Puppets for Puppetry

Puppets for Puppetry is a fundraising event held by the Center for Puppetry Arts. The events have honored long-standing Muppet performers with live performances, tributes and special guests. These events have been held on the Jim Henson Company's lot at Charlie Chaplin Studios.
==2016==
The 2016 fundraiser, held on September 24, honored Dave Goelz.PR Newswire "The Jim Henson Company Hosts, "Puppets For Puppetry" Fundraiser to Honor The Esteemed Puppeteer Dave Goelz on September 24, 2016" Aug 23, 2016 
In attendance to pay tribute to friend and colleague Goelz were host John Tartaglia, Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Cheryl Henson, Heather Henson, Karen Prell, Bill Barretta, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Kevin Clash, Alice Dinnean, and Drew Massey, while Frank Oz, Matt Vogel, and Kermit the Frog appeared via pre-recorded video. As the finale, Gonzo performed "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" with Ray Toro of My Chemical Romance, Rowlf the Dog, Red Fraggle, puppets from the Emmet Otter stage show, and several of the Henson Company's Miskreant Puppets.
Puppets for Puppetry 2016 Dave Goelz speech.jpg|
Puppets for Puppetry 2016 coin.jpg|
Puppets for Puppetry 2016 Fraggles.jpg|
Puppets for Puppetry 2016 Goelz and Hensons.jpg|
Puppets for Puppetry 2016 finale.jpg|
==2018==
The 2018 event was held on May 5, honoring Caroll Spinney. 
The event was hosted by Chris Hardwick and featured special guests Bobby Moynihan, Jack McBrayer, and Jason Mraz.""Puppets For Puppetry" Benefit on Saturday, May 5, 2018 Hosted by Chris Hardwick, With Special Guests Jack McBrayer, Bobby Moynihan, and Musical Guest Jason Mraz", Cison PR Newswire, April 20, 2018.
The evening featured appearances by several Sesame Street Muppets including Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Count von Count, Elmo, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, some penguins (performed by Bill Barretta, Drew Massey, and Colleen Smith), a clown (Joey Mazzarino) to represent Spinney's time on Bozo the Clown, and a Jim Henson Muppet made from an Orange Gold Anything Muppet (performed by Eric Jacobson during the show and Brian Henson during the finale).
Some material from the show was adapted for the show performed at Caroll Spinney's retirement party, held later that year on October 17 at the Museum of the Moving Image.
==2020==
The 2020 event was scheduled for May 9, honoring Brian and Wendy Froud, but was postponed due to COVID-19.
The event was written and planned to be directed by John Tartaglia."Center for Puppetry Arts Presents The Third “Puppets for Puppetry” Benefit Stage Show and Dinner Saturday, May 9, 2020 Honoring Brian and Wendy Froud, Popular Designers and Artists of The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and More", The Jim Henson Company Press Release, February 18, 2020.
==See also==
* Becoming Real: A Muppeteer's Journey with Dave Goelz
==Sources==
==External links==
* Tough Pigs report: "An Ode to Gonzo: The Dave Goelz Tribute Event" October 17, 2016
* Tough Pigs report: "Caroll Spinney’s Bird Mitzvah" May 21, 2018
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Category:Events
Category:Live Appearances