industry. She is a puppeteer and stop-motion model-maker who has worked at Aardman Animation Studios and on Wes Anderson's 2018 film Isle of Dogs. We'll discuss her process in networking, finding new projects, and building a portfolio while strengthening her craftsperson skills. We will also talk about her many solo projects, including the live performances Howard and Freak Show, ​as well as her studies at The Curious School of Puppetry. Mentions: Website: www.katie-elspeth-williams.com Instagram: @katiewilliamspuppetry Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube.

All the way from "where the air is sweet," the guys are joined by Leslie Carrara-Rudolph to talk about her 20 years as a puppeteer on stage and screen - most notably Lolly Lardpop and Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby. We'll discuss how Leslie's time as a visual artist and a human actor on stage has influenced her work creating characters who touch our hearts. You won't want to miss Leslie talk about the many performers who helped to bolster her; from Josh Gad (Frozen, Book of Mormon, Beauty and the Beast) and Paula Pell (SNL, 30 Rock, AP Bio) to Muppet legends like Fran Brill, Jerry Nelson, and Bill Baretta. You can't miss this episode of Puppet Tears! For Mentions and Social Media Links visit www.PuppetTears.com/LeslieCR Release date: September 26, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity   Tweet at us who you would like to hear from next! @PuppetTearsPod   Every episode has a fully produced video on YouTube.

This week, the guys are joined by puppeteer and veteran Muppet performer from Sesame Street -- Martin Robinson! He is best known for bringing life to characters such as Telly Monster, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and Slimey the Worm. Martin also has a remarkable history on stage, most notably as the original designer, builder, and puppeteer of Little Shop of Horrors's Audrey II. We'll talk to Martin about developing backstories and the physical demands associated with performing his signature characters. We will also spend some time discussing his involvement with The National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center -- specifically developing his immersive performance piece, All Hallows Eve, a re-imagining of Hansel & Grettel. For episode mentions and show notes, visit www.PuppetTears.com/MartinRobinson Release date: October 10, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

On this episode of Puppet Tears, the guys have the pleasure of getting to know Patrick and Sean Johnson, the creative minds behind Swazzle puppet company. These wonder-twins have guided their LA-based studio through all kinds of dynamic projects - from Pee-Wee's Playhouse on Broadway and The Simpsons, to their own productions on screen and stage! They'll talk about their company's biggest project to date: producing and performing a vibrant cast of puppet characters on Showtime's new series Kidding, starring Jim Carrey. Patrick and Sean also discuss their puppet-upbringing throughout the early 80's, the importance of joining your local Puppeteers of America guild, and the lasting influence that Jim Henson's passing had on their spirit of creativity. For episode mentions and show notes, visit www.PuppetTears.com/JohnsonBros Release date: October 24, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Happy Sesame Street month, everybody! In celebration of the show's 49th anniversary, we're talking to someone who's been working with its legendary characters for nearly 20 years! Louis Henry Mitchell is Sesame Workshop's Creative Director of Character Design, a position that has him wearing many hats -- from taking promotional photography, to ensuring characters are properly represented in Sesame's merchandising. The guys will discuss Louis's upbringing as a prodigious illustrator and draftsman, how he found his way to Sesame Street, and what it was like to design one of the show's newest characters Julia, a Muppet who has autism. You'll also hear about why Louis has such an obsession with Cookie Monster and the perfect recipe for taking stellar photos of your puppets. Release date: November 7, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Wondering what the Peter PLAN is this week, friends...? Well, for the guys at Puppet Tears, it's talking to the one and only Derek Lux. Alongside his wife Lauren, Derek is the founder of DLux Puppet, a San Francisco-based company that produces spell-binding, multi-media performances for the whole family. Their break-out first show was a re-telling of Alice in Wonderland; in January of 2019, they'll premier their newest production: Peter Pan. You'll hear Derek talk about his roots - an early immersion in voice acting and theatre, becoming a fan of Jim Henson's technological wizardry and re-discovering puppetry as an adult - making it his full-time profession. Don't miss this discussion that tackles everything from collaborating with puppet-master Steve Axtell to leading a production of Sweeny Todd at The National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. For mentions and show notes, visit www.PuppetTears.com/DerekLux Release date: November 21, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Puppet Tears in 2018, the guys sit down with their good friend and mentor -- Mr. Ronnie Burkett! Ronnie is a legendary puppet artist who is best known for his prolific marionette work, including Tinka's New Dress, Penny Plain, CRAVE, and The Daisy Theatre. Join us for this jam-packed conversation, spanning from Ronnie's earliest days as a puppet-book-worm in Medicine Hat, Alberta, his foray into the lucrative world of commercial television puppetry, and solidifying his artistic voice with the Theatre of Marionettes. PLUS: a hysterical synopsis of Ronnie's adaptation of A Christmas Carol -- Little Dickens -- which he's touring in Vancouver throughout December. This candid talk highlights the true intellect, passion, and sticktoitiveness it takes to become a successful, career-puppeteer. For show notes and mentions, visit www.PuppetTears.com/RonnieBurkett Release date: December 5, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

Welcome to 2019, Puppet Tears friends! For this first episode of the year, we're talking to David Stephens -- the much-esteemed puppeteer and founder of All Hands Productions. A graduate of the University of Connecticut's MFA in Puppetry program, David talks about his years as a puppeteer from his earliest days growing up in Alabama, to working with Sesame Street and Jim Henson's Emmet Otter stage musical, and mounting an impressive roster of one-man shows. Join us for an in-depth conversation with David, where we discuss how he creates his shows, makes it as a self-employed puppeteer, and what it was like working with some of his puppetry heroes. We can't think of a better way to start off this new season of puppetry shop talks -- enjoy! For full show-notes and mentions, visit www.PuppetTears.com/DavidStephens Release date: January 2, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

This week we're joined by up-and-coming puppetry director and our good friend Jessica Simon! Jessica has been awarded multiple Jim Henson Foundation grants and is a UNIMA-citation recipient. She co-organized 2013's National Puppetry Conference and has worked with WonderSpark Puppetry, The Puppet Kitchen, and The Jim Henson Company, among others. We discuss her full-length production Ruby & Charlie and discusses what goes into developing such an extensive show. She also talks about the importance of working with close friends and how to stay motivated when working on multiple projects at a time. For mentions and show notes, visit www.PuppetTears.com/JessicaSimon Release date: January 16, 2018 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

This week we go BIG with the renowned puppetry director and new author of the book Puppetry: How to Do It - Mervyn Millar! Mervyn worked extensively with Handspring Puppet Company in the original productions of War Horse, and trained countless touring casts to follow in his footsteps. Projects taken on by his own company, Significant Object, include Bermingham Rep's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, international sensation Circus 1903, and Paul McCartney's Appreciate. The guys will talk about why the theater must train its puppeteers to go beyond rote, rehearsed movement and how to talk to producers about bringing on puppetry directors onto a show involving puppets. Of course, they also talk about Mervyn's new book of rehearsal exercises, which he wrote in the hopes of bringing this often-niche art form to the masses. For show notes and mentions, visit PuppetTears.com/MervynMillar Release date: February 12, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're journeying to TWO very special locals on this week's Puppet Tears -- Sesame Street and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center! Our guest is Pam Arciero, veteran Muppet performer, best known for her role as Grundgetta Grouch, and Artistic Director at the O'Neill's National Puppetry Conference. Listen in for an in-depth discussion about Pam's career as a puppeteer -- from her early days meeting Kermit Love at the University of Hawaii, to working as one of the first full-time female Muppeteers Jim Henson hired for Sesame Street, to her present-day position as a true ambassador to the art-form. PLUS she'll share some time-tested tips for applying your projects for conferences and grants! For show notes and mentions, visit PuppetTears.com/PamArciero Release date: February 27, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

'What a wonderful world' that has connected us with one of the country's biggest puppeteers: Terry Fator! Terry is the champion of America's Got Talent's second season, where his mastery of ventriloquism and the support of loyal fans rocketed him to a now 10-year career as a Las Vegas headliner. Keep your peeled for a special appearance from one of his puppet friends, too! We talk to Terry about his life as a variety performer - starting as a young magician and puppeteer through his emergence as prolific impressionist and vocalist. He shares stories about his relentless perseverance and building the skills he knew he'd need to succeed. We also discuss his work with the Terry Fator Foundation, which supports many military-based charities, The American Cancer Society, and Nevada Blind Children's Foundation. This is an episode of Puppet Tears that you won't want to miss. For mentions and show notes, visit PuppetTears.com/TerryFator Release date: March 13, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garr

Ryan Dillon stops by the show this week for a jam-packed episode of Puppet Tears! Ryan is a Muppet performer on Sesame Street, best known for performing Elmo since 2013. Along side Mark Gale, he is also the creator of the Dillon Gale Idiots, his original cast of surreal television puppets. We'll talk with Ryan about his beginnings as a tireless Muppet Show fan, beginning his career as a Sesame Street puppeteer at the age of 17, and the responsibility of taking over such an important legacy character. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about following your artistic passions and creating new work every day! For show notes and mentions, visit www.PuppetTears.com/RyanDillon To support the show, visit www.Patreon.com/PuppetTearsPod Release date: March 27, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity

We're celebrating 20 episodes of Puppet Tears with one of our oldest and closest friends in the puppetry world — Mr. Jon Little! Jon is the founder and owner of Little's Creatures, a Boston-based puppet company for all of your professional puppet project needs. He's worked on some amazing projects such as Time Machine Guitar, The Curious Kitchen, Speakeasy Stage's Hand to God, and Jim Kroupa's The Howdy Doo show. Tune in as we take a deep-dive into shop talk — from time management and pricing puppets, to the nitty-gritty of arm rod construction. We talk about mentors who've helped him along the way, learning from his mistakes, and what glue-gun mishap gave him the worse puppet-tears. You won't want to miss this conversation bursting at the seams with Jon's tips and tricks to becoming a professional puppeteer! For show notes and mentions, visit www.PuppetTears.com/JonLittle Release date: April 10, 2019 Hosted by Adam Kreutinger & Cameron Garrity