What is Cheers to Puppeteers?

In response to the economic fallout due to COVID-19 and to directly support the Direct Relief Fund for Puppet Artists, we are dedicating our fall episodes to a special fundraiser - CHEERS TO PUPPETEERS - featuring interviews with some of the most high-profile performers, builders, directors, and devisors from the history of puppet arts. 

The series premiers Wednesday, September 2 with episodes dropping every other week. Early access is free to members of Puppeteers of America or with a donation of $5. T-shirts, mugs, and other series merchandise will be available for purchase soon (check our social media for updates) - all proceeds benefit the Direct Relief Fund for Puppet Artists.

Our Guests

fran BRILL, Muppet performer

Fran is 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. 

bonnie ERICKSON, puppet designer + builder

Bonnie is the co-founder of Harrison/Erickson design firm and worked at the Muppet Workshop where she designed the original Miss Piggy, Statler, Waldorf, and more.

dave GOELZ, Muppet performer

Dave is the performer behind some of The Muppet Show's most iconic characters including Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, and so many more.

phillip HUBER, renowned marionette artist

Phillip is the master marionette artist behind the Huber Marionettes and was featured in the films Being John Malkovitch and Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful.

jim ROSE, renowned marionette artist

Jim is a master of puppet arts, specializing in marionettes. The son of Rufus and Margo Rose, he has mounted countless productions based on the work of Shakespeare.

matt VOGEL, Muppet performer

Matt is a Muppet performer who joined Sesame Street to understudy Caroll Spinney for Big Bird. He now performs Kermit the Frog, Count von Count, Uncle Deadly, and more.

more to be announced SOON!

Cheers to Puppeteers campaign illustration by Valerie Meiss
Opening narration performed by Tyler Bunch

Special thanks to Aretta Baumgartner and Alex Griffin
from the Puppeteers of America for making this series possible