Wocka wocka!
Legendary puppeteer Jim Henson’s Queens studio is opening its doors for the first time, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the makers who’ve spent years bringing his beloved characters to life.
Fans can now tour Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City for $150, getting a rare look at how artisans build and stitch together the late visionary’s iconic characters from “The Muppets,” “Sesame Street,” “Fraggle Rock,” and “The Dark Crystal,” before they hit the screen.
Legendary puppeteer Jim Henson’s Queens studio is opening its doors for the first time. AP Photo/Seth Wenig“There is a level of expertise here that we’re sharing,” the shop’s creative director, Jason Weber, said, adding how the tour shines a spotlight on the award-winning hands behind the magic.
“It’s not just going to be a pop-up store or something like that. Things are made one-of-a-kind, made by hand with artisans who have been trained for years and decades.”
Henson, the imaginative powerhouse behind Kermit, Miss Piggy, Big Bird and Cookie Monster, founded the shop in the 1960s in Manhattan. It has operated from its Queens location since 2009.
Fans can now tour Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City for $150. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
The 80-minute tour runs on Saturdays, giving visitors photo opportunities with real props and creations. AP Photo/Seth WenigThe 80-minute tour runs on Saturdays, giving visitors photo opportunities with real props and creations, including Oscar the Grouch in his famous trash can from “Sesame Street,” the black throne from “The Dark Crystal,” and a towering giant from “Fraggle Rock.”
Multiple performers are also on hand to bring the puppets to life.
Visitors will get a rare look at how artisans build and stitch together the late visionary’s iconic characters. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Ticket holders will also see a live puppetry demo, meet the shop’s skilled builders, and tour a vibrant and bustling workshop. AP Photo/Seth WenigTicket holders will also see a live puppetry demo, meet the shop’s skilled builders, and tour a vibrant, bustling workshop packed with fictional creatures mid-assembly, textured fabrics, colorful fur, ready-made puppet parts, clothing, and accessories.
“Everything we do is custom,” said Melissa Creighton, the shop’s director. “Everything we do is bespoke.”
The company, which also has a workshop in Los Angeles, has worked on other TV shows and films, including “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and the sitcom “Dinosaurs.”
A senior puppet builder demonstrates how to maneuver a puppet she built at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Jason Weber shows different fabrics at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Melissa Creighton, director of the New York Creature Shop, holds a giant shoe prop. AP Photo/Seth WenigSenior puppet builder Sierra Schoeing, whose favorite movie growing up was Henson’s 1986 David Bowie-led musical fantasy “Labyrinth,” said working at his shop was her “pie-in-the-sky” dream job.
“I just really always wanted to know how those illusions were made,” she said.
“I know all the secret sauce, and I’m making the secret sauce now.”
With Post wires.
