Puppet101

Swazzle/Chiodo Bros/Simpsons/Katy Perry

2010-09-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to another collaboration between The Chiodo Brothers and Swazzle the Simpsons will be puppets this December, and they are joined by pop-superstar Katy Perry.

It seems Elmo is not Katy Perry's only puppet pal. In a very special Christmas episode of the Simpsons, Katy Perry goes down in history as the first human to guest star on the show.

Swazzle created the puppets, and provided all of the puppeteers. The Chiodo Brothers produced the puppet segment, and Stephen Chiodo directed. Puppeteers: Sean Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Artie Esposito, Russ Walko, and Brett O'Quinn.

The Simpsons puppets were first announced at the Simpson's panel and Comic-con, where they screened a short clip for a couple thousand fans. EW gives you a first look:

Katy Perry to guest star on 'The Simpsons'! Here's your exclusive first look...
by Dan Snierson

Simpsons-Katy-PerryImage Credit: FoxIt looks like Katy Perry will get to sing with a puppet on TV after all. Although Sesame Street has decided that Perry’s “Hot N Cold” duet with Elmo is too hot for TV, The Simpsons is rolling out the yellow carpet for the pop star. EW.com has learned that Perry will guest in a Christmas-themed episode of the animated comedy—and in an unusual way: She appears as herself in a live-action segment that features Simpsons characters as puppets. “In the wake of Elmo’s terrible betrayal, the Simpsons puppets wish to announce they stand felt-shoulder-to-shoulder with Katy Perry,” quipped series executive producer Al Jean in a statement to EW.com. Not only does the singer wind up leading Homer & Co. in a rendition of “The 39 Days of Christmas,” she plays the unlikely role of… Moe’s girlfriend! Yes, from Elmo to Moe she goes. (And as you can see in the picture above, her sartorial selection for this gig probably wouldn’t have been Street-approved either: The PBS show announced on Sept. 23 that it wouldn’t air Perry’s performance after previewing it on YouTube and receiving complaints about her cleavage-revealing outfit. By the way, her Simpsons bit was shot in mid-September, prior to the fuss.) Perry, the musical guest on Saturday Night Live tonight, won’t be the only celebrity gracing this Simpsons episode; Martha Stewart also pops up, but in cartoon form. “The Fight Before Christmas” airs Dec. 5 on Fox.

This video was captured during the Simpsons panel at Comic-con this past summer.

Swazzle Casting NY Puppeteers

2010-08-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Swazzle is casting NY/Tri-State Area hand and rod puppeteers for a live show that will premiere at FAO Schwarz on 5th Avenue beginning in September. The show will be promoting the "Juno Baby" brand, which is a series of children's DVD's featuring a cast of puppets who teach the wonders of music. Performances will take place over four Saturdays in September, with 3 to 4 rehearsal days in late August/ early September. Applicants must be available for all performance and rehearsal days. The number of shows per day has yet to be decided.

Due to the short lead time, there will be no auditions, instead please send your resume and/or links to your reels to Artie Esposito at artie@swazzle.com .

Swazzle and Chiodo Bros Bring Simpsons to Life as Puppets

2010-07-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time in their long history, The Simpsons will be brought to life as puppets, thanks to Swazzle, and The Chiodo Brothers. See the puppet Simpsons this December during the 2010 Christmas episode.

Special Preview at Comic-Con Saturday!

2010-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Recently Swazzle teamed up with the Chiodo Brothers to help create a super cool puppet project that will be previewed at Comic-Con during a panel this Saturday. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been officially announced yet, I can't even tell you which panel to go to - because that would be too much of a give away.

Once it's announced, I'll be able to share more info. In the mean time, enjoy Comic-Con.

Pee-wee Bound for Broadway

2010-05-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard the amazing news that The Pee-wee Herman Show is headed to Broadway. Working with our good friends The Chiodo Brothers, Swazzle built nearly 20 puppets for the show which originally opened at Club Nokia this past January.

The puppet build was challenging. It took lot's of skill and innovation to recreate such playhouse favorites as Pterri, Pee-wee's flying pterodactyl, Pee-wee's talking map shaped clock, Clocky, The Flowers, The Fish and more.

Just about every puppetry discipline was utilized - hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes and more.

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to give you an exclusive behind the scenes look at the creation of the puppets from The Pee-wee Herman Show...

...you're welcome :)

Swazzle on NOTCOT.org

2010-05-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Once again Swazzle was featured on NOTCOT.org. Check out the link to our new demo reel here.

The demo reel features behind the scenes photos and video from The Pee-wee Herman Show (which is on it's way to Broadway!), The Japanese Subaru commercial we worked on with our friends, The Chiodo Brothers, and more! Check it out and share it with your friends.

BTW, don't forget to "like" the video and leave us a comment.

New Swazzle Demo Reel 2010

2010-05-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

Swazzle Demo Reel Summer 2010 from Sean Johnson on Vimeo.

Check out Swazzle's new demo reel!

Team Smithereen is on the Air!

2010-05-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

We just learned that Team Smithereen, the crazy stunt puppet show from The Dan Clark Company and W!ldbrain is hitting the air waves. You can catch all new Team Smithereen episodes every Saturday at 9:00 am on Disney XD during the Shortstop.

Japanese Subaru Commercial Behind the Scenes Photos

2010-04-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

See behind the scenes photos from the commercial Swazzle worked on with the Chido Brothers. The Chiodo Brothers produced and designed the puppets, Swazzle made the otters, camel, whale, and jellyfish, and costume shop Alex in Wonderland made the lion suits.

You can see the photos here, and watch the commercials here.

Puppeteer needed for Swazzle’s Bay Area tour

2010-04-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Date: Monday, May 3, 2010
Location: TBD

Swazzle is seeking a puppeteer to perform the live puppet show Water Color at libraries in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 45-minute show will be presented during June and July as entertainment for the libraries’ summer reading programs.

Water Color is a large-scale puppet show featuring a cast of light-up hand puppets and shadow puppets. Applicants must display good manipulation and be able to perform a wide range of character voices.

The puppeteer will be required to transport the show to the venue; interact with the client and the public in a professional manner; and set up, perform and break down the show. There may be multiple performances per day.

The puppeteer will be paid a flat fee per show.

To schedule an audition please send an e-mail to puppetshows@swazzle.com and put “audition” in the subject line.

This blog has moved

2010-04-22T13:02:00.001-07:00

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Swazzle Creates Puppets for Japanese Subaru Commercial

2010-04-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Swazzle had teamed up with the Chiodo Brothers to make puppets for two Japanese Subaru commercials. Working from designs by Charlie Chiodo, Swazzle's team of talented builders created five full body puppets for the spots.

The two 15 second commercials were shot in Japan, and Swazzle sent eight highly skilled puppeteers overseas to work on the spots.

The puppets including two otters, a jellyfish, a camel, and a whale were mostly shot against green screen and the puppeteers were removed in post. In some shots, the puppets were shot in the car and on a live set, and the rods and puppeteers were painted out.

The finished commercials were just posted online and you can view them here.

The site is in Japanese, so to find the videos click on the third pink button. You'll find links to the videos in the bottom left corner. The top left image links to the two commercials, the image next to it links to an extended web only version. Below those are links to behind the scenes videos.

We've also posted behind the scenes photos on the Swazzle Facebook page.

See the Pee-wee puppets in Action!

2010-01-29T02:07:00.001-08:00

Pee-wee Gets An iPad! from Pee-wee Herman

Swazzle puppeteers and Pee-wee Herman

2010-01-22T00:05:00.001-08:00

The Swazzle puppeteers hang with Pee-wee Herman on the set of the new Pee-wee Herman Show now playing at Club Nokia.

From left to right: Victoria Johnson (Magic Screen), Erik Kuska (Clocky, Mr. Window), Artie Esposito (Chairry), Pee-wee Herman (Himself), Haley Jenkins (Flowers, Ginger), Sean Johnson (Pterri, Randy, Shamwow), Russ Walko (Conky), Patrick Johnson (Globy, Pterri), Carla Rudy (Pterri, Randy, Mr. Window).

Populating Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Swazzle creates 19 puppets for Pee-wee Herman’s triumphant return

2010-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Populating Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Swazzle creates 19 puppets for
Pee-wee Herman’s triumphant return

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 18, 2010 – Glendale, CA-based puppet company Swazzle has re-created many of the classic puppet characters from Pee-wee’s Playhouse and built a handful of new puppets for The Pee-wee Herman Show, now playing at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. Directed by Obie Award winner Alex Timbers and starring Paul Reubens, Lynne Stewart, John Paragon and Phil LaMarr, the stage show reunites Pee-wee Herman with many of his puppet pals from the hit television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

That show was appointment television for Swazzle Creative Directors Sean and Patrick Johnson as kids, so when they learned of plans for a stage show, the brothers jumped at the chance to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime production. Swazzle’s team worked with design consultant Jimmy Cuomo and puppet producers The Chiodo Brothers to build Clockey, Randy, the Flowers, the Fish, Pterri, ShamWow and Cowboy Curtis’ horse, Ginger. “Working on this show is a dream come true. When I was 9 years old watching Pee-wee’s Playhouse, I never dreamed that I would get to work with Pee-wee Herman one day,” says Patrick.

The Pee-wee Herman Show features hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes and walk-around costumes, and each posed unique building challenges. Sean, Patrick and fellow puppet builders Russ Walko and Artie Esposito worked round the clock carving foam, dyeing fleece, and stitching Spandex to complete the puppets on a demanding schedule.

The marionettes proved to be particularly challenging. For example, Pterri the Pterodactyl has to fly in from the ceiling, swoop around the room, and crash-land—a vertical distance of more than 20 feet. Swazzle relied on the advice of UNIMA-award winning puppetry consultant Basil Twist, whose idea for a split controller was essential to pulling off the stunt.

In addition to building 19 puppets for The Pee-wee Herman Show, Swazzle provided all of the puppeteers. Working as Puppeteer Coordinator, Sean assembled a team whose combined credits include work for The Jim Henson Company, The Walt Disney Company, the Muppets and the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. “The puppetry in the show is challenging,” says Sean. “I worked from the top of my list to pull in the most talented puppeteers in Los Angeles.”

Because so many different forms of puppetry are employed in the show, puppeteers are hidden everywhere—behind, beneath, on and high above the stage. Several of the characters are performed by multiple puppeteers, who trade off or work together depending on the puppet’s location and method of operation. At one point in the show, five puppeteers work together to perform Pterri as he crash-lands as a marionette and pops up as a hand puppet.

In addition to Sean Johnson (Pterri, Randy, ShamWow, the Fish, Mr. Knucklehead) and Patrick Johnson (Globey, Pterri, Mr. Knucklehead), the show features the puppetry of Artie Esposito (Chairry), Russ Walko (Conky), Carla Rudy (Pterri, Randy, ShamWow, Mr. Window, Mr. Knucklehead), Victoria Johnson (Magic Screen), Haley Jenkins (Ginger, Pterri, the Flowers, Mr. Knucklehead, Magic Screen), and Erik Kuska (Clockey, Mr. Window, Mr. Knucklehead).

Swazzle’s team members have spent years honing their puppet-building and performing skills in live puppet shows for libraries and schools, along with stage and screen projects for clients like Patton Oswalt, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, W!ldbrain/The Dan Clark Company, and Overbrook Entertainment. The Pee-wee Herman Show is the next leap forward for this young puppet company as it continues to develop and expand.

About Swazzle

Founded in 2004 by twin brothers Sean and Patrick Johnson, Swazzle is a Glendale, CA-based company specializing in puppetry for film, television and the stage. Together with their troupe of professional puppeteers they have performed hundreds of shows in venues across California.

Sean and Patrick have worked with leading children’s entertainment companies including The Jim Henson Company, PBS Kids Sprout, The Walt Disney Company and The Baby Einstein Company. They also teach puppetry technique to actors and comedians from The Groundlings for The Jim Henson Company.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Sean Johnson
Swazzle
866-792-9953
sean@swazzle.com

Swazzle Building Puppets for Pee Wee Herman!

2009-11-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Everyone here at Swazzle is very excited to announce that we will be recreating many of the classic puppet characters from Pee Wee's Playhouse for The Pee Wee Herman Show: Pee Wee's triumphant return!

We're working with the creative team to make all new stage versions of the shows' most beloved characters. At this time we're unable to share anymore info, but please standby for updates and information.

In the mean time please visit peewee.com, or click here to get tickets.

Follow Swazzle on Twitter

2009-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Swazzle is now on Twitter. Keep updated on the cool puppet stuff happening at Swazzle by following us on Twitter! Click here to follow Swazzle.

Muppets at D23 Expo

2009-09-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

This past Friday and Sunday I had the pleasure of seeing the Muppets live at Disney's D23 Expo. During the big Walt Disney Pictures presentation, the Muppets made a surprise appearance. Over 20 Muppets, including Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo (and of course a handful of chickens and penguins) rode in on the Mark Twain steam boat, pushed by Sweetums, and sang a few Muppet classics. The highlight was Kermit the Frog singing "Rainbow Connection".

Sunday was the Muppet presentation - a whole hour dedicated to the Muppets! There were cool announcements (Muppet*Vision 3-D remastered, more Muppet YouTube videos, Whatnot Workshops coming to the parks, Mobile Electric Mayhem Band, and more), raffle prizes, and a live appearance by Sam the Eagle.

The highlight of Sunday was meeting Gonzo, Fozzie and Pepe in person! We happened to be the very last people in line - The Muppets visited and took photos with guests for at least two hours.

Aside from the cool live appearance, there was also some very cool Muppet product on display. My favorite were the Pook-a-Looz plush - think of them as Disney characters by way of Ugly Dolls.

I've got a lot more photos from D23 Expo, check them out here.

Man Eating Plant Loose in Swazzle Workshop!

2009-08-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Swazzle's Audrey Two killer plant puppets are nearing completion. In this video, Swazzle puppeteers and puppet builders, Patrick Johnson and Russ Walko, test out Audrey II's man eating ability.

Swazzle and Patton Oswalt

2009-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Swazzle provided puppets and puppeteers for a short sketch at the beginning of Patton Oswalt's new comedy DVD, My Weakness is Strong. The unrated DVD (not for kids) hits store shelves today.

Swazzle puppeteers Grant Baciocco, Brian Clark, Artie Esposito, Patrick Johnson, Sean Johnson, Victoria Johnson, and Russ Walko all helped out on the shoot.

Swazzle's Audrey 2 on Notcot

2009-07-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Notcot.org featured the link to our Audrey 2 behind the scenes photos. Swazzle has been building a new set of Audrey 2 puppets over the past month or so. Soon they will be available to rent for productions of "Little Shop of Horrors". Check out the Notcot blurb and the behind the scenes photos on Swazzle's Facebook fan page.

Little Shop of Horrors

2009-07-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Swazzle's puppet builders are hard at work on our next exciting puppet project. We are building a brand new set of Audrey II puppets for the hit musical "Little Shop of Horrors". The puppets will be completed in late August - once finished, they will be rented to high schools and theaters presenting the Off Broadway smash.

Check out Swazzle's Facebook Fan Page for exclusive behind the scenes photos.

For more information on renting our Audrey 2 plant puppets for you production of "Little Shop of Horrors" please call Swazzle 866-SWAZZLE (792-9953)

Swazzle on Notcot.org

2009-06-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

Notcot.org a website all about art, design, and culture posted a link about Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color. Check it out here.

Light up Puppets - Before and After

2009-06-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

The puppets for Swazzle's new light up puppet show Water Color were covered with Electroluminescent Wire, also know as EL Wire. Hundreds of feet of EL Wire was painstakingly hand stitched to the puppets with transparent thread. Water Color is now on tour all over Southern California, to see when Water Color is playing in your town check out our online tour schedule. To see what the puppets look like with the stage lights on, and with the lights off, I've posted some before and after photos.

The cast of Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

...after.

The Cycloptopus from Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

...after

Ellie Fish the Jelly Fish from Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

...after.

Adolfo the Dolphin from Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

...after.

Gray the star of Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

...after.

Star the starfish from Swazzle's light up puppet show, Water Color, before and...

Light Up Puppets

2009-06-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

The light up puppet cast of Swazzle's light up puppet show Water Color. Water Color is now touring in Southern California click here to view our tour schedule.

Swazzle is Go!

2009-06-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Swazzle's summer puppet show season officially kicked off today with Water Color in Southern California, and River Otter Circus in Northern California. Monday, Goldilocks and the Three Buccaneers begins it's Los Angeles tour. Check our online schedule to see when Swazzle is performing in your town.

Glow in the Dark Puppets

2009-06-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

Swazzle's new puppet show Water Color features a cast of glow in the dark puppets. The puppets are covered with EL wire. Pictured above are the dolphin, jellyfish, starfish, and nautilus.

New Large Puppet Stage

2009-06-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is the new puppet stage that we will be using for the new Swazzle puppet shows, River Otter Circus, and Water Color. Swazzle's summer puppet show season begins in just over a week.

New Forest Fables Puppet Stage

2009-06-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

The new puppet stage for Swazzle's summer puppet show, Goldilocks and the Three Buccaneers is finished, and ready for it's debut. New Swazzle puppeteer Artie Esposito will be touring this show at many Los Angeles Public Library branches.

River Otter Painted Drop

2009-05-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Swazzle's new puppet stages feature a large painted drop between the two playing areas. Here are some photos of me painting the drop for River Otter Circus, and the final product.

New Water Color Puppets

2009-05-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Patrick just finished a bunch of puppets for Swazzle's new glow in the dark under water puppet show, Water Color. Check them out.

New Swazzle Stage

2009-05-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

I just created a mock up for Swazzle's new puppet stage. This stage has four major playing areas. One on the left, one on the right, an optional shadow stage in the middle, and one out front (with the puppeteer visible). This stage will be impressive, colorful, and easier to set up than our current stage.

New Puppet

2009-05-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is the latest puppet for the new Swazzle puppet show, The River Otter Circus.

Busy Day in the Swazzle Workshop

2009-04-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is a busy time for Swazzle. Right now we are working on a couple of custom puppet builds - One of the puppets is a seven foot walk around. We are also building puppets for Swazzle's summer puppet show tour. Along with that we doing some creative development on some very cool projects... top secret, for now. Here are some photos from the day. Enjoy.

By the way, Swazzle is having auditions on April 30. Click here for more.

Swazzle Creative Director/puppeteer/puppet builder, Sean Johnson sews sea monster tentacles for the new Swazzle puppet show, Water Color.

Swazzle Creative Director/puppeteer/puppet builder, Patrick Johnson sands a nautilus shell for the new Swazzle puppet show, Water Color.

Puppet show creator/director Dan Clark in the Swazzle Workshop.

Puppeteer/puppet builder Russ Walko builds a seven foot walk around puppet for a short film.

Puppeteer/puppet builder Artie Exposito builds a puppet for a short film in The Swazzle Workshop.

Puppeteer/actor/writer Brian Clark develops a couple of new Swazzle projects in the Swazzle Workshop.

Swazzle Puppeteer Auditions

2009-04-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 30th, beginning at 10am

Swazzle
4525 San Fernando Rd., Unit F
Glendale, CA 90035

Swazzle is looking for puppeteers to perform live puppet shows at libraries across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

These 45-minute puppet shows will be presented during the summer as entertainment for the libraries’ summer reading programs.

The puppeteer will be required to transport the show to the venue; interact with the client and the public in a professional manner; and set up, perform and break down the show. There may be multiple performances per day.

Performers will be paid a flat fee per show.

To schedule an audition time, please call 866-792-9953 or e-mail puppetshows@swazzle.com and put “Audition” in the subject line.

The Ringmaster's Son

2009-04-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is the latest puppet for the new Swazzle puppet show, The River Otter Circus. I built him based on Patrick's design. The River Otter Circus will begin it's Northern California tour on June 16, 2009, it moves to San Diego on July 20, 2009. Check out Swazzle.com for a complete tour schedule.

Ringmaster

2009-03-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is the Ringmaster the newest puppet I built for the new Swazzle The River Otter Circus. He's and hand puppet and his arms move like a glove puppet. The fur was dyed and boiled to get that fun color and texture. I think he looks like cotton candy, which is perfect for a circus. This little guy also has a black top and a bow tie.

Swazzle Reel

2009-03-04T21:59:00.000-08:00

We just finished cutting a new Swazzle reel. Check it out, and share it with your friends. Click the "HQ" button to watch a high quality version. Enjoy.

By the way, you can become a fan of Swazzle on Facebook. Click here to join the fun!

I'm in Animation Magazine

2009-02-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

The March issue of Animation Magazine did a two page article on Team Smithereen, the new stunt puppet show from The Dan Clark Company/W!ldbrain/Jetix Europe. I'm pictured with show creator Dan Clark, and a crazy monster puppet. Team Smithereen will be coming out in the first quarter of 2009 - in the mean time check out the show's production blog: teamsmithereen.blogspot.com. You can pick up a copy of Animation Magazine at your local newsstand or on their website.

Kaney West and Monster Puppet

2009-02-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

I managed to dig up some amateur video of the monster puppet Jim Henson's Creature Shop made for Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour. Patrick and I were part of the small team that built this huge puppet. It was made out of foam and fiberglass, and built on a carbon fiber spine. The entire monster is covered in fabric, and has hand stitched wrinkles and veins running up and down it's body. It was built over a couple weeks at the Creature Shop in Burbank CA. You can't tell from the video, but it also has a long tail. The videos were shot on cell phones by concert goers, so bear with the low quality of the image - they look a bit better if you watch them in high quality. Enjoy:

Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4

Be Swazzle's Fan on Facebook

2009-02-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Swazzle is on Facebook and it's looking for fans! If you're a fan of Swazzle, puppets and puppet shows, then head on over to Swazzle's page on Facebook. The Swazzle Facebook page has some fun photos, videos and more. We hope to see you there!

Brand New Glow in the Dark Puppet

2009-01-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

Swazzle's booking season is now in full swing. We just did our first performs showcase, and there are more to come. So far we have about 30 bookings. I wanted to share a brand new puppet with you all - I just finished yesterday. It's a fish, for our new puppet show Water Color. The puppet is covered with flexible neon, so that it can glow in the dark. All of the puppets in the show will light up different colors - it should look pretty spectacular in the dark.

12 Days of Christmas Podcast

2008-12-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

I hope you all enjoy this video from a couple of years back, it's one of our favorites. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Swazzle.

Digg my Blog - Mini Update

2008-11-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

Hey readers of Puppet 101, I just added some share buttons and a Digg button to my blog. If you like Puppet 101 please help out by digging it or sharing it on your favorite social networking site.

This has been a super busy time for myself and Swazzle. We had another very busy summer of puppet shows, and then Patrick and I rolled right into the crazy stunt puppet production Team Smithereen. A few months back we moved into our brand new workshop in Glendale, and for the last couple of day's we have been rehearsing our brand new holiday puppet show, Live from the Ice Cube. Believe it or not, we are already planning our two new summer puppet shows: The River Otter Circus, and Water Color. Water Color will feature light up "neon" fish puppets - more on that later.

I hope you are all keeping busy with some fun puppet projects. Please keep me updated, and always feel free to email me your puppet questions: sean@swazzle.com

By the way, I will be adding some new behind the scenes puppet building photos once we begin production on the new summer puppet shows.

Space Bugs

2008-11-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

The stars of the Swazzle puppet show Space Bugs welcome visitors to the new Swazzle Workshop.

Swazzle Lobby

2008-11-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken in the lobby of the new Swazzle Workshop in Glendale, CA.

New Swazzle Workshop

2008-11-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

After about a month, the new Swazzle Workshop is starting to come together. Today we got the workshop cleaned up, and put the lobby together - it's very exciting.

Team Smithereen Behind the Scenes Video

2008-10-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this crazy behind the scenes video from the set of Team Smithereen. I'm the one in the mask and black plastic bag. Enjoy.

New Team Smithereen Blog

2008-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Team Smithereen Blog. It will be featuring exclusive behind the scenes photos, videos and more.

Offical Team Smithereen Press Release

2008-10-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of months Patrick and I have been working on this super cool puppet project called Team Smithereen. We have been fortunate to work with Dan Clark and L.A.'s top puppeteers. The official press release just came out - give it read.

13th October 2008

Jetix Europe teams with W!LDBRAIN on first short-form programme for its new-look websites

Amsterdam, The Netherlands and London, UK – Jetix Europe N.V. (AMEX: JETIX; Reuters: JETIX.AS; Bloomberg: JETIX.NA), today announced that it is teaming up with W!LDBRAIN, the award-winning entertainment company, on a new short-form series that will premiere on its websites across Europe in early 2009. The move follows Jetix’ recently announced plans to overhaul its websites with new and improved navigation and functionality, including interactive VOD players.

W!LDBRAIN’s Team Smithereen will be the first new short-form series that Jetix will debut in Europe as an exclusive premiere on its websites. Kids across Europe will be able to access this new short-form content whenever they want online with new episodes being regularly updated on the Jetix sites in Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Hungary and Poland.

The slap-stick Team Smithereen is produced by W!LDBRAIN, the acclaimed company that develops and produces television, motion pictures, commercial content and licensed merchandise. The series is created by The Dan Clark Company, whose creative group specialises in puppetry and effects driven content for television. The 26x2 shorts follows a hapless team of puppet stuntmen who, more often than not, get into trouble on some of their death-defying feats. Team Smithereen shorts will debut exclusively on the new-look Jetix websites beginning early 2009.

Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President Programming, Jetix Europe, says: “We want to offer kids the chance to enjoy original Jetix content wherever they are and developing a fuller digital offering is key to this. The short-form focus will be on comedy and creating characters that will have strong word-of-mouth and viral appeal. With this in mind Team Smithereen was the perfect series for us to launch our new online shorts strategy. It features the world's first vinyl puppet stunt team. These are four of the wildest, most wide-eyed, thrill-seeking, adrenaline junkies you'll ever see. It’s Jackass with vinyl puppets and we’re certain that Jetix kids across Europe – and probably some adults too - are going to love the crazy, unstoppable crew who are Team Smithereen.”

Bob Higgins, Head of Creative, W!LDBRAIN, says: “Dan Clark is one of the most distinctive, creative talents that I have ever worked with. The Team Smithereen series is a perfect addition to W!LDBRAIN’s slate of diverse and original projects. The ‘slap-stunt’ concept and style pushes the boundaries of animation and brings to life a world of vinyl-latex characters doing off-the-wall stunts that will have you on the edge of your seat. With Jetix offering a compelling online destination for the Team Smithereen series and our all-star creative team bringing their original sensibility to the process, the brand has the potential to become a multi-million dollar franchise that will transcend its online roots.”

Dan Clark of The Dan Clark Company, says: “W!LDBRAIN is hands down the most exciting company around. They do it all, animation, live action, the web, and broadcast. Along with my partners, producer Don Asher and character designer Dave Pressler, I’m stoked to be making Team Smithereen with them. Team Smithereen is a first of it’s kind, it combines cutting edge puppet work with new CGI techniques to deliver a crazy stunt-packed comedy featuring fresh mayhem and a collection of weirdly wonderful characters. Working with Jetix Europe on this series of shorts is a joy for our creative group, they are the perfect company to unleash Team Smithereen on a world hungry for off-the-hook physical comedy and spectacle!”

More Team Smithereen

2008-10-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

I still can't say anything about Team Smithereen, the crazy cool puppet show that we've been shooting for the past couple of months, but check out this photo taken by Dan Clark Company producer Don Asher.

New Swazzle Workshop

2008-10-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for Swazzle, we just moved into our brand new workshop in Glendale, CA. Swazzle recently out grew it's old location, and needed to move into a bigger space. The new workshop has a reception area, plenty of workshop and rehearsal space, office space, a roll up door, high ceilings, and a sky light. Today the whole Swazzle crew helped move everything to the new location. They also helped paint the new workshop to get it ready for business.

Kidrobama

2008-10-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo from the set of Team Smithereen. The show is produced by W!ldbrain which owns Kidrobot - planet Earth's premier creator & retailer of limited edition toys, clothing, mini-figures, artwork & books. The good people at Kidrobot gave the whole team these super cool Kidrobama shirts. Get your own here!

Team Smithereen

2008-09-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of months Patrick and I have been working on a very cool puppet video project called Team Smithereen. We are puppeteers, puppet captains, and directors. We have been fortunate to work with a super creative group of people, and L.A.'s top puppeteers.

Team Smithereen was created by Brats of the Lost Nebula creator Dan Clark, and is co-produced with Wildbrain (headed up by Charlie Rivkin, former CEO of The Jim Henson Company) and Jetix/Disney. I can't tell you anything else about the project at this time, except that it rocks! Stay tuned for more.

Walking with Dinosaurs

2008-09-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

I just saw Walking with Dinosaurs live at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The show was amazing. The life size dinosaur puppets looked and moved great. I was impressed by how fast and precise the puppetry was despite the massive scale. Also, all of the sounds came from the dinosaur's mouths which was extra cool. We were sitting three rows from the front, so when the full grown Tyrannosaurs Rex walks to the edge of the stage, lifts her head back and roars my chest chest rumbled. Walking with Dinosaurs is now on a North American tour, you must catch it when it comes to your town.

They did not allow flash photography during the show - most people ignored that request. I set my camera to the night setting, and got some nice non-flash photos. I'll share some the better ones in future posts.

Puppet Stage 4.0

2008-08-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

The new stage was different from any other because of the trunks. I worked with a representative from Encore Cases to design trunks based on our specific needs. I measured the inside of my car, and the dimensions of our previous stage to determine the size of the trunks. We came up with a design that called for one wheeled trunk and one non-wheeled trunk. For easy load in, the non-wheeled trunk would sit on the wheeled trunk.

The new trunks had two holes in the lid, and corresponding couplings inside. The fiberglass poles could slip into the holes and rest snugly in the coupling. The stage would be built from this sturdy vertical support. As in the previous stage the front and back were made from wooden curtain rods joined with PVC. The top sides were made from PVC which was lighter than the electrical conduit. The curtain was attached with velcro and then wrapped around the poles.

As an added benefit, these new trunks and painter poles gave us such a stable base that we used this design principle to make a larger school stage, and a smaller one trunk stage.

While we are still looking for ways to improv our set up, This new stage currently meets all of our requirements: It’s light weight, easy to unload, quick to set up, sturdy, and versatile.

Puppet Show Trunks 2.0

2008-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

After years of experience we knew we needed a stage that was light weight, easy to unload, quick to set up, and trunks that were large and professional. We talked to different puppeteers, and got their recommendation - something I really appreciate about the puppet community is it’s willingness to share. Puppeteer Scott Land gave us two suggestions that led to our current stage. He recommend using fiberglass painter poles for the vertical support, and Encore Cases for custom trunks.

Puppet Show Trunks

2008-08-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

How the you transport a puppet show is almost as important as the stage itself. The trunks you use give the client and the audience an impression of your skill and professionalism. When we first started out, we to packed our puppets in a card board box. When that broke we upgraded to plastic wheeled tubs.

The wheeled plastic tubs worked well enough, but they didn’t look professional, and they were too small to hold everything. At each show we would unload the trunks from the car, strap the stages pieces to the top of one trunk, strap the sound equipment to the top of the other trunk, and roll into the venue like The Grapes of Wrath. On various occasions the trunk wheels would break, or get caught on a door jam, and the stage would slip off. We needed a solution that would solve our trunk and stage problem.

Puppet Stage 3.0

2008-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

We tried a PVC stage and a wood frame stage but we needed something better. As we designed our next stage, we addressed the short comings of our previous stages. The new stage would have to be sturdy, light weight, easy to set up, and take up less space.

The stage that came next was pretty good, and it lasted a long time. The whole thing was built on a hinged 2X4 frame that sat on the ground. The vertical poles were made from PVC (keeping in mind our first PVC stage, these poles were connected together with a bungy cord, like a tent pole). The play board and back support were made from wooden curtain rods, so they wouldn’t sag like PVC. The rods were connected with a PVC joint. The sides were made from metal electrical conduit - sturdy, but heavy.

This stage worked nicely, but after a couple of years, it began to break down. The real weakness was the wooden base. Eventually, the large wooden pegs that secured the vertical PVC poles began to break, the hinges on the wooden base came unscrewed, and the front and side 2X4s were no longer sitting squarely on the ground. The stage became very wobbly, and unstable.

The final blow for one stage came during our extended run at the Los Angles Zoo. Anita and a member of the zoo staff attempted to move the stage for a special event, and the whole base twisted and broke. We managed to tape it up for the rest of the run, but it forever lilted to one side. It was time for another puppet stage.

Swazzle Tour Ending

2008-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

After nearly 150 puppet shows, the 2008 Swazzle summer tour is drawing to a close. We are entering into our final two weeks, and this may be your last chance to see Space Bugs Alpha and Zeta, The Magical Misadventures of Walnut the Wizard, and Bugsy Brown Private Fly. If you still haven't seen our new productions, please visit our online schedule to find a show near you.

Frame Puppet Stage

2008-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

After using PVC pipe to make a puppet stage, we wanted to something sturdier, and easier to set up. A couple of puppeteers in the San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild were using frame stages, so we gave it a try.

The frame stage was made from redwood panels that hinged and latched together. It was easy to set up, stable, and worked great for a while. With repeated use however some of the corners came undone, and we had to re-wood glue and staple them. Eventually, we added plywood corners to the frames, which made them stronger and heaver. The major drawback was this stage was its substantial foot print when it wasn’t set up - it took up a lot of space. On top of that, the hinged together wooden frames were cumbersome and brittle, and if we dropped the stack accidentally they would break.

Towards the end, the hinges came apart, the latches broke, and the screws were loose - the only thing holding it together was the curtain. Once we stared brining wood glue, staples and screws to each show, we new it was time for a new stage.

My First PVC Puppet Stage

2008-07-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

My brother and I first started performing puppet shows professionally after attending the 1993 Puppeteers of America National Festival in San Francisco. We worked under the name The Johnson Brothers Puppets, and our first puppet show was The Wizard of Oz.

One of our early public performances was at the San Francisco Bay Area Puppeteers Guild annual Day of Puppetry in Children’s Fairyland, Oakland. At this event, Patrick and I debuted our brand new puppet stage. It was made from PVC pipe, and based on a design published in the puppetry festival hand book.

All of the pipes were measured and cut based on the specifications, and placed in a sturdy fabric sack. When show time rolled around, Patrick and I dumped out the poles and realized that we had insufficiently labeled them. We were faced with a pile of about twenty or so nearly identical white PVC pipes that could be assembled any number of ways - it looked like an over sized version of Pick Up Sticks.

It took a long time, but we managed to piece the stage together. After that show, we marked each pipe and connector with spray paint - red with a yellow dot, green with a red dot, etc. It was still complicated.

After doing a fair number of shows, we got pretty fast at setting up the stage - especially considering it’s complexity. That stage served us well, but we were ready to move on to something more streamlined and structurally sound.

Henson.com Podcast

2008-06-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Patrick Johnson, Patrick Bristow and I were interviewed for the June 16 edition of the Henson.com Podcast - Check it out. As a reminder, Puppet Up is playing at the Avalon in Hollywood this Saturday. Click here for more info.

Space Bugs now Playing

2008-06-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Space Bugs Alpha and Zeta are now touring Southern California. This is a rehearsal photo of Bobby Drone and Professor Mantis in the cockpit of Bobby Drone's space ship. If you are in Southern California, check out our tour schedule to see when Swazzle's Space Bugs is coming to your area.

Swazzle Seeking Intern

2008-06-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Tour with Swazzle! Get valuable behind the scenes experience in Live Puppetry!

This individual would be needed for each scheduled performance in the Bay Area from June to August. The complete schedule is available at swazzle.com

A small stipend is included. For more information, please contact anita@swazzle.com

Magma Worm

2008-05-23T17:38:00.001-07:00

I just finished this puppet for Space Bugs Zeta. The Magma Worm was sculpted from a block of soft foam and covered with dyed miliskin. His eye balls are clear acrylic half spheres painted in the inside.

Starfly

2008-05-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is Starfly built by Patrick Johnson for the Swazzle puppet show Space Bugs Alpha. He is a delivery fly that awakes after oversleeping in hyper-sleep to discover that he is carrying some very important cargo.

Bobby Drone

2008-05-19T09:57:00.001-07:00

This is Bobby Drone built by Patrick Johnson. He is a hand and rod puppet. In Space Bugs Zeta, Bobby Drone is sent on an important mission by the Queen Bee.

Space Bugs

2008-05-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

We are making progress on our Space Bugs puppet shows. This is Busby (his name may change) the scientist. He is a hand puppet - the puppeteers fingers go into each arm and the neck. His hands and and antennas are attached with springs so he has lots of secondary movement.

Finished Robo-Locust

2008-05-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished the two Robo-Locust rod puppets for Space Bugs Alpha and Zeta - check it out.

Sprout Sharing Show

2008-04-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Check out The Sprout Sharing Show that premiers on PBS’s Sprout Monday May 5th. Working for the Chiodo Brothers, Patrick and I made all of the puppets, backgrounds, props and stage for the show. The puppets were all made from felt and they were designed to have a simplistic hand made quality. The Sprout Sharing show showcases drawings, photos, videos and more sent in by young viewers. Click here to see the puppets in action.

Robo-Locusts

2008-04-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

I used the foam mock up to create all of the patterns needed for the Robo-Locust puppets. The head and body shapes are made from L-200. The L-200 is light weight and sturdy and it will give the puppets an armored look. The eyes will be made from acrylic half spheres.

Space Bugs

2008-04-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here at Swazzle we are hard at work building two new summer puppet shows: Space Bugs Alpha and Zeta. The scripts are being written by Dylan Campbell, and are nearly complete. Both shows take place in the distant future. Devestating Robo-Locusts have swept through the Universe devouring everything in their site.

This is a mock up of the Robo-Locust's head. The final puppet will be a rod puppet built in L-200.

Puppet Arms

2008-04-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

This past week Patrick and I have been busy building puppets for our new school assembly puppet show - The Swazzle Workshop Live. We will be presenting a seven minute sample of the show at this year's Orange County Performing Arts Center Performer's Showcase. The Swazzle Workshop Live is a live show based on Swazzle's popular web series The Swazzle Workshop. During the show students will learn team work and cooperation through the art of puppetry. The Swazzle Workshop Live was created with a grant from The Puppeteers of America in partnership with The Orange County Performing Arts Center's Arts Teach Program.

Another Update

2008-04-12T09:26:00.001-07:00

In my last post I said that I was going to be doing a series on stages. I still plan on doing that, but I got delayed because over the past few weeks Patrick and I have been working at Jim Henson's Creature Shop on a top secret project for Kanye West. Since I was 13 years old I wanted to work at the Jim Henson Company and Jim Henson's Creature Shop so this was a dream come true. I can't tell you anymore about the project right now. For more information click here and here to see some photos from Kanye West's blog.

Also Forgetting Sarah Marshall opens April 18. It's getting really good reviews, and I'm really excited to see it.

Big Update

2008-03-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been neglecting my blog for a while. Thank you all for your pacitence I wanted to give you all an update on some of the projects I've been working on.

Right now Swazzle is booking summer puppet shows at libraries all over California. Down in Southern California we have over 130 bookings - it's going to be a busy three months. This summer the theme is bugs so we'll be touring Bugys Brown Private Fly in Northern California and Space Bugs: Alpha and Zeta down south. We're working out the scripts now, we should start designing and building the puppets very soon. Along with the bug shows, we are also writing a puppet show for L.A. City Libraries called The Magical Misadventures of Walnut the Wizard.

Swazzle has also been working on the creation of a new school show called, The Swazzle Workshop Live. This new show will be showcased in May, and it will make it's debut this coming school year. The Swazzle Workshop Live was created in partnership with The Orange County Performing Arts Center with a grant from The Puppeteers of America.

Swazzle's new preschool puppet show Forest Fables debuted a while back, and it has been very well received. This show also doubles as a birthday party puppet show - a new market for us.

Our Spanish puppet show Aventuras Saludables continues to play at large events all over Southern California.

Aside from Swazzle news, I've been keeping busy with many exciting puppet projects. Patrick and I just built a series of puppets for Sprout (PBS's network for preschoolers). I'm not sure when they'll be making their debut - so keep an eye out. Patrick and I also did more Sendables for Jib Jab. The Valentine's Day one has already debuted - more are coming soon. The film I puppeteered on, Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes out soon. This was my first film role, and I was working with Jim Henson's Creature Shop - a dream come true (the movie is rated R so leave the kids at home). Fianly, I continue to be involved with the Henson Company's puppet improv show Puppet Up. For the last couple of months Patrick and I have been teaching puppet technique at the Jim Henson Company - another dream come true.

That's it for the update - thank you for letting me share. Keep tuned in to Puppet 101 because I have some excited posts planned. First up, I'll be sharing information about puppet stages. Over our years of live performance, we have been through every type of stage: PVC, wood frame etc. Finally, I feel like we have hit on a stage that is study, flexible, quick to assemble, and portable.

I hope you all tune in for that.

Thank you to all of my readers. I hope you find this blog helpful and inspirational. If you have any questions about puppet building please drop me an email - sean@swazzle.com and I'll try my best to answer them.

SaveXmasNow Podcast Episode 8

2007-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

In the final episode of the SaveXmasNow Podcast we talk with Ronald Snow, the congressman leading the government's regulation of Christmas. Time is running out - Do something at SaveXmasNow.com! Click here to watch all of the episodes in order.

SaveXmasNow Podcast Episode 7

2007-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

In Episode 7 of the SaveXmasNow Podcast we talk to members of the greater holiday community. Do something at SaveXmasNow.com!

SaveXmasNow Podcast Episode 6

2007-12-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

In Episode 6 of the SaveXmasNow Podcast Jack-O-Lantern discusses the larger ramifications of the government's war on Christmas. Do something at SaveXmasNow.com!

SaveXmasNow Podcast Episode 5

2007-12-14T17:31:00.001-08:00

In Episode 5 of the SaveXmasNow Podcast we talk to out of work reindeer.

SaveXmasPodcast Update

2007-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Santa sued! Elves on Strike! The government regulates Christmas. Learn the facts at SaveXmasNow.com!

See Swazzle in Dr. Floyd Live!

2007-12-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

Swazzle will be presenting the Grasshopper and the Ants, from their new school assembly puppet show, The Swazzle Workshop Live. Join the cast of The Radio Adventures Of Dr. Floyd as they put on a live recording of their show! Combining wacky, off the wall humor, celebrities and audience participation, it's no wonder the show sells out so quickly!

Get your tickets NOW to be part of the fun! Click here for tickets and more information!

SaveXmasNow Podcast Episode 1

2007-11-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Check out Episode 1 of the SaveXmasNow Podcast. Do something at SaveXmasNow.com.

New SaveXmasNow Podcast

2007-11-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

It's not even Thanksgiving and you know what that means - Merry Christmas! Many of you may remember our 12 Days of Christmas Podcast from last year. I'm happy to announce that everyone's favorite podcasting snowman and his snowball assistant Steve are coming back.

This year's podcast will be different because now our frozen friends are on a mission to save Christmas from the clutches of the over reaching American government.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this promo with all of your friends. To learn more, and to join the fight to save Christmas, visit SaveXmasNow.com.

Sean and Satan's Minion

2007-11-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is me performing one of Satan's Minions in a new JibJab Sendable. In the final video he was composited in with the Hitler puppet performed by Patrick. Check out all of the Greetings from Hell Sendables at JibJab.com

Hitler in Hell

2007-10-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Patrick performs the Hitler puppet for the JibJab Anniversary Sendable. In the final video the poles holding the chain were hidden behind a digital rock element, and the puppet’s hand hole, was covered with digital fire.

Performing Satan

2007-10-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Patrick Johnson puppeteers Satan's mouth and left hand, Sean Johnson assists with Satan's right hand. All of the puppets were shot at Jibjab's green screen studio and comped into their fiery environment using After Effects and Flash. See Satan in action in JibJab's new Sendables.

Puppets from Hell

2007-10-25T23:49:00.000-07:00

These puppets were made by Nate Pacheco for JibJab's new Sendables, Greetings from Hell.

Greetings From Hell

2007-10-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

The comedy website JibJab most famous for their "This Land" political cartoon just introduced a new service called Sendables. They are funny videos with a personalized message, that you can send to your friends. Patrick and I did all the puppetry for the Greetings from Hell Sendables. We worked from a recorded track and performed the puppets against a green at JibJab's headquarters. There are six Greetings from Hell available now - check them out, and send them to all your friends.

Stork

2007-10-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is the stork from The Tall Tales of Paul Bunyan by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. The stork is a little rod puppet. His head is made from a small wooden ball, and his miss matched eyes match his goofy character.

Bugsy Brown Online Comic, Coming Soon!

2007-10-17T01:12:00.000-07:00

We are working on a super cool new project over here at Swazzle. We're in the midst of creating an Online Comic. based on our puppet show Bugsy Brown Private Fly. You can follow our progress, and get exclusive insider information at the new Bugsy Brown Blog, or become Bugsy's friend on Myspace.

Half Price Tickets for Puppet Up!

2007-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

See Puppet Up! - Uncensored for just $15.00! Goldstar Events is offering half price tickets to this Saturday's show. Puppet Up! - Uncensored is the Jim Henson Company's hilarious puppet Improv show. The show plays at Avalon Hollywood, Saturday, Oct. 20 @ 8:00pm. Click here to get your $15.00 tickets!

Puss in Boots

2007-10-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

This is Puss in Boots from Puss in Boots from Snapdragon Puppet Productions. This puppet may look familiar to you, that's because it is pulled from the same mold as Bartholemew (see previous post). Puppet builder Roger Mara, simply changed the cat's color scheme, added an new costume, and created a brand new character.

Teddy Roosevelt

2007-10-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is Teddy Roosevelt from The Tall Tales of Paul Bunyan by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. This puppet is also a Bobberhead. It's complex rod control allows the puppeteer to open the mouth, move the hands, and move the legs all with one hand.

Swazzle Workshop Episode 8

2007-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Episode 8 of The Swazzle Workshop is now online. In this episode Louie the Snake stops by to show Tiger and Mousedeer how to make a snake rod puppet.

Bobberheads

2007-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is Jimmy from the Tall Tale of Paul Bunyan by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. This cleverly designed rod puppet stands just under 10 inches tall. Puppet builder Roger Mara called these puppets "Bobberheads" because the heads are made from fishing floats or bobbers. The Spring 2007 edition of The Puppetry Journal includes detailed instructions that show how to make a Bobberhead. The puppet making guide is complete with a parts list, labeled illustrations, written instructions, and close up photos.

Puppet Up! Sat., Sep 29, 8:00, Avalon

2007-09-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Jim Henson Company's Puppet Up! Uncensored returns to Avalon in Hollywood this Saturday. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 8:00 pm. If you haven't seen this show you really must check it out. Click here for tickets.

The Ogre

2007-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

This Ogre hand puppet is from Puss in Boots, by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. The head is covered with antron fleece (also know as Muppet fleece), and airbrushed to give it definition. Puss and Boots debuted in the summer of 2006. It was the last puppet show that Roger Mara created.

Mosquito Rod Puppet

2007-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

This mosquito puppet is from The Tall Tales of Paul Bunyan by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. The wings are attached by a small spring and controlled by black thread. This simple but inventive puppet is a great example of Roger Mara's cleverness as a puppet builder.

Babe the Blue Ox

2007-09-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Babe the Blue Ox from The Tall Tales of Paul Bunyan by Snapdragon Puppet Productions. This yonger version of Babe is a rod puppet, as he grows during the puppet show, he becomes a larger hand puppet. Babe's head is snipped from a block of foam, and a string is attached to his bottom jaw to open and close the mouth.