Who among us didn’t grow up with the Muppets in some way?  From Sesame Street to the classic Muppet Show and films, Kermit and his crew have been a stable for children and adults alike for going on almost 60 years.  No you read that right,almost 60 YEARS.  The first appearance of Jim Henson and his creations were on the Washington DC TV series Sam and Friends that ran from 1955 to 1961.  Sesame Street began in 1969, The Muppet Show ran from 1976-1981, and the most recent cinematic offering The Muppets: Most Wanted opened this past weekend.  Now imagine the chance to create and compete for a position with the company.  More than a little exciting, right?  I wish I were more crafty, I would have entered just for the chance to meet Jim’s son and Chairman of the Jim Henson Company, Brian Henson who will serve as head judge on the show.

SyFy has found a niche market in specific crafting skills competition shows, the popularity of their original series Face Off has been fantastic, and laid the groundwork for this all new Muppet building challenge.  The first episode of the fledgling series begins tonight (March 25th) and will be hosted by Farscape allum Gigi Edgley who is no stranger to the magic of the Henson’s, as Farscape was populated by Muppets and special effects makeup from the workshop.  Other repeating series judges are  Creature Shop veteran Kirk Thatcher and Beth Hathaway (former designer at Stan Winston studios, who recently worked on The Walking Dead).  Designers Peter Brooke, John Criswell and Julie Zobel will serve as mentors on the series.

The list of competitors for season one are:

• Ben Bayouth, 25, from Woodland Hills, CA, Freelance SFX Artist.
• Chaz Vance, 27, from Collins, NY (currently living in West Falls, NY), Owner of Technically Magic Effects and Sculpture Teacher.
• Ivonne Escoto, 35, from Los Angeles, CA, Freelance SFX Artist.
• Jake Corrick, 21, from Belle Vernon, PA, Student and Sculptor.
• Josh Smith, 27, from Claremore, OK (currently living in Minot, ND), Creature Costumer and Prop Builder.
• Lex Rudd, 34, from SE England (currently living in Guerneville, CA), Puppet and Creature Costume Maker.
• Melissa Doss, 24, from Big Bear, CA (currently living in Fort Wainwright, AK), Freelance SFX Artist.
• Robert Bennett, 29, from Baton Rouge, LA (currently lives in Orlando, FL), Sculptor for Walt Disney Imagineering.
• Russ Adams, 41, from Ogden, UT, Owner of Escape Design Effects, Creature Creator and Mask Maker.
• Tina Roland, 28, from Doylestown, PA (currently living Hollywood, CA), Freelance Effects Artist.

I for one can’t wait to see how the show progresses, and am anxiously awaiting the premiere with my Fraggle Wembly!