Author: Brooke Wehrle

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS KIDS announced ALMA’S WAY, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions, will October 4, 2021. The series is created by Sonia Manzano, beloved by generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV.

Inspired by Manzano’s own childhood, ALMA’S WAY centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. Infused with Manzano’s humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages 4-6 the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

“I am so excited to be working with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions to introduce Alma, a strong and positive Puerto Rican girl who will empower young viewers,” said Manzano. “Alma's way is to think things through, and we hope the new series will show kids that their thought processes are valid and give them the confidence to think critically."

The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her “Think Through” moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.

"The stories on ALMA’S WAY are designed to help kids learn to think for themselves and take into consideration the perspectives of those around them,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. "As Alma thinks things through, she models self-advocacy, empathy and social awareness. She’s a smart kid with a big heart — we hope young viewers will think she’s way, way, way fun to watch!”

Each episode showcases different aspects of Latino cultures through language, food, music, and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both alike and different from their own. Music is the “backbeat” of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles like Plena, Bomba, and salsa along with other Latino genres such as Cuban son and Colombian cumbia. The original theme song, written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, is performed by Flaco Navaja and Summer Rose Castillo, who plays Alma. The series music is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola M. Mendez. The series will be available for viewers in both English and Spanish on all PBS KIDS platforms.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Alma and her family to PBS KIDS this fall,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. “Alma’s unique humor and spirit are rooted in the everyday stories of her neighborhood. All children across America deserve to see themselves represented in stories that celebrate and give voice to their lived experiences. That philosophy is at the heart of PBS KIDS.”

ALMA’S WAY is produced, written, and directed by a diverse team, and Latino voices are imbued throughout the series, both on screen and behind the scenes. The series is created by Lifetime Achievement Emmy®-winner Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

Building on this commitment to authentic representation in PBS KIDS content, JELLY, BEN & POGO, a series of funny and engaging animated shorts from Primal Screen, will debut this fall, following episodes of ALMA’S WAY. Created by Jalysa Leva, each short follows the adventures of the intrepid Jelly, her brainy little brother, Ben, and Pogo, a young sea monster who is always ready to get the party started. Jelly and Ben’s family are of Filipino heritage, and the show is infused with Filipino culture throughout, including the Tagalog language and food and music from the Philippines. Jelly, Ben, and Lola (their grandmother) are voiced by Filipino and Filipino American talent. The three best friends help their neighbors – and each other – by identifying a problem and working together to find a solution, often using STEAM concepts and always understanding the unique perspectives and needs of those they are helping.

ALMA’S WAY will debut on PBS stations and begin streaming free on PBS KIDS October 4. Launching in tandem with the show, digital content for kids, parents and teachers will further the messages and goals of ALMA’S WAY. Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App. Spanish and English language parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS’ large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning, anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and coming this fall is Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
PBS | Lubna Abuulbah | labuulbah@pbs.org
Grand Communications | Gabrielle Torello | gab@grandcommunications.com
Hispanic Communications Network | Alicia Vigil Blanco | alicia.vigilblanco@hcnmedia.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you came to work in children’s television. 

I've always been interested in media, art, and storytelling ever since I was a kid. I always loved different types of artwork, music, books, movies, and television shows and had some sort of interest in how they were made. I found my love for storytelling at the age of six, then at the age of 18 I found my love for creating media like the media I loved growing up. After college, I worked with children a lot and found a love for that, too. This job was the perfect job I could have asked for considering all the things I found a love for throughout life so far! I couldn’t have found this perfect job at a more perfect time.

What was your favorite television show when you were growing up? 

I would say my favorite television shows growing up were Blue’s Clues and Rugrats. Even as an adult, I will be just as engaged in children’s TV shows while babysitting or hanging out with my nephew. I know way too many theme songs of shows that came out since I’ve been in my twenties!

What goes into your role as a production assistant for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Odd Squad? 

I love that, in my role, I get to talk to so many different people and be involved in all the steps it takes to finish an episode. I get to proofread all the drafts of the scripts, look over designs, and review the different drafts of the actual episodes. There are always new things to learn and do each day, and it’s a grr-ific feeling to be a part of something so special!

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or Odd Squad?

My favorite Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episode is “Daniel Does Gymnastics.” The strategy song for this episode is “With a little help, you can be brave.” I love that strategy, because it can be hard to do something for the first time, and most things kids are doing things for the first time! This strategy song (like so many, if not all) is one that I could have used as a child, like when I started gymnastics and dance!

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I love to write but as of lately, I’ve been trying to find things to do that involve being active or outside! I like to adventure and find new trails in the city to either bike on or walk my dog.

What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime? 

My favorite thing to do in the summertime is go on late evening walks! I love warm weather, and summer evenings are perfect! This summer, I made a big effort to find events and activities for evenings and weekends, which I’ve never done before but plan to continue!

Watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Odd Squad daily on your local PBS station, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and on digital on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

The Television Critics Association (TCA) announced the nominees for the 37th annual TCA Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in television and enduring contributions to the medium’s heritage. Two series from Fred Rogers’ Productions, Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad, have been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming. This is Odd Squad’s sixth TCA nomination, while Donkey Hodie has been recognized with its first nod in its premiere season.

Other nominees in the category include The Baby-Sitters Club, Bluey, Emily’s Wonder Lab, Sesame Street, Waffles + Mochi, and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.

“This was an incredible year for fresh, inclusive content and new creators, and our nominations are a reflection of that,” said Melanie McFarland, TCA President and TV Critic for Salon. “The TCA membership selected from a wealth of original offerings that broke fresh ground and presented exciting, thought-provoking experiences that redefined the television landscape. Although we will not be able to honor these landmark achievements in-person, we look forward to celebrating 37 years of the TCA Awards and sharing our top picks when the winners are unveiled.”

We are delighted that Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad are part of this amazing list of nominees. Congratulations to our incredible production teams and partners at Spiffy Pictures, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and PBS KIDS.

Winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony later this summer.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Odd Squad took home two Daytime Emmys in the virtual 48th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards ceremony on June 25. The categories won are Outstanding Lighting Direction and Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design. The series was also nominated for Outstanding Costume Design/Styling. This marks the sixth consecutive year the series was nominated for Daytime Emmy® Awards. Prior to this year, Odd Squad won awards in 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Click here to see the full list of winners.

Additionally, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced nominees for the Children's & Animation and Lifestyle categories on June 28. Odd Squad garnered an additional nomination for Outstanding Preschool, Children's or Family Viewing Program. The winners of these categories will be announced in a virtual ceremony on July 17 and 18. Click here for the full list of nominees.

Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to share these honors with our production partners at Sinking Ship Entertainment and PBS KIDS!

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you came to write children's television shows as your career.

I've had a very zig-zaggy path to get to where I am. I did some law school; did some accounting on feature films; I've been a personal assistant to an Oscar-winning film director, and many more gigs. The one constant in my life has been that I'm always writing stories. Always. Through a series of accidents and “luck favors the prepared, “I met the head writer of Nick Jr.’s Go, Diego, Go, and she hired me and taught me a lot. I discovered I loved writing for kids, and I've been doing it ever since.

What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?

Like a lot of kids from the 70s and 80s, my parents let me watch way, way, waaay too much TV. The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, Battlestar Galactica, Greatest American Hero, and on and on. In the 70s, I loved going to the backyard and screaming, "Hey you guuuuuys!" like Rita Moreno used to do at the opening of The Electric Company. And of course, Sesame Street, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and Captain Kangaroo were in heavy rotation in my house.

For the record, my favorite show of all time for all ages is Avatar: The Last Airbender. The characters, world-building, and story are incredibly rich.

What are the steps that go into writing an episode of Alma's Way?

Everything on Alma's Way begins with the story. We either come up with stories in-house, or we ask freelance writers for ideas. Once we find a story we love, it gets developed from idea to script. We have educational consultants, cultural consultants, and specialists who advise us, so we incorporate their guidance as the story develops.

Without giving away any spoilers, what is your favorite episode of Alma's Way?

“Junior's Lost Tooth” is my favorite episode for a few different reasons, and I promise it's not because I wrote it. I can't take credit for the original idea. It was Sonia Manzano's idea, and I remember talking to Sonia and Ellen Doherty (FRP’s Chief Creative Officer and series’ executive producer) about this story nugget long before the show was ever a show. It's one of the earliest story ideas we discussed, which is why it has a fond spot in my heart. The episode features all of Alma's extended family. I really enjoyed writing it.

What do you like to do when you are not working on the show?

I write graphic novels when I'm not working on TV. I have a series called the Chronicles of Claudette. I get a lot of joy out of telling stories.

What is something you love about the series that you want to make sure people notice?

We try hard to tell real stories about real characters in a real world for real kids to watch and give them real tools to use in their real lives. Real, real, real! That's our mantra!

Alma’s Way is coming to PBS KIDS later this year.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the nonprofit children’s entertainment producer behind the Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, along with the just-launched Donkey Hodie and upcoming Alma’s Way, has promoted Matthew Shiels from Director to Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs. In addition to his various legal responsibilities, Shiels will now oversee licensing for the company and its popular brands. He reports directly to COO Christopher Arnold.

“Matt is a valued member of our senior executive team,” said Arnold. “He has formed and strengthened relationships with our partners while shaping and implementing our strategic vision for international distribution, licensing, and merchandising. Most importantly, Matt models our core values of thoughtfulness, respect, and dedication to his craft. ”

“I feel privileged to work with such a talented and dedicated team who is committed to advancing our mission of providing quality, meaningful content for children and their families around the world,” said Shiels.

Shiels joined Fred Rogers Productions in 2017. He advises the company on general corporate matters and is responsible for agreements covering program development, production and distribution, merchandise licensing, intellectual property, copyright and trademarks, and the administration of an extensive music library.

Previously, Shiels handled a broad range of legal services, such as patent and trademark counseling and litigation services, for the Pittsburgh-based law firm Reed Smith LLP. Before that, he was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, LLC in Chicago.

About Fred Rogers Productions

Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and coming this fall is Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

#  #  #

Press contacts:

Grand Communications
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, June 1, 2021 – Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the much-loved, Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has secured $1 million in grant funding from The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) to support the production of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood as well as the launch of two new PBS KIDS series, Donkey Hodie, which premiered May 3, and Alma’s Way, coming this fall. Donkey Hodie is the new series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Alma’s Way is the eagerly-awaited show created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of viewers as “Maria” on Sesame Street.

“The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations have been a valued, longtime champion of Fred Rogers Productions and public media, and we are very grateful for their support,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “The Foundations have helped us reach children with engaging, educational, and pro-social content that positively impact their lives every day, and we are happy to continue our longstanding partnership.”

“Public media sets the standard for excellent children’s programming, and Fred Rogers Productions continues to be a leader in this space,” said AVDF President and CEO, Michael Murray. “We are proud to support this high-quality programming that advances the social and emotional well-being of children, and also contributes to their appreciation of diversity and inclusion.”

A reliable favorite for preschoolers and their parents since its debut in 2012, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood centers on 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, who invites viewers to join him and his friends on their adventures as they explore the colorful Neighborhood of Make-
Believe. Irresistible musical strategies reinforce the unique theme of each episode. The executive producers of the popular animated series are Angela Santomero, Chief Creative Officer at 9 Story Media Group; Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Rogers Productions; and Vince Commisso, President & CEO, 9 Story Media Group.

Inspired by the funny, quirky side of children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical world of Someplace Else. The imaginative puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, a “can-do” yellow donkey, and her pals Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog. The show features new original music, along with reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ songs, that underscores the stories’ positive messages. Now in production on 40 half-hour episodes, Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman, co-founders of Spiffy Pictures, and developed by Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Rogers Productions. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman, and David Rudman.

Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. In every episode, Alma models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to develop critical thinking skills and value their own ideas and questions. Currently in production are 40 half-hour episodes. Executive producers are Sonia Manzano and Ellen Doherty.

About The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations were organized in 1952 and are supported by two trusts established by Mr. Arthur Vining Davis. The Foundations are a legacy of Mr. Davis' successful corporate leadership, and they aim to honor his ambitious philanthropic vision. Since their inception, the Foundations have given over 3,800 grants totaling more than 300 million dollars. In addition to providing support to public media, the Foundations support inclusive higher education and healthcare, vibrant spiritual communities, and a clean environment. For more information visit www.avdf.org.

About Fred Rogers Productions

Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information visit fredrogers.org.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Can you share a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows?

I've always loved to pretend, so in my teens I went to acting school to pretend for as many hours out of the day as I could. We also did a lot of children's theater, and I wound up teaching acting to kids. After that, I went to university for radio and TV, and my first job out of school was working on a kids’ website. The upshot is that I’m drawn to the silliness, fun, and imagination of kids’ TV and interactive.

Can you talk a little bit about your favorite television show when you were growing up?

Oh gosh. Anything with one or all of the following: superheroes, spaceships, robots, disguises, and lasers. When I was really small, my favorite shows were Sesame Street and Canada’s version of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which was Mr. Dressup. Years later, I found out that Fred Rogers and Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) were friends from when they worked on different children’s shows in the U.S. and Canada.

What are the steps that go into your role on Odd Squad?

I write instructions and voice-over (VO) for our games. Being happily immersed in the Odd Squad story world helps me hear the voices of whichever characters are in the game. Directing our amazing actors in their VO session for interactive is tons of fun and lets me get back to my roots as an acting teacher. But it has certainly been a challenge since the pandemic started.

The other fun thing is that everyone on the team contributes ideas to the game. Usually I’ve seen rough-cuts of all the episodes and can suggest new villains or oddness that might make a game a bit “Odd Squad-ier.” One of our recent virtual meetings revolved around whether a game-level was going to end with a swirling inter-dimensional vortex or merely a giant robot.

What’s your favorite episode of Odd Squad?

I really love how big the Odd Squad universe is. Two of my favorite episodes are “Best Seats in the House” and “Hands On An Office Chair.” In both of these, Ms. O is in the middle of amazing missions that mostly happen off-screen. We find out she has her own tube entrance in her office and see her putting on scuba gear and sky-diving equipment, but we only see tiny moments of the actual missions, which are all fantastic. I love these episodes because we get wonderful hints at the story we’re not seeing, and the rest of it is left to our imaginations.

What do you like to do (hobbies, etc.) when you’re not working on the show?

I read a fair bit and also noodle around on guitar and ukulele—in short anything that reduces the amount of time I spend looking at glowing screens (my eyes just can’t take it any more). I’ve also started showing my 12-year-old how to use hand-tools, so every couple of weeks we try to bash together something made out of wood scraps.

 

New episodes of Odd Squad premiere in July.

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Pittsburgh, PA, May 19, 2021 – Fred Rogers Productions, the nonprofit children’s entertainment producer behind the Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, along with the just-launched Donkey Hodie and upcoming Alma’s Way, is augmenting its marketing and engagement team with the promotion of two company executives and the addition of a new member. The company has elevated Suzanne Masri to Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Engagement, and promoted Brittany Smith to Director of Community Engagement. In addition, Christina Gorski has newly joined Fred Rogers Productions as Associate Director of Marketing.

“We are so fortunate to have such talented professionals to help guide and support our growth at this exciting time as we launch two new series, Donkey Hodie and Alma’s Way,” said President and CEO Paul Siefken. “Suzanne and Brittany’s leadership has been vital in bringing our mission beyond broadcast. And I’m very pleased to welcome Christina, who has quickly become a valuable member of our marketing team.”

Masri joined Fred Rogers Productions in 2015 and oversees marketing, branding, publicity, and engagement efforts for the company’s portfolio of quality children’s series and brands. During her tenure, she has spearheaded the company’s rebrand to Fred Rogers Productions as well as the implementation of its new creative direction, led the 50th anniversary celebration of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and helped develop and oversee impactful experiential campaigns for the company’s celebrated series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Odd Squad.

Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Masri directed station relations marketing campaigns for national programming produced by WETA, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C. She closely supported a diverse range of films from award-winning documentarian Ken Burns and lifestyle series from Martha Stewart and Sara Moulton, as well as children’s series Clifford The Big Red Dog, Super WHY!, and Maya & Miguel.

Smith, who joined Fred Rogers Productions in 1994, oversees outreach and engagement efforts aimed at igniting curiosity in young learners. She works closely with PBS stations and community groups across the nation, developing resources and events such as Be My Neighbor Days, which has included more than 150 free events with 53 different public television stations in 62 markets since its inception in 2015. Smith works to foster partnerships with like-minded organizations to build and facilitate engagement opportunities that utilize content inspired by the company’s series. Before joining Fred Rogers Productions, Smith worked in early childhood education and media.

The newest member of the team, Gorski manages marketing, branding, and publicity efforts across the Fred Rogers Productions catalog. Previously, she directed publicity campaigns for primetime programming at Fox Broadcasting Company and NBC

Entertainment in New York. She built and executed successful strategies for acclaimed series such as New Amsterdam, Blindspot, and Bob’s Burgers, as well as working on fan-favorite, unscripted programming, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Red Nose Day Special, and Christmas in Rockefeller Center.

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Can you share a little bit about yourself and what led you to work as a puppeteer?

Love to! Growing up in Matthews, North Carolina, I didn’t have a clue that I was going to be a puppeteer. I didn’t even know that it was a career choice! I just knew that I spent all of my allowance on puppets, and every stuffed animal had feelings and a voice and came to life the second I left the room. It wasn’t until I was attending the Disney College Program in Florida that I had my first puppeteering job as Flounder in the Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage show. I was hooked! (No pun intended.)

Can you talk a little bit about your favorite television show when you were growing up?

It was a toss-up between Lamb Chop’s Play-Along and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I still remember sitting in front of the TV with my family while Shari Lewis taught us how to fold a dollar bill into a fish. We can still do it! Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood holds such a special place in my heart, too. I loved that moment when the camera would follow Trolley into the tunnel. I always wanted to know what happened in that dark space between the time that the trolley disappeared into the tunnel to its arrival in the Neighborhood of Make Believe. Now I know, and spoilers, it’s magic!

What’s one of your favorite–or most unexpected–things about playing Donkey Hodie so far? Could also be a favorite moment or episode. (Include as many as you’d like!) 

I got to ride a giant Potato-Pirate Ship for an entire episode, which was incredibly fun and unexpected! When I read the script for that episode, I assumed that the characters would be standing behind a flat potato/ship set piece, but our amazing art department actually built a potato-shaped pirate ship that rolled around the set! I never knew you could get seasick from riding a potato. Turns out, you can.

How are you like Donkey, and how are you different?

Donkey’s biggest priorities are fun and friendship, and I hope that, like Donkey, I’m a good friend. My friends, my family, my husband, they all mean everything to me, and I’m happiest when I’ve made them my priority. Unlike Donkey, I’m not much of a morning person.

What do you like to do (hobbies, etc.) when you’re not working on the show?

Art! I really enjoy sculpting and wood burning.  I’m very fidgety, and having something to mold in my hands makes me feel both hyper-focused and relaxed. I’m also a huge lover of pigeons! They are smart, sweet, ridiculously uncoordinated little birds. I’ve spent some time volunteering for a wildlife rehab center in NYC, the Wild Bird Fund, where I’ve worked with pigeons close up, and they truly are sweet creatures. Rehabbers lovingly refer to them as the “dogs of the bird world” because they just want to be pet!

What is your favorite nod/Easter egg to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in the new series?

My favorite Easter egg is definitely the fish tank in Donkey’s windmill! The moment in every Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood episode where he sprinkles fish food into the tank is so simple and beautiful. No matter what’s going on in your day, you still have to take care of those who need you. You gotta feed the fish!

You went to college in Pittsburgh! You also worked on the Tom Hanks film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, which was filmed here. Can you share one of your favorite Pittsburgh stories or favorite things to do in Pittsburgh?

First things first, you need to go to Pamela’s Diner and get the crêpe pancakes. When I was working on It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, every morning the puppeteers would walk to the Pamela’s near the Heinz Museum and get those pancakes. They are life changing. A perfect day in Pittsburgh wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Cathedral of Learning for a tour of the Nationality Rooms. These rooms are all working classrooms, each designed to represent all the different nationalities that settled in the Pittsburgh area, and are all funded and designed by the nation represented. My personal favorite is the Syria-Lebanon room. It’s beautiful!

 

Donkey Hodie premieres Monday, May 3.