Man or a Muppet: Jim Henson Company Casting Diverse Talent
Dreams of puppeteering the forever-loved Kermit the Frog or the original porcine diva Miss Piggy could come true for some lucky creatives. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the Jim Henson Company posted on Wednesday that they are looking for top creative voices and talent for the company.
The Search for Puppeteering Talent
Specfically, the company’s lastest search focuses on talent from diverse backgrounds and populations, including people of color, women of all backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The invitation-only workshop will give selected indviduals the chance to work with top industry performers. The hope is to nurture a diverse and multicultural group of performers.
Image Credit: The Jim Henson Company
Think that this is the perfect opportunity? Submit a photograph and resume to puppeteer@henson.com before Friday, May 21st. Also, the company asks that applicants submit a link to a piece of work demonstrating their comedic acting and/or puppetry.
Auditions will take place on Zoom during the week of May 17th and May 24th.
In order to qualify, actors must have relevant experience. Also, they must be over 18 years of age and measure between 5’4″ and 6’3″. The workshops will take place July 12th through July 30th.
A Bit of Muppet History
Created in 1955 by Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog and his muppet sidekicks have entertained audiences in television and film for decades. Films range from “The Muppet Movie” (1970), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), and “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) to the more recent “The Muppets” (2011) and “Muppets Most Wanted” (2014). They also star in the new streaming series “Muppets Now” on Disney+.
Also resposible for the always-doozering “Fraggle Rock,” The Jim Henson company defines greatness in puppetry and animation. They also created children’s shows like “Sid the Kid” and “Dinosaur Train.” Remember the 1991 sit-com “Dinosaurs“? Yep, the adventures of those dinosaurs-next-door, the Sinclairs, also came out of the Jim Henson company. Even better, they can now be found on Disney+.
Image Credit: © Jim Henson Productions/courtesy Everett Collection
In a $75 million deal in February 2004, Disney gained the intellectual property rights for the Muppets from Jim Henson. This created a partnership not only in television and film but also in park entertainment offerings.
Check out the Muppets in their hilarious and entertaining show, Muppet*Vision 3D, at Hollywood Studios. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts and Barbecue also brings a delicious touch of the Muppets to the American Adventure at EPCOT.
