Michael Earl, puppeteer, with one of his puppet classes _320
Kermit Love was to have another important role in Michael’s career as he designed Mr Snuffleupagus.
“That’s how, aged 18, I moved to New York and acted in some television commercials, as well as landing a puppeteering job working for my childhood idol, Bil Baird,” says Michael.
On Baird’s recommendation, Michael won the role of Mr Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street, replacing Jerry Nelson, the originator, when he was hired by Jim “Mr Muppets” Henson, sight-unseen.
In turn Michael created the roles of Forgetful Jones and many others, including Oscar the Grouch’s pet worm Slimey, Poco Loco, Polly Darton and the Honkers.
“Jim Henson also asked me to do workshop body combinations, along with two dancers, for the film The Dark Crystal,” says Michael. “The designer Brian Froud observed our workshops and sketched ‘skins’ over our dancer – puppeteer movements and formed the development process for the film.
“Teaching is very important to me. For example, I met Drew Massey, a fellow native from my own town of Livermore, when he was seven-years-old. I taught him puppet-making at school.
“Years later, after meeting Drew’s mother by chance in a local supermarket, I told her about his innate talent and mentored him while he was in college.
“I gave him his first few puppeteering jobs and introduced him to the Muppets. Being able to do this gives me great satisfaction and I can’t wait to start teaching on my UK tour.”
* MICHAEL EARL will be giving a Muppet-style puppet master class at Hope Street Ltd, International Creation Centre, 13a Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BQ (0151 708 8007), on Thursday, April 24, 10am - 5pm. There are 12 workshop places available at £50 each. Applicants should e-mail a CV and expression of interest to alan@hope-street.org
