NEW YORK (AP) — Hidden within a massive warehouse in New York City, skilled craftspeople have spent years creating some of the most cherished children’s characters in entertainment history, working largely out of public view.
The famous puppet workshop established by the Muppets’ legendary creator is now pulling back the veil of secrecy for the first time.
For the first time ever, the renowned studio has begun welcoming visitors to its Queens facility through guided tours, giving enthusiasts the chance to witness puppet construction firsthand, observe puppeteering techniques, and capture memories alongside famous characters.
The workshop’s creative supervisor, Jason Weber, explained that these $150 tours represent a chance to honor the skilled workers who breathe life into these celebrated characters.
“There is a level of expertise here that we’re sharing. It’s not just going to a pop-up store or something like that,” he said during a recent visit. “Things are made one-of-a-kind, made by hand with artisans who have been trained for years and decades.”
Beyond creating Kermit, Miss Piggy and the Muppet family, the studio’s founder was also responsible for Big Bird, Cookie Monster and other beloved “Sesame Street” personalities, plus the “Fraggle Rock” cast. The visionary creator passed away in 1990.
The workshop began operations in Manhattan during the 1960s and has relocated several times throughout the city. The current Queens location has housed the operation since 2009. A second facility operates in Los Angeles, though it remains closed to public visits.
Saturday tours last 80 minutes and begin in a specially designed exhibition space featuring authentic show props and creations. This area serves as the only location where photography and videography are permitted, since much of the working studio contains ongoing projects or confidential materials.
Disney currently holds ownership of “The Muppets,” while Sesame maintains rights to Big Bird and other characters originally developed for the enduring television program, which produces episodes at a nearby studio.
The exhibition room showcases an Oscar the Grouch installation featuring the “Sesame Street” character positioned in his signature trash can amid piles of artificial refuse.
Additional highlights include an intimidating black throne from “The Dark Crystal,” the creator’s 1982 fantasy film, and a full-scale operational Junior Gorg puppet from “Fraggle Rock,” which demands several operators to control.
The production floor bustles with extraordinary creatures in different phases of completion. Drawers and containers fill nearly every available space, overflowing with vibrant furs, textured materials and pre-made puppet components, wardrobe pieces and accessories.
“Everything we do is custom. Everything we do is bespoke,” said Melissa Creighton, the shop’s director.
During a recent tour, team members were actively preparing costumes and components for various ongoing productions, including a “Fraggle Rock” musical scheduled to debut this month at a Times Square area theater.
Previous studio work includes the horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” the children’s adventure “Where the Wild Things Are” and the 1990s television comedy “Dinosaurs.”
Senior puppet builder Sierra Schoening described her position at the studio as her ultimate career aspiration. She grew up loving “The Labyrinth,” the creator’s 1986 musical fantasy featuring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
“I just really always wanted to know how those illusions were made,” Schoening said as she took a break from fashioning a set of new creations. “I know all the secret sauce, and I’m making the secret sauce now.”
