Digital Initiatives Coordinator

• Jun 2023 - Present

Contributing Writer

• Mar 2022 - Present

Contributing Writer to the CPTSD Foundation's blog, sharing details about causes, effects and treatments for Complex PTSD from an insider perspective. Contributing Writer to the CPTSD Foundation's blog, sharing details about causes, effects and treatments for Complex PTSD from an insider perspective.

Associate Editor - The Puppetry Journal

• Jan 2017 - Present

Recruited by Editor Steve Abrams to consult on themes and content for each publication. Pitch story ideas, suggest writers, review and edit articles and write features. CONTRIBUTING WRITER SINCE 2003

Contributing Writer

• Apr 2003 - Present

"I was secretly hoping that you would review my show because I’ve always admired your reviews. It was much more than I'd hoped for." - Kurt HunterInterviewed artists, performers, and innovators from Sesame Street, The Jim Henson Company, The Syfy Channel, and the feature film "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" starring Tom Hanks. Specialize in reviews, editorials, and articles that explore the people and processes behind professional puppetry.

Producer | Writer | Co-Creator | Performer

• Jan 2016 - Present

Co-Write and Produce scripts for 26 episodes of this family friendly podcast with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby). Duties include bringing ideas from concept to creation, copy editing, writing and consulting on episodes, and performing characters. Co-Write and Produce scripts for 26 episodes of this family friendly podcast with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby). Duties include bringing ideas from concept to creation, copy editing, writing and consulting on episodes, and performing characters.

Writer

• Jan 2022 - Feb 2023

Write compelling social/emotional and comical segments that connect learning through storytelling for Seasons 2 and 3 of The Reading League's "Reading Buddies." Featured on PBS, "Reading Buddies" is a fun, foundational reading TV series for students PreK-3. The show instructs three important underlying components of skillful word reading: phonological awareness, letter names/sounds, and blending sounds to decode words accurately. Write compelling social/emotional and comical segments that connect learning through storytelling for Seasons 2 and 3 of The Reading League's "Reading Buddies." Featured on PBS, "Reading Buddies" is a fun, foundational reading TV series for students PreK-3. The show instructs three important underlying components of skillful word reading: phonological awareness, letter names/sounds, and blending sounds to decode words accurately.

Producing Director

• Aug 2014 - Sep 2021

Recruited to implement all aspects of video and live production, collaborating with more than 20 non-profit organizations. This position expanded to encompass many roles essential to company function including Social Media and Assets Manager, Copy and Grant writer, Curriculum Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator, and Writer and Director for Video Production and Live Events.The links below take you to playlists of videos that I've produced. In addition to casting, working with musicians, artists, cast and crew, I've designed and built most of the puppets, props and sets featured."Science Fun" features music videos and short films that I wrote and performed"Financial Literacy: Raising Money-Wise Kids" features music videos that I wrote and directed."Creative Minutes" I host this "how-to" web series featuring simple crafts and puppets that I've created. Show less

Social Media Director and Assets Manager

• Aug 2014 - Sep 2021

Design campaigns, create graphics, capture photos and videos, and write copy to promote MicheLee Puppets' various programs on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Maintain and organize the YouTube Channel to maximize reach by organizing playlists and adjusting tags, video titles and descriptions. Create articles for and maintain MicheLee Puppets' Blog and website. Manage videos, images, and digital assets on Google Drive.In the first 3 months in this position, social media engagement tripled. From 2020-2021 MicheLee Puppets had nearly 2 million engagements. Show less

Director of Live Shows and Events

• 2014 - Sep 2021

Direct casts of performers for touring issue-based children's shows such as "The Upstander League" and "Discover Math and Science." Conceptualize classes and public events such as "Sunday Family Fun Days" at Venue on the Lake and "Puppet Labs" at MicheLee Puppets' studio. - Coordinate with the venue, staff, and volunteers- Design enticing event content and schedules featuring hands-on activities for adults and children- Design and write copy for marketing materials- Book artists, vendors, films, and live performers, writing contracts and finding funding through grant writing Show less

Performer and Puppeteer

• Aug 2012 - Sep 2021

Toured Central Florida performing issue based shows for children in pre-K through 5th grade as both a single performer and with an ensemble. Roles required me to play a multitude of characters simultaneously; drive a cargo van, load in, set up, and make repairs to all lighting, sound and sets; communicate with school contacts and collect attendance; and interact with students post performance

Producer | Writer | Dramaturge

• 2017 - 2020

Co-wrote 7 scripts with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby) and served as dramaturge for her "Bizarre Brunch," a sold out residency of live shows at NYC's Laurie Beechman Theater. Nominated for four “Broadway World” Awards and two “MAC” Awards. Produced all marketing and promotional materials coordinating with graphic artists and writing copy for all online promotion, media press kits and printed collateral such as posters and postcards. Co-wrote 7 scripts with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby) and served as dramaturge for her "Bizarre Brunch," a sold out residency of live shows at NYC's Laurie Beechman Theater. Nominated for four “Broadway World” Awards and two “MAC” Awards. Produced all marketing and promotional materials coordinating with graphic artists and writing copy for all online promotion, media press kits and printed collateral such as posters and postcards.

"Drama-Rama" Digital Puppet Performer/Improviser/Interactor

• Nov 2016 - Jun 2017

As an "interactor" I puppeteered and voiced multiple male and female digital character avatars, interacting live with one pre-teen student at a time. We were paired with mental health professionals and provided with talking points for each scene, improvising interactions through different "choose your own adventure" style games. "DRAMA-RAMA is a computer game prototype in which the avatars' verbal and non-verbal responses are tailored to the responses of the player. The game provides children and adolescents opportunities to practice resisting peer pressure." Show less

Puppet Specialist

• Dec 2013 - Apr 2017

Teach Beginner and Intermediate puppetry workshops for cast members then assess their skill levels for potential transfer to Entertainment. Lead existing puppeteers through performance assessments to determine their current skill level and potential to be trained in future roles. This role also required recording assessments and notes in a spreadsheet organizational system. Teach Beginner and Intermediate puppetry workshops for cast members then assess their skill levels for potential transfer to Entertainment. Lead existing puppeteers through performance assessments to determine their current skill level and potential to be trained in future roles. This role also required recording assessments and notes in a spreadsheet organizational system.

Puppeteer

• 2014 - 2017

Puppeteer on Season 46, the Emmy Award-Winning "Once Upon a Sesame Christmas" special, and the 2017 "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade"

Puppeteer

• 2014 - 2017

Puppeteer on Season 46, the Emmy Award-Winning "Once Upon a Sesame Christmas" special, and the 2017 "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade"

Character Development Specialist

• Dec 2010 - Dec 2016

I was recruited to develop and implement a training system for costume characters and their handlers before they went on the ship as part of “The Dreamworks Experience.” I shared daily assessments with the leadership team and created a cohesive schedule that maximized our time together. The exercises, simulations, and methods I created became the standard for training all characters. When the program expanded I trained the new specialists in my teaching methods. I was recruited to develop and implement a training system for costume characters and their handlers before they went on the ship as part of “The Dreamworks Experience.” I shared daily assessments with the leadership team and created a cohesive schedule that maximized our time together. The exercises, simulations, and methods I created became the standard for training all characters. When the program expanded I trained the new specialists in my teaching methods.

Arts integration Specialist, Teaching Artist

• Dec 2010 - Dec 2015

Recruited by Dr. Mary Palmer to train and coach K-8th grade educators to transform standard curriculum into excitingly creative arts integrated lessons. Devised and implemented professional development drama and puppetry activities for faculty and staff, demonstrated activities with their students, then supported each teacher as they implemented the activities in their classroom. Collaborated with grade level teams to determine student needs, then devise and implement arts integrated lessons to teach core subjects such as science, social studies, ELA, and math. Curriculum implemented at local and state education conferences, and schools throughout Florida. Show less

Show Director | Curriculum Development Specialist | Teaching Artist

• 2007 - 2015

I co-directed several youth productions including "Nightfall with Edgar Allen Poe" with Steve McKinnon. Once the education coordinator saw my classroom management skills and creativity working with children, I was recruited to develop and implement after school theatre programs, classroom residencies, and professional development for teachers. I also designed and implemented numerous summer camp experiences for ages 5-14 in which they used their own creativity to explore ideas, ultimately creating unique shareformances for their parents and fellow campers. Show less

Teaching Artist, Writer

• Sep 2012 - Feb 2013

Design a program for at-risk 2nd graders at two different elementary schools which incorporated an educational component with theatre, music, and puppetry. I wrote the original play “George and the Peanut Butterfly” based on the work of George Washington Carver and the life Cycle of a butterfly. Students and their teachers participated twice a week in one hour sessions in which they learned performance techniques in each of the three disciplines. The students performed alongside professional musicians for the culminating public performance. Show less

Lead Puppet Wrangler

• 2012 - 2013

This role required daily communication and creative problem solving. In each episode the puppets wore multiple costumes, used a variety of props, and performed practical effect stunts, all of which were my job to figure out. I successfully trained, coordinated, and led a team of 5-7 wranglers, devising schedules and systems of organization to stay ahead of demand. I worked closely on set with producers and director Hugh Martin to make improvised concepts a reality. I collaborated with cast and crew, reviewed scripts, and attended production meetings to determine needs, then communicated with my team to ascertain how best to meet those needs and to assign tasks. Show less

Puppet Director, Performer, and Puppet Builder "Avenue Q"

• Jul 2011 - Oct 2011

I collaborated with Director Steve Mckinnon to determine what the characters need to do, then figure out how it will be achieved. With only 1 other professional puppeteer in the cast, I trained the remaining actors in moveable mouth hand puppetry techniques, assuring that their characters were alive and believable. Simultaneously, I took on the role of "Mrs. T", the "Bad Idea Bear," as well as all around puppeteer assist track, puppeteering characters live that other people were voicing, or dancing in step with Scott Silson, performing the right hand of Trekkie Monster and Nikki. I also designed and created the moving box puppets for the show, trained puppet wranglers to assist in repairs and care of puppets, and made adaptations to the main puppets for ease of use. Show less

Creative Director, Founding Member

• Aug 2005 - Nov 2009

Artistic Director, Co-Creator The Orlando Puppet Festival

• Aug 2005 - Nov 2009

Puppeteer "Johnny and the Sprites"

• 2006 - 2008

I was brought on as a full time puppeteer in season 2 after performing as a day player on season 1. I starred as Francesca the Frog, several Fuzzies, and assisted puppeteers by performing mechanisms and right hands. I also performed the remote control facial features for the marionette version of "Ginger" I was brought on as a full time puppeteer in season 2 after performing as a day player on season 1. I starred as Francesca the Frog, several Fuzzies, and assisted puppeteers by performing mechanisms and right hands. I also performed the remote control facial features for the marionette version of "Ginger"

Puppeteer

• 2002 - 2002

I got to work elbow to elbow with several of my puppetry heroes performing a variety of background characters for a Sesame Street 4D movie (created for foreign markets). I got to work elbow to elbow with several of my puppetry heroes performing a variety of background characters for a Sesame Street 4D movie (created for foreign markets).