LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – While Hollywood production companies are still making moves to set up massive studios across the Las Vegas Valley, local creators are finding ways to make TV magic and produce a show for kids.
The creators of “Artie’s Show” film their entire production in their home and converted quarters into a set for a puppet show.
“Artie’s Show” is the brainchild of Andy Walmsley, who designed sets for American Idol and Jim Henson. Magician Mark Bennick and Andy’s wife Amy Walmsley help bring characters “Mikey Marker” and “Betty Brush” to life.
The inspiration for the show began when Bennick hosted a birthday party for his son, and Andy and Amy helped with a puppet show.
“It went really well. We ‘got the bug’ as they say, because we could see a little kids’ smiling faces and how much they enjoyed it,” Walmsley said. “I’m drawing one night, and I’m thinking, ‘Kids love to draw. Kids love puppets. Wouldn’t it be awesome to combine the two and create a puppet show where the puppets are drawing and teaching little children how to draw and paint?” he said.
The show introduces kids to crayons, markers and paint, and characters show kids how to craft fun creations.
“It’s a show that’s interactive. Eye and hand coordination, having a child know the difference between colors: these are all milestones that you know as a parent you look for,” Bennick said, whose young son watches the show. “Just the thought that our show could be something like that for a kid to look up to: that’s why we’re doing it,” he said.
“I grew up watching Sesame Street, The Muppets, Muppet Babies was my absolute favorite cartoon. They’re universal. I think anybody can relate to to a puppet,” Amy Walmsley said. “It makes us so happy if we inspire [kids] to be more creative, use their imagination, and express themselves through art,” she said.
Andy Walmsley notes that younger children engage more with the puppets and characters, while older children enjoy participating in the lesson. “Wouldn’t it be great if years from now, we’ll say we met a teenager who’s a professional dancer, and they literally said to us, ‘it’s because I used to love the Artie Show.’ It would be making it all worthwhile,” he said.
The group hopes to eventually move into a studio lot when companies build major sets, and bring in UNLV students to volunteer to learn.
For more information, click here: “Artie’s Show”
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