Kicking off our first season with a WHIZ BANG is Bill Barretta, Emmy-award winning actor, puppeteer, and ineffable and effectual creator! Thomas and Bill talk about what to expect from professional conservatory theatre training, as Thomas enters The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City with the Fall 2024 cohort, Bill's alma mater; how to create lively characters from our instincts and observations of the world around us; and why The Muppets continue to hold staying power in American culture and entertainment. If nothing else, you don't want to miss Bill's impression of Sanford Meisner, the story of how he created Pepe the King Prawn, and so many other little quips and whips throughout this hilarious roller-coaster ride through Bill's beautiful, untamable brain. If you love creativity, you'll absolutely love Bill and Thomas' exchanges throughout this episode! For more "Bill" in your life, subscribe to his podcast, The Baretta Brothers, available on all major platforms, and find even more content at https://www.thebarrettabrothers.com.
About Bill: Bill Barretta is an Emmy-award actor and long-time Muppets puppeteer. He began performing with The Jim Henson Company in 1991, landing the lead character of Earl Sinclair on the ABC hit television series Dinosaurs and would soon become one of the leading Core Muppet performers. His characters include Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Big Mean Carl and Bobo the Bear, to name a few. In addition, Barretta is honored to carry on several of Jim Henson's iconic and beloved creations: Rowlf the Dog, The Swedish Chef and Dr. Teeth.
Over the last thirty years Barretta has also directed, executive produced, written and coordinated for many Muppet projects to name a few; Muppet Treasure Island, Muppets Tonight, Muppets From Space, The Muppets 2011 feature, The Muppets 2015 ABC series, the 2021 Disney+ Halloween special Muppets Haunted Mansion and countless appearances, talk shows, commercials, social media content and live shows including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, James Corden, Long John Silvers, Pizza Hut,
Subway, Lipton, Toyota, PAM, Adidas, Geico, MuppetFest’s Muppet Show Live, The Muppets Take the Hollywood Bowl, The Muppets Take the O2.
Most recently for Disney+, Bill served as a Co-creator, Writer, Director, Muppet Performer and Executive Producer of The Muppets Mayhem.…Oh, and he’s a nice Italian boy.
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com