Swazzle News

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Populating Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Swazzle creates 19 puppets for Pee-wee Herman’s triumphant return

2010-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Populating Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Swazzle creates 19 puppets for
Pee-wee Herman’s triumphant return

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 18, 2010 – Glendale, CA-based puppet company Swazzle has re-created many of the classic puppet characters from Pee-wee’s Playhouse and built a handful of new puppets for The Pee-wee Herman Show, now playing at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. Directed by Obie Award winner Alex Timbers and starring Paul Reubens, Lynne Stewart, John Paragon and Phil LaMarr, the stage show reunites Pee-wee Herman with many of his puppet pals from the hit television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

That show was appointment television for Swazzle Creative Directors Sean and Patrick Johnson as kids, so when they learned of plans for a stage show, the brothers jumped at the chance to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime production. Swazzle’s team worked with design consultant Jimmy Cuomo and puppet producers The Chiodo Brothers to build Clockey, Randy, the Flowers, the Fish, Pterri, ShamWow and Cowboy Curtis’ horse, Ginger. “Working on this show is a dream come true. When I was 9 years old watching Pee-wee’s Playhouse, I never dreamed that I would get to work with Pee-wee Herman one day,” says Patrick.

The Pee-wee Herman Show features hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes and walk-around costumes, and each posed unique building challenges. Sean, Patrick and fellow puppet builders Russ Walko and Artie Esposito worked round the clock carving foam, dyeing fleece, and stitching Spandex to complete the puppets on a demanding schedule.

The marionettes proved to be particularly challenging. For example, Pterri the Pterodactyl has to fly in from the ceiling, swoop around the room, and crash-land—a vertical distance of more than 20 feet. Swazzle relied on the advice of UNIMA-award winning puppetry consultant Basil Twist, whose idea for a split controller was essential to pulling off the stunt.

In addition to building 19 puppets for The Pee-wee Herman Show, Swazzle provided all of the puppeteers. Working as Puppeteer Coordinator, Sean assembled a team whose combined credits include work for The Jim Henson Company, The Walt Disney Company, the Muppets and the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. “The puppetry in the show is challenging,” says Sean. “I worked from the top of my list to pull in the most talented puppeteers in Los Angeles.”

Because so many different forms of puppetry are employed in the show, puppeteers are hidden everywhere—behind, beneath, on and high above the stage. Several of the characters are performed by multiple puppeteers, who trade off or work together depending on the puppet’s location and method of operation. At one point in the show, five puppeteers work together to perform Pterri as he crash-lands as a marionette and pops up as a hand puppet.

In addition to Sean Johnson (Pterri, Randy, ShamWow, the Fish, Mr. Knucklehead) and Patrick Johnson (Globey, Pterri, Mr. Knucklehead), the show features the puppetry of Artie Esposito (Chairry), Russ Walko (Conky), Carla Rudy (Pterri, Randy, ShamWow, Mr. Window, Mr. Knucklehead), Victoria Johnson (Magic Screen), Haley Jenkins (Ginger, Pterri, the Flowers, Mr. Knucklehead, Magic Screen), and Erik Kuska (Clockey, Mr. Window, Mr. Knucklehead).

Swazzle’s team members have spent years honing their puppet-building and performing skills in live puppet shows for libraries and schools, along with stage and screen projects for clients like Patton Oswalt, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, W!ldbrain/The Dan Clark Company, and Overbrook Entertainment. The Pee-wee Herman Show is the next leap forward for this young puppet company as it continues to develop and expand.

About Swazzle

Founded in 2004 by twin brothers Sean and Patrick Johnson, Swazzle is a Glendale, CA-based company specializing in puppetry for film, television and the stage. Together with their troupe of professional puppeteers they have performed hundreds of shows in venues across California.

Sean and Patrick have worked with leading children’s entertainment companies including The Jim Henson Company, PBS Kids Sprout, The Walt Disney Company and The Baby Einstein Company. They also teach puppetry technique to actors and comedians from The Groundlings for The Jim Henson Company.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Sean Johnson
Swazzle
866-792-9953
sean@swazzle.com

Swazzle Puppeteer Auditions

2009-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 30th, beginning at 10am

Swazzle
4525 San Fernando Rd., Unit F
Glendale, CA 90035

Swazzle is looking for puppeteers to perform live puppet shows at libraries across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

These 45-minute puppet shows will be presented during the summer as entertainment for the libraries’ summer reading programs.

The puppeteer will be required to transport the show to the venue; interact with the client and the public in a professional manner; and set up, perform and break down the show. There may be multiple performances per day.

Performers will be paid a flat fee per show.

To schedule an audition time, please call 866-792-9953 or e-mail puppetshows@swazzle.com and put “Audition” in the subject line.

Swazzle Workshop Episode 7

2007-09-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

Episode 7 of the Swazzle Workshop is now online. In this episode Mayor Mole stops by to show Tiger and Mousedeer how to make a Garbage Monster puppet. Please enjoy and pass it on to your friends.

Swazzle Awarded Grant by Puppeteers of America

2007-07-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Puppeteers of America Endowment awarded Swazzle a grant to produce a new school puppet show, The Swazzle Workshop Live. The grant was announced at an award ceremony at this year's Puppeteers of America festival, Puppet Rampage.

The Swazzle Workshop Live is based on Swazzle's popular web series, The Swazzle Workshop. It will be a departure from their story based puppet shows. The new show will guide the audience through the puppet show creation process. Children will see behind the scenes of puppet design, puppet building and performance.

Swazzle will begin work on the new puppet show in September 2007, and plans to book into into schools for the 2008 school year.

Call for Puppeteers

2007-06-28T09:20:00.001-07:00

Swazzle is looking for two puppeteers for a new live puppet show that will tour Southern California. The show will be bilingual and performed for Spanish speaking audiences at community events, so at least one puppeteer must be fluent in Spanish. Auditions will be held on Friday July 13, 2007 at the Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. For more information, or to schedule an audition please e-mail Sean Johnson, sean@swazzle.com.

Swazzle’s 2007 Summer Season

2007-05-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday June 12 Swazzle kicks off it’s 2007 Summer Puppet Show Season. For the first time ever the popular puppet company will be touring California libraries with three puppet shows. A third production was added this year to meet the growing demand for Swazzle’s live puppet shows - they will be performing 160 library puppet shows, a record for the company. Each of the puppet shows are mysteries, based on the state wide library summer reading program theme, “Get a Clue’. Like Swazzle’s previous productions, they feature hand made puppets, painted back drops, and live performances from their talented team of puppeteers.

Rex and Boots Super Sleuths will play in Northern California, and Bugsy Brown Private Fly and The Case of the Elephant Trunk will both play in Southern California.

Rex & Boots Super Sleuths
Lady Fromage, the richest mouse in England, discovers that her prized Gold Fish is missing. She calls on Rex & Boots, Super Sleuths to solve the crime. Is bungling greyhound Rex barking up the wrong tree? Is shady sheepdog Sherman presenting questionable evidence and false leads? Can the curious and clever cat Boots follow the clues and solve the mystery?

Bugsy Brown, Private Fly
Hard-working private eye Bugsy Brown is spending his birthday on the job when a beautiful black widow winds her way into his office. Little does he know, she has a mysterious assignment for Bugsy that will lead him on the
most surprising investigation of his life.

The Case of the Elephant Trunk
Mukesh Mongoose thinks his financial troubles are over when a mysterious trunk with a note promising unlimited wealth turns up on his doorstep. But his son Ravi isn’t so sure. With the help of his pet cobra, Ravi solves the Mystery of the Elephant Trunk.

Please visit Swazzle’s online schedule to see when they are touring your town.

New Swazzle Easter Card

2007-03-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Swazzle Easter card.

Lonny Chapman Theater Presents Prairie Dog Pete and the Magic Buffalo

2007-03-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Saturdays 11:00 am, beginning March 17, 2007
10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets, $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids

Prairie Dog Pete and the Magic Buffalo
This entertaining puppet show for the whole family, tells the story of Prairie Dog Pete, a down on his luck gold miner. He is about to give up and go home when he stumbles upon Jack Rabbit, an old prospector who has fallen down a mine shaft. Thinking quickly, Pete throws Jack a rope and pulls him to safety. To reward Pete’s kindness Jack gives him some special animals, including a Magic Buffalo. Pete’s good nature is turned against him by the notorious outlaw Coyote Clyde, who’s greediness gets the best of him. In the end everybody learns an important lesson about honesty. After the puppet show, audiences are treated to a special behind the scenes presentation.

Swazzle
Swazzle is a puppet company dedicated to the art of live puppetry. They present lighthearted puppet shows, that emphasize positive messages for young people.

Swazzle's team of talented puppeteers have years of live puppetry experience. They have trained professionally and performed puppet shows at venues nationally and internationally. Outside of Swazzle they have worked with leading puppet and entertainment companies including, The Jim Henson Company, Baby Einstein, Leap Frog and The Center for Puppetry Arts.

Contact
Sean or Patrick Johnson: 866-SWAZZLE (792-9953), puppetshows@swazzle.com, www.swazzle.com

Summer Schedule Online

2007-03-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Swazzle’s summer schedule is now on line. If you booked Swazzle for summer 2007, please click here to see which of the three puppet shows you will be getting.

Swazzle has taken in 136 bookings so far, but there is still time to book. Check the schedule for any openings and call 1-866-SWAZZLE (792-9953).

Swazzle Adds Third Puppet Show, Bookings Available

2007-02-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

To meet the growing demand, Swazzle has just added a third summer puppet show, and is making new dates available for booking across California.

In Northern California, June 15 to August 15 is now open for booking.

In Southern California, July 30 to August 4 is now open for booking.

To book a puppet show please call 1-866-SWAZZLE (792-9953)

The Swazzle Workshop Episode 6

2007-02-09T13:04:00.001-08:00

In the Episode 6 of The Swazzle Workshop Prairie Dog Pete stops by to show Tiger and Mousedeer how to make a glove puppet show.

Also check out Tiger and Mousedeer's latest puppet show, Trouble at the Uh-Oh Corral.

112 Summer Puppet Shows So Far

2007-01-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

Swazzle’s summer season is shaping up. Since they started taking bookings on January 2, 2007, they have scheduled 112 summer puppet shows. Traditionally libraries continue to book through February and into March, so more bookings are expected. To book one of Swazzle’s new summer puppet shows: Rex and Boots and the Case of the Elephant Trunk, or Bugsy Brown Private Fly please call 1-866-SWAZZLE (792-9953).

The Swazzle Workshop Episode 5

2007-01-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

Episode 5 of The Swazzle Workshop is now online. In this episode Mama Dragon stops by the studio to show Tiger and Mousedeer how to make a dragon sock puppet. Watch now.

76 Summer Show so Far

2007-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Since Swazzle opened for bookings on January 2, 2007 it has scheduled 76 summer puppet shows. Librarians are eager to book Swazzle’s new mystery puppet shows, Rex and Boots and the Case of the Elephant Trunk, and Bugsy Brown Private Fly. More bookings are expected over the coming weeks, as Swazzle prepares appearances at two more Southern California showcases. On January 17, 2007 they appear at the Inland Showcase and on January 25, 2007 they will appear at the Orange County showcase.

Limited Northern California Tour Added

2007-01-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

Swazzle has just made itself available to Northern California for one week only: July 30, 2007 to August 4, 2007. Some time slots are still available but they are going fast. If you are interested in booking Swazzle please call 1-866-792-9953.

14 Bookings on Day 1

2007-01-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

Today Swazzle began booking for the 2007 summer season. Librarians eager to book Swazzle for their summer reading programs called immediately after the phone lines opened. In the first day of booking Swazzle scheduled 14 puppet shows. Librarians will get a small peak at the new puppet shows, Rex and Boots and the Case of the Elephant Trunk, and Bugsy Brown, Private Fly this Thursday at the Los Angles County Performer’s Showcase.

2007 Summer Library Tour Information

2006-12-18T02:15:00.000-08:00

Swazzle will be offering two new puppet shows for the 2007 summer season that runs June 15, 2007 to August 15, 2007. Both puppet shows will be based on the Summer Reading Program theme: Get a Clue. The first show reunites Rex and Boots in an all new mystery called Rex and Boots and Case of the Elephant Trunk. The second show tells the story of an intrepid insect private eye called Bugsy Brown Private Fly.

Like the 2006 season, Swazzle will be booking the summer shows by region - a booking guide will be available soon. To book a show please call 1-866-SWAZZLE (792-9953). Booking begins on Tuesday January 2, 2007. Phone lines open at 10:00 am.

Swazzle on The 9

2006-12-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Swazzle was mentioned on Yahoo’s online show The 9 on Tuesday December 5. The Swazzle Workshop came in at number 5 in their countdown. Click here to watch, then select Puppet Masters, number 5. You can also vote for us as the favorite in The 9 poll at the bottom of the page.

The Swazzle Workshop Episode 4

2006-12-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest episode of The Swazzle Workshop. In this months episode Tiger and Mousedeer demonstrate how to make mice finger puppets.

Swazzle On Stage Update

2006-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

There has been a change in the Swazzle On Stage schedule. On November 18 and December 16, we will be performing one show at 1:00 pm. There are only two more opportunities to see Swazzle On Stage, don’t miss out!

New Swazzle Channel on YouTube

2006-11-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Swazzle Channel on YouTube.

Swazzle Workshop Episode 3

2006-11-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

The latest episode of the monthly web series The Swazzle Workshop is now available from Swazzle.com. In this episode Tiger and Mousedeer show how to make a B.A.R.K. The Robot Dog puppet our of toilet paper tubes.

Swazzle in the La Canada Valley Sun

2006-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Swazzle comes to La Cañada library

By Dylan Campbell

Harry (a small mammal of the Late Cretaceous Period) is out to impress his dinosaur friends and scare away the roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex. Instead, he embarks on a journey of self discovery and true friendship. Harry and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a live puppet show, is just one of several stories told by local puppet troupe, Swazzle.

Sean and Patrick Johnson, twin puppeteers, will bring the magic of Swazzle to the La Canada Flintridge library on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m., and introduce the audience to B.A.R.K. the Robot Dog.

Eccentric inventor Mr. Johnson leaves his pets Ratchet the Cat and Rivet the Dog home on a rainy day. The house is turned upside down when Rivet discovers B.A.R.K., an unpredictable robot dog. Rivet's new robotic companion turns out to be trouble, ruining Ratchet's prized yarn ball and threatening to destroy the house. Ratchet and Rivet must set things right before Mr. Johnson comes home.

Swazzle has been performing live puppet shows in local libraries for several years. This past September, the puppeteers made their theatrical debut at the NOHO Arts Center with a story enjoyed through generations, Harry and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a dinosaur tale that re-imagines the classic Aesop's fable, Androcles and the Lion. After the show, Sean and Patrick drew back the curtain to give the audience a glimpse of how the show works. The duo illustrated how each puppet was made and performed.

"One of our goals," Sean remarked, "is to show kids that they can do what we do in their own living room." "It's not like it's a magic show," explained Patrick. "There's no trick to it."

"It's a great show," said Jonathan Zenz, managing director of the Noho Arts Center. "It's got a great message for families. We're looking forward to having them back."

The La Cañada Flintridge library is located at 4545 Oakwood Ave. For more information, contact the library at 790-3330. For information on Swazzle, check out www.swazzle.com.

La Canada Valley Sun Thursday, October 26, 2006

Swazzle On Stage - Rex and Boots

2006-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Swazzle brings the second show in the Swazzle On Stage series this to the No Ho Arts Center in North Hollywood Saturday October 28. 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 9160, 1818-508-7101, ext. 5

Oct. 28, 11 am & 1 pm: Rex & Boots Super Sleuths

Lady Fromage, the richest mouse in England, discovers that her prized Gold Fish is missing. She calls on Rex & Boots, Super Sleuths to solve the crime. Is bungling greyhound Rex barking up the wrong tree? Is shady sheepdog Sherman presenting questionable evidence and false leads? Can the curious and clever cat Boots follow the clues and solve the mystery?

Coming Soon:

Nov. 18, 11 am & 1 pm: B.A.R.K. the Robot Dog

Eccentric inventor Mr. Johnson leaves his pets Ratchet the Cat and Rivet the Dog home on a rainy day. The house is turned upside down when Rivet discovers B.A.R.K., an unpredictable robot dog. Rivet's new robotic companion turns out to be trouble, ruining Ratchet's champion yarn ball and threatening to destroy the house. Can Ratchet and Rivet set things right before Mr. Johnson comes home?

Dec. 16, 11 am & 1 pm: Polly Polar Bear and the Prince of the Sea

When Polly Polar Bear rescues the Prince of the Sea, he grants her one wish, with "satisfaction guaranteed." Polly's best friend, Reggie Reindeer, convinces her to wish for bigger and better things to impress their friends at their holiday party. The wishes turn Polly and Reggie against each other and threaten to ruin their friendship until they learn to appreciate what they already have.

The puppet shows are designed for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $10. To learn more about Swazzle, visit www.swazzle.com, and to learn more about the No Ho Arts Center, visit www.thenohoartscenter.com