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She’s a Puppeteer

SESAME WORKSHOP

Behind every great puppet is a great puppeteer. That is someone who gives a puppet personality. LESLIE CARRARA-RUDOLPH is a puppeteer. Her puppet is Abby Cadabby, of Sesame Street.

Carrara-Rudolph makes Abby move. She also gives Abby a voice. “When I put on Abby, she comes to life,” Carrara-Rudolph told TIME for Kids. “I disappear behind her.” Carrara-Rudolph uses her arms and hands to make Abby move. Sometimes, other people help. They move Abby’s wings and wand.

While working the puppets, puppeteers sit below the stage. The camera cannot see them. “We have as much fun as the puppets do,” Carrara-Rudolph says.