Brian Henson is an inspiration, it is easy to put Jim on the pedestal that he deserves for inventing that universe, but people forget that Brian stepped up to direct Christmas Carol straight after his father's death. The fact the Jim Henson company still exists today and employs hundreds of talented artists is something of a miracle. You can see how skilled and passionate he is, it takes an amazing person to fill shoes like Jim's
Brian is truly the best, even when it looks like I'm passed at him in the video.😂 I'm actually processing what he's telling me about how to make my performance better!
Trying to imagine what a skit like that would have been like if there was also a puppet operated by Robin Williams in the mix. What a wild ride that would have been.
Can we have a Henson film that's NOTHING but puppet improv? Like it has a cast of characters and entire skeleton of a narrative, story beats etc. but ALL the dialogue and action is improvised? Adult comedy obviously. I would love to see that.
The bit where Brian Henson says, “What are you lookin’ at?” Always kills 😂 Mid way through the show the company asks for a volunteer to be part of a scene. In this case Adam was that volunteer. So funny seeing non-puppeteers trying to navigate the stage.
The willingness that this man has to do something that is totally outside his wheelhouse and most likely scares him never ceases to amaze me. We should all be so open to new experiences.
There are a ton of unofficial Puppet Up shows on TH-cam from when we were performing a shorter version at Knotts Berry Farm during Halloween in the past. Thanks for posting!!
This ability of a puppet character to surprise the puppeteer is VERY much like roleplay and writing, especially if you're a pantser. My characters surprise me all the time. It's great.
This was so great. It’s awesome to see that Brian is keeping the legacy going and is obviously passionate about what he does. And you definitely need to have the puppets come to Tested and make something in your shop!
Seeing Adam and the Muppets, got me thinking back to the TV show, and it struck me that Adam in his I'm gonna make a thing zone, shares a lot of mannerisms with, I think he was the stage hand, Scooter
Yeah, I kinda see it. Scooter,if I recall, was actually the stage manager. He was in charge of getting the acts ready, on and off stage, and generally keeping the show running whileckermits mental heath slowly crumbled onscreen.
@@hobbes4011 It was a a long time ago I watched them, and I almost said Stage manager, what stopped me was the memory of, He got the job because a relative, his father I think, owned the theatre, so I opted stage hand instead
My parents were puppeteers back in the 70s and 80s. I have so many amazing memories of watching them practice and perform. I really need to get out and see this show, it just brings back so many memories.
Every time I see Brian speaking, showcasing new tech, passionately discussing the art, My heart just feels so warm and happy. I KNOW Jim is crying tears of joy and pride in the great beyond. His wonderful son honors his spirit, compassion and legacy every day.
Upstaging was something Jim Henson encouraged, I remember someone telling the story, on one of the shows, there were penguins in the background of a shot, and one penguin was jumping around and flailing about, and the director asked who it was, and they all turned around to see it was Jim Henson, and he was chuckling to himself.
The talk about engaging the technical side of the brain and releasthe creative side. I do this with lectures. I will run math problems while listening and be able to engage in the discussion.
That; both classic and hysterical! Certainly by no means in Improv easy in of itself, but when brought on stage with a 20 second crash course...... priceless!
Half the fun of improv is doing it on the fly and seeing where it goes organically. It's fun for everyone, and the more simpatico you have another person who is equally skilled, every scene can be solid gold to the point where you get sad afterward that it wasn't recorded. This whole idea sounds genius to me, and I'd love to see it go on tour. 👍
I remember watching the very first broadcast of Sesame Street, as a teen. It was on network TV, I think NBC, to promote the show's coming premiere on NET (National Educational Television, just before PBS began operations). Kept watching Sesame Street, and with my whole family, watched the Muppet Show for years after. This is essential latter-20th-Century Americana, for native-born and immigrant alike.
Big Bird (performer in costume) sang "Being Green" while fighting back tears during Jim Henson funeral. Also, mourners were forbidden to wear black. It was really quite shocking when Jim Henson died. As you say, Henson, the Muppets, and Sesame Street really had become entwined with popular culture during the late 70s and 80s that he was a household name. Amazing for a puppeteer! And yes, Sesame Street is a fantastic show
This was incredible to watch! Seeing both of these guys together who were so influential to my child and then watching them do improve with puppets was just incredible! The skit with adam had me rolling the whole time.
I remember hearing a similar description to the one at 14:00 from back around when the Muppet Movie came: the puppeteers would become so immersed in the character's that they were automatic. A puppeteer was interviewed and as he answered questions, his hand was going through the motions of working the character's face and expressions, and it was on what looked like a subconscious level.
When the Muppets were on the Jimmy Dean show (in the 60's) they did some of the best improv ever. I'm gonna check if any of those old shows are on the youtubes.
My friends and I were doing a 1/2 hour improve puppet show way back in the 1980’s, The Rapid T. Rabbit show on local cable in New York City. Much to the derision of the “pro” puppet people. Nice to see the original creative spirit of the 1960’s Muppets that was buried by fame in the 1980’s being brought back.
13:35 This is how I trick my ADHD brain into getting work done, by distracting half of it so the other half can get on with it. It doesn't work all the time, but when it does I emerge astounded that I actually accomplished something.
Love it. My favorite TH-cam channel was Glove and Boots. Extremely funny puppet show. Mario and Fafa. And Johnny T and Gorilla. And Uncle Joe. I'll always remember the Lightning Bugs.
Fascinating! Brian is absolutely wonderful! A real chip off the old block. I would love to see a live performance. Alaas, I live in Vancouver, Canada and am unable to travel. As always, my hat's off to you, Adam. Is there anything you're not a dab hand at?
The amount I laughed at that scene at the end is crazy If they ever decided to record/release these as a show or movie or even just youtube id totally watch! I can only imagine how funny it is live!
Greatest puppets (and puppeteers) in the world, grew up watching them in Sesame Street* as a kid in the 70's, and have loved them ever since. (*one of the greatest kid's programs to come out of the US imho)
Part of my visual arts cohort in university were the 4 puppetry majors for my year. I got so caught up in words & images of this video & the one behind the scenes at the archives that I need to rewatch & see if I see any of them in the background. I know one dropped out & of the 3 remaining, 2 dreamed of working for the creation lab & the other had big dreams of being an on-stage puppeteer.
When the female puppet helps Adam’s puppet stand up and she says “Jesus Christ, Adam” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Genuine tears of laughter. That segment was so good.
Jim Henson amazing puppeteering company meets Whose Line is it Anyways? This is brilliant. Improve is amazing training. This was so good on every level.
Can anyone tell me who the two female characters are (purple and green alien busts) in the bottom left of the screen while talking to Brian and pulled out (@2:08)? It's rare that I don't recognize one of their characters, but I'm pulling a blank.
Puppet Up! has NEW DATES! Buy tickets here: puppetup.com/shows
Brian Henson is an inspiration, it is easy to put Jim on the pedestal that he deserves for inventing that universe, but people forget that Brian stepped up to direct Christmas Carol straight after his father's death. The fact the Jim Henson company still exists today and employs hundreds of talented artists is something of a miracle. You can see how skilled and passionate he is, it takes an amazing person to fill shoes like Jim's
We have such enormous respect for Brian too.
Brian is truly the best, even when it looks like I'm passed at him in the video.😂 I'm actually processing what he's telling me about how to make my performance better!
@@rdanielgarza1972You’re in the video?
@@HolobrineAbsolutely! I'm so happy to be a part of the madness!!
@@rdanielgarza1972Can you give me a time stamp? I’m trying to find you in it lol
He walks with his face is one of the funniest things I've ever heard 😂
I would definitely watch movie with puppets and Adam being the only human in it :D
I think he'd get along well with puppets.
Adam Savage in a muppets movie? Yes please!
Puppeteers talking to each other is a never-ending joy.
Much love to Adam amd his cohorts.
Would love to see this one day.
Had no idea they were doing improv comedy with puppets. Such a great idea, and the clips here were hilarious
The show is so great. Seriously.
I just laughed so hard that I had tears on my face and couldn't catch my breath. The green Muppet's responses to Adam is pure gold.
Same I just got there and the whole "stand up, stand up!" Part had me absolutely losing it lol
Trying to imagine what a skit like that would have been like if there was also a puppet operated by Robin Williams in the mix. What a wild ride that would have been.
Oh LA LA - that would be such a wild ride
Probably a lot of puppet cocaine in the green room.
@@jayhitek Puppets call it "fluff"
@@RetroFett 🤣
Robin's hand would have been so sore after that performance 😂 He would have to move the puppet's mouth so much because of how fast he talks
I build and puppeteer for a living. These guys make it look easy. The key is to perform every day and have fun.
When you find a job you enjoy, you never have to work a day in your life. The puppeteering in let go of the future is amazing.
Can we have a Henson film that's NOTHING but puppet improv? Like it has a cast of characters and entire skeleton of a narrative, story beats etc. but ALL the dialogue and action is improvised? Adult comedy obviously. I would love to see that.
Come by the lot when we're doing Puppet Up! It's a truly wild time!!
Thanks for the puppet love❤
@@rdanielgarza1972 It's on my list for sure!~
Like a puppet Spinal Tap? That could be hilarious.
@@Nozoki Exactly XD
The bit where Brian Henson says, “What are you lookin’ at?” Always kills 😂
Mid way through the show the company asks for a volunteer to be part of a scene. In this case Adam was that volunteer. So funny seeing non-puppeteers trying to navigate the stage.
I haven`t laughed that hard in a very long time,thak you Adam for making a rubbish day so much better.
The willingness that this man has to do something that is totally outside his wheelhouse and most likely scares him never ceases to amaze me. We should all be so open to new experiences.
Wasnt sure about the whole improv with puppets thing... The show started and I was inmediately crying with laughter, AMAZING!
There are a ton of unofficial Puppet Up shows on TH-cam from when we were performing a shorter version at Knotts Berry Farm during Halloween in the past. Thanks for posting!!
Listening to Brian explain how to inhabit a muppet character sounds exactly like writing for fictional characters.They surprise me all the time!
The end scene is the funniest thing that I have seen in a long time.
Same!
You´re HIRED !
This ability of a puppet character to surprise the puppeteer is VERY much like roleplay and writing, especially if you're a pantser. My characters surprise me all the time. It's great.
I just learned where the word upstage comes from. Thank you Brian and Adam.
Right?????? What Brian Henson achieves with a crab puppet is unbelievable.
This was so great. It’s awesome to see that Brian is keeping the legacy going and is obviously passionate about what he does. And you definitely need to have the puppets come to Tested and make something in your shop!
Seeing Adam and the Muppets, got me thinking back to the TV show, and it struck me that Adam in his I'm gonna make a thing zone, shares a lot of mannerisms with, I think he was the stage hand, Scooter
Yeah, I kinda see it. Scooter,if I recall, was actually the stage manager. He was in charge of getting the acts ready, on and off stage, and generally keeping the show running whileckermits mental heath slowly crumbled onscreen.
@@hobbes4011 It was a a long time ago I watched them, and I almost said Stage manager, what stopped me was the memory of, He got the job because a relative, his father I think, owned the theatre, so I opted stage hand instead
My parents were puppeteers back in the 70s and 80s. I have so many amazing memories of watching them practice and perform. I really need to get out and see this show, it just brings back so many memories.
this looks wonderfull i think jim whould be proud of this show
Every time I see Brian speaking, showcasing new tech, passionately discussing the art, My heart just feels so warm and happy. I KNOW Jim is crying tears of joy and pride in the great beyond. His wonderful son honors his spirit, compassion and legacy every day.
I've gone to Puppet Up three times at the Henson studio and I just love it. I really enjoy bringing friends from outside LA into the show.
Upstaging was something Jim Henson encouraged, I remember someone telling the story, on one of the shows, there were penguins in the background of a shot, and one penguin was jumping around and flailing about, and the director asked who it was, and they all turned around to see it was Jim Henson, and he was chuckling to himself.
The monitor is essential. Though watching Heath McIvor do crowd work with Randy Feltface. While completely blind to the audience is hysterical.
Heath’s a freak though, that dude is a different level of talented, love Randy
The talk about engaging the technical side of the brain and releasthe creative side. I do this with lectures. I will run math problems while listening and be able to engage in the discussion.
That; both classic and hysterical! Certainly by no means in Improv easy in of itself, but when brought on stage with a 20 second crash course...... priceless!
Imagine Colin Mochrie and Ryan Styles (from Whos Line is it Anyway) doing this! 😆
Half the fun of improv is doing it on the fly and seeing where it goes organically. It's fun for everyone, and the more simpatico you have another person who is equally skilled, every scene can be solid gold to the point where you get sad afterward that it wasn't recorded. This whole idea sounds genius to me, and I'd love to see it go on tour. 👍
Thanks, Adam. This was so fun. As a big fan of both improv and Muppets, this explains so much. I love to hear about the process.
I got to see Pupet Up! when it was touring. Most hilarious show I've ever seen. It's enough to make me wish I was in LA so I could see it again
Right?! We were doubled over laughing.
Love when Adam visits the puppets! I love me some puppet talk.
What a fun surprise!
I remember watching the very first broadcast of Sesame Street, as a teen. It was on network TV, I think NBC, to promote the show's coming premiere on NET (National Educational Television, just before PBS began operations). Kept watching Sesame Street, and with my whole family, watched the Muppet Show for years after. This is essential latter-20th-Century Americana, for native-born and immigrant alike.
Big Bird (performer in costume) sang "Being Green" while fighting back tears during Jim Henson funeral. Also, mourners were forbidden to wear black. It was really quite shocking when Jim Henson died. As you say, Henson, the Muppets, and Sesame Street really had become entwined with popular culture during the late 70s and 80s that he was a household name. Amazing for a puppeteer! And yes, Sesame Street is a fantastic show
Yep it was on nbc it was called “this way to Sesame Street”. It’s on TH-cam now
Lots of things that make me nervous but doing this with a 5 minute crash course in puppeting would be terrifying!😂
It’s a great segment that’s in every show, and so different each time, depending on the audience member.
😂 Like he said, even when you're bad, you're good.
This is really neat
I laughed like a flipping nut job LOLOLOLO. What a great show. I’m so happy Adam got to experience that!
Dood this is so sick! Thanks Adam!
This was incredible to watch! Seeing both of these guys together who were so influential to my child and then watching them do improve with puppets was just incredible! The skit with adam had me rolling the whole time.
That is such an interesting origin story. Like its so funny it never occurred to jim that adlib is not innate and is in many ways a learned skill.
That's a wonderful man right there..Mr. Brian Henson.
Yup! He's really the best!
Might be the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.
I remember hearing a similar description to the one at 14:00 from back around when the Muppet Movie came: the puppeteers would become so immersed in the character's that they were automatic. A puppeteer was interviewed and as he answered questions, his hand was going through the motions of working the character's face and expressions, and it was on what looked like a subconscious level.
That bit was genuinely really funny!
I’d never heard of Puppet Up until this video.
It is now my life’s goal to see Puppet Up.
When the Muppets were on the Jimmy Dean show (in the 60's) they did some of the best improv ever. I'm gonna check if any of those old shows are on the youtubes.
My first experience with the Muppets was Rolf the Dog on the Jimmy Dean show!
Omgeee fun and amazing the upstaging , sounds like you let your inner four-year-old take over the puppet, brilliant, thank you ❣️❣️❣️❣️
Adam Savage! The muppeteer we didn't know we needed, but glad we found! Well done sir!
Adam over here living my dream!!! This is awesome and I didn't even know about Puppet Up until this
Oh, my goddess. I had no idea this was a thing. And now I want to do it so bad!! 💜
Okay, now I need to see this show!
You so do.
Loved it, thanks.
Loved this! ❤really enjoy everything about this content! Made my day!
OMG. That looks like so much fun.
It is!
That was alot of fun thank you
This was absolutely fantastic ! Thank you Adam!!!
4:00 I'm immediately reminded of "Who's Line Is It Anyway?".
This is so much funnier because I had watched the video where Adam went to visit with the Fraggle Rock puppeteers! Awesome!!
I CANT STOP LAUGHING WITH ADAM FALLING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
You’re not alone.
That was so fun! I wish I lived close enough to go to Puppet Up!
Ladirs and Gentlemen, Adam Savage playing Gomer Pyle... 😂
What an amazing experience that must have been. A chance to Improv with Henson Muppeteers.
It is!! I still pinch myself!😂😂😂
I'm always here for more Henson content.
My friends and I were doing a 1/2 hour improve puppet show way back in the 1980’s, The Rapid T. Rabbit show on local cable in New York City. Much to the derision of the “pro” puppet people. Nice to see the original creative spirit of the 1960’s Muppets that was buried by fame in the 1980’s being brought back.
13:35 This is how I trick my ADHD brain into getting work done, by distracting half of it so the other half can get on with it. It doesn't work all the time, but when it does I emerge astounded that I actually accomplished something.
always adored Labyrinth and Brian's Hoggle! Phwoarrr.. Plasstiiic!
Love it. My favorite TH-cam channel was Glove and Boots. Extremely funny puppet show. Mario and Fafa. And Johnny T and Gorilla. And Uncle Joe. I'll always remember the Lightning Bugs.
Haha that was brilliant 🤩 👌🏼 great work Adam!!
Puppetry is an art form - I am totally NOT biased 😸
Fascinating! Brian is absolutely wonderful! A real chip off the old block.
I would love to see a live performance.
Alaas, I live in Vancouver, Canada and am unable to travel.
As always, my hat's off to you, Adam.
Is there anything you're not a dab hand at?
Awwww, good job Adam! Congratulations on what was probably a dream come true for you! Now take your hands back.
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
Glad to see Adam finally found his true calling instead of making TH-cam videos. 😂
Damn, I can hear my childhood in Brian's voice 😂
The amount I laughed at that scene at the end is crazy
If they ever decided to record/release these as a show or movie or even just youtube id totally watch! I can only imagine how funny it is live!
I was just thinking about The Muppets and thinking of Kermits rainbow song. Nice timing
Greatest puppets (and puppeteers) in the world, grew up watching them in Sesame Street* as a kid in the 70's, and have loved them ever since. (*one of the greatest kid's programs to come out of the US imho)
Caught this show when it was at Knott's Scary Farm and it was hilarious! Love that it's being offered directly at the Jim Henson Studios.
Part of my visual arts cohort in university were the 4 puppetry majors for my year. I got so caught up in words & images of this video & the one behind the scenes at the archives that I need to rewatch & see if I see any of them in the background. I know one dropped out & of the 3 remaining, 2 dreamed of working for the creation lab & the other had big dreams of being an on-stage puppeteer.
Thanks. That was just a extremely enjoyable video 😂
I laughed much harder than I expected. I enjoyed the whole thing thoroughly!
The performance WIZARDS at the Jim Henson Company are the absolute creme de la creme.
I love that wall behind Mr Henson and Adam. Just some casually placed Emmy Awards and a few clapperboards of masterpieces. 😂
When the female puppet helps Adam’s puppet stand up and she says “Jesus Christ, Adam” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Genuine tears of laughter. That segment was so good.
That was hysterical! Loved all of it.
Jim Henson amazing puppeteering company meets Whose Line is it Anyways? This is brilliant. Improve is amazing training. This was so good on every level.
The sketch in the end was hilarious. Well done Adam!
I saw this show twice at Knott's Scary Farm. It is a hilarious show and the puppeteers are all so talented. I hope they bring it back some day.
That was hilarious, I gotta see more!
I am so grateful that Brian has kept his dad's art alive so well.
The audience seems really engaged. And "fight club referee" is a good prompt
Wow So Cool❣️
Literally crying laughing!😂
I cant wait to watch this!!! I have dreams of doing what Jim Henson has done....
The orange monkey on the right side of the thumbnail looks really familiar, is it Waffle from Animal Jam on Ready Set Learn?! 👀😯
That's so cool that this whole thing was basically Mia Sara's idea.
Years ago the touring company came to the Orpheum Theater San Francisco. Saw it twice 👍👍
Come Back to San Francisco PLEASE!!!
We agree!
Can anyone tell me who the two female characters are (purple and green alien busts) in the bottom left of the screen while talking to Brian and pulled out (@2:08)? It's rare that I don't recognize one of their characters, but I'm pulling a blank.
6:03, I was at that show in 2007 in the Princess Theatre…