I've been puppeteering since the age of seven and it's brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. It's an incredible art form that I feel so lucky to be a part of. Whether you're new to the world of puppetry or looking to sharpen your skills, I know you'll have a blast in my class! Have fun checking out the site, and happy puppeteering!

JOHN TARTAGLIA
John Tartaglia has been puppeteering since age seven and has no plans to stop anytime soon! An avid Muppet-fan, John dreamed of someday working for the Jim Henson Company. His dream came true when at age sixteen, John was hired as one of the youngest "Muppeteers" in history. John puppeteered on Sesame Street for 12 seasons before leaving to make his Broadway debut as Princeton and Rod in Avenue Q, earning him a TONY nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. John then had the great honor of creating and starring in Disney's Johnny and the Sprites for which he was nominated for an EMMY as Outstanding Performer in a Children's Show (and which was nominated for several other categories including Outstanding Children's Series). Other notable television appearances include Tingo on Sesame English- an ESL series airing worldwide, Bear in the Big Blue House, DJ2 on Discovery Channel's Animal Jam, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Dog City, Play With Me Sesame, Blue's Room, and several Sesame Street and Muppet home videos and commercials. John recently performed Pinocchio, the live real-time motion capture Magic Mirror, and the larger than life Dragon puppet in Shrek the Musical on Broadway. His newest project, a glow in the dark puppet musical called ImaginOcean is currently running Off-Broadway in NYC and on several Royal Caribbean cruise ships. It will begin a nation-wide tour starting this fall. John began teaching puppet workshops and Master Classes in 2005 and feels honored to have a part in continuing on the art form that changed his life for the better.

LEO DAIGNAULT
Leo Daignault's fascination with puppetry started at a very early age, when he put on shows in his backyard for the neighbor kids, and performed his production of Jack in the Beanstalk for his entire elementary school with his collection of marionettes. His first job as a professional puppeteer came 12 years ago in Los Angeles for a local cable TV show called “Celebration”. More recently, Leo has appeared on Broadway and with the national tour of Avenue Q, where he played Nicky/Trekkie Monster/ Blue Bear. Additionally, he worked with the Jim Henson Company on both incarnations of the live stage version of “Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas” (later known as "Emmet Otter"), where he performed as both a puppeteer and as an actor.

DANIEL SETH
Daniel Seth was raised on the Muppets, and is excited to have the opportunity to return to his love of puppetry through the intensive! He has worked with puppets on several shows, including John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean, Avenue Q, and the world premiere stage production of Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Currently, he is working as Associate Director of Jim Henson's Musical World, which will be presented with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall next April. In New York, some of the other productions and workshops Daniel has directed, assisted, or consulted on include The Book of Mormon, Dog Sees God, Jerry Springer: The Opera, Family Guy Sings!, Saved, Zanna Don't, Rated RSO, and How The Great Grapefruit Danced in the Moonlight. TV/Film work includes Vipaka, seasons ten and eleven of American Idol, Eros, and The Battery's Down. Additionally, you may have seen Daniel as a green dot on your television during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, where he proudly serves as a balloon handler for Kermit the Frog.

In John Tartaglia's Puppetry Intensive you'll learn about both theatrical and television / film style puppetry. Get experience using a monitor, knowing how to use a camera frame, interpreting scripts, exploring improv, having the right eye focus and lip synch, and coming up with strong and hysterical voices and characters.
John and his team work hard to make sure you get the help and attention you need to improve your performance, in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether you're an absolute beginner, advanced, or somewhere in between, we help you choose the right design for your class, so you get the most out of your time with the Intensive.

Photos by Kerry Long

John Tartaglia Puppetry Intensive

Limestone College
Friday, March 23
Gaffney, South Carolina

John Tartaglia Puppetry has been invited to hold classes as a part of the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image, Broadway Teachers Workshop, and other schools and organizations.

For information on booking private master classes or puppetry intensives either in New York or at schools / groups around the country, please contact us below or at info@johntartagliapuppetry.com.
I can not thank you enough for giving us this opportunity to laugh, learn, and grow. It was such a welcome (and much-needed) pleasure to work with a group of multi-talented puppeteers, and a nice reminder of why we all got hooked on this amazing art form in the first place - because it is FUN! Thank you for creating this opportunity for us!
- Kyle Igneczi
I didn't think that I could appreciate puppetry any more than I already had before taking this class. After having been there, my love for the art grew exponentially. John is an amazing performer to work alongside, and Dan and Leo are hugely helpful in all that goes on in each session. Whether you are a master or a beginner with Puppets, this class is the best way to learn the fun and creative art of Puppetry.
- Austin Costello
John's class was absolutely wonderful! Having the opportunity to learn from John and to work with other puppeteers was incredible! Being able to collaborate and take risks in a room with people who were there to encourage me and help me improve was an invaluable experience. I would recommend this class to anyone who has a love of puppetry and wants to grow as a puppeteer.
- Christina Elefante
John’s Puppetry Intensive is a fantastic class for those who grew up with the magic of puppetry and want to delve into this beautiful art form. The beginner class was an extremely hands on experience with ample time for one on one coaching from John in addition to letting the students really work together and explore at their own pace. This is the perfect class for anyone who wants to dapple in the world of puppetry or start to really learn the craft.
- Amy Chrzanowski
John is so infectious, knowledgeable and generous in his work with puppets. Oh, and did I mention "goofy" too? I had a great time learning how to manipulate large furry beasties, while contorting my body below the monitor.
- San D Hasselman
Johnny successfully covered all the basics of "Muppet-stye" puppetry in a very short amount of time. He was very patient and willing to share what he knows. The class was loads of fun!
- Jake Bazel
I feel grateful to have been a part of something so special. John, thank you so much for sharing your gift. Anyone who has ever loved puppets should take this class. If you don't already dream of being a puppeteer... you will!
- Heather Miller
I had such a wonderful experience in the class! Thank you so much for opening my eyes to the magic of puppetry.
- Karlie Braufman
John's class was inspiring and re-connected me to the transporting magic of puppetry. And you don't have to be experienced to have fun. I loved performing musical numbers! I am going to continue take more classes and develop more skills!
- Maximo Torres
For inquiries about our class, contact us below or at info@johntartagliapuppetry.com.