Puppet Tears, ep 083 — Kevin Carlson on Timmy the Tooth + SAGAFTRA Puppetry Negotiations
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/
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1:31:57
Puppet Tears, ep 082 — Larry Guild, the Godfather of Puppet Fleece
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
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53:30
Puppet Tears, ep 081 — Jake Bazel on Winnie the Pooh + Duncan the Skunk
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
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1:30:14
Puppet Tears, ep 080 — Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway
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
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1:47:37
Puppet Tears, ep 079 — Haley Jenkins
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