Kip Rathke
About Kip Rathke
Kip Rathke is a Creative Director at Sesame Workshop, specializing in themed entertainment and toys. He has played a key role in developing award-winning attractions and toys, including projects for Universal Studios and collaborations with major toy brands.
Current Role at Sesame Workshop
Kip Rathke serves as the Creative Director for Themed Entertainment and Toys at Sesame Workshop. He has held this position since 1998, contributing to the design and development of various Sesame Street themed attractions worldwide. His role involves overseeing projects such as Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando and Sesame Place San Diego, ensuring that the attractions align with the brand's educational mission and entertainment value.
Previous Experience at The Jim Henson Company
Before joining Sesame Workshop, Kip Rathke worked at The Jim Henson Company from 1993 to 1997. In his capacity as Puppet Designer, Builder, and Supervisor, he contributed to the development of puppetry and character design, enhancing the company's legacy in children's entertainment. His experience at Henson laid a foundation for his future work in themed entertainment.
Education and Expertise
Kip Rathke studied at Pratt Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from 1982 to 1986. His education focused on Drawing, Sculpture, and Illustration, equipping him with a strong artistic foundation that informs his creative direction in themed entertainment and toy design.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Rathke has been involved in the creation of several award-winning attractions, including Oscar's Wacky Taxi rollercoaster and the Sesame Street: Street Mission dark ride at PortAventura in Spain. He has also contributed to the development of Sesame Street themed attractions at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore, showcasing his ability to create engaging experiences for audiences.
Collaborations with Toy Brands
Throughout his career, Kip Rathke has collaborated with various renowned toy brands, including Lego, Steiff, Gund, Funko, and Kids II, to develop Sesame Street licensed toys. His work includes the TOTY Award-winning Big Hugs Elmo toy with Hasbro, reflecting his influence in both the entertainment and toy industries.