The Inside Secrets of Sesame Street

In the history of broadcasting, there has never been a children's television series that has lasted 40 years. Sesame Street has aired on PBS for 49 years, and in 2019 the show will celebrate its 50th anniversary! So let's discover the secrets to its success by meeting the pioneers. Go behind the scenes and talk with the producers about Muppets, music, and special effects. Be in front of the camera with the talent as actors or puppeteers. Find out from the researchers what works and why. Enjoy nostalgic moments such as Big Bird's experiences, Henson's Muppets, and the game, "One of These Things is Not Like the Others." Finally, travel internationally to the Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, Russia, and the Latin American countries to explore different adaptations of Sesame Street. Journey with me now for an exciting adventure! You'll meet famous people such as Joan Cooney, who is responsible for the creation of Sesame Street. Carol Spinney, who plays Big Bird and (did you know) Oscar the Grouch too, and tells you how the Grouch got his voice. Producer Jon Stone, called "the soul of Sesame Street," talks about humor, puppets, and keeping the show fresh. Jane Henson, wife and creative partner of the late Jim Henson, shares their thinking on the role of fantasy in this television series. Long-time Actor Bob McGrath talks about acting with Oscar the Grouch. Emily Perl Kingsley, writer since 1970, brings special education to the forefront with her son, Jason. And Jeff Moss, known for his popular song "Rubber Duckie," gets down to basics on songwriting and scriptwriting.

Dr. Lucille Burbank has worked in educational media and technology for over 35 years. During that time, she was also a consultant at the Sesame Workshop, NASA, and the New Jersey Department of Civil Service. She has taught media design and production courses at various community colleges and was a media and technology coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Resource Center for Special Education. Innovative from the start, Dr. Burbank was one of the first individuals to use holography in the classroom and has written a range of articles on media and technology in education. Conducting numerous workshops, she has also presented at state and national conventions and conferences. Recently named Woman of the Year for her award-winning book, The Inside Secrets of Sesame Street, and now a delegate for The Global Society of Empowered Woman (formerly the International Women's Leadership Association), she resides in sunny San Diego working on current media projects.