Jennifer Barnhart
About Jennifer Barnhart
Jennifer Barnhart serves as the Director of New Media Content and Music Videos at Sesame Workshop, where she has worked since 2019. With over two decades of experience as a Muppeteer, she also acts as a puppetry consultant and lecturer, specializing in puppet performance.
Work at Sesame Workshop
Jennifer Barnhart has been a key member of Sesame Workshop since 2002, serving as a Muppeteer and contributing significantly to the production of Sesame Street. In her role, she has performed various characters and engaged audiences through puppetry. Since 2019, she has taken on the position of Director: New Media Content, Music Videos, where she oversees the creation of digital content. Additionally, she serves as Puppet Captain, managing puppeteers and ensuring high-quality performances. Barnhart has directed music videos for the show Helpsters, featuring notable artists such as Jason Mraz and Norah Jones.
Education and Expertise
Jennifer Barnhart earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the University of Connecticut, where she studied Acting with a Concentration in Puppetry. Her education has equipped her with a strong foundation in performance arts, particularly in puppetry. Barnhart is recognized for her expertise in puppet performance, which she shares through master classes and lectures at various educational institutions across the United States. Her role as a puppetry consultant further highlights her commitment to educating others in the art of puppetry.
Background in Puppetry
Barnhart has extensive experience in puppetry, having worked as a puppeteer at The Jim Henson Company for a brief period in 2016. Her career in puppetry spans over two decades, with a significant focus on children's entertainment. Throughout her time at Sesame Workshop, she has developed a reputation for her engaging performances and creative direction in new media content. Her background includes a blend of performance, direction, and education in the field of puppetry.
Achievements in New Media
In her role at Sesame Workshop, Jennifer Barnhart has directed several YouTube videos, including the series 'What's That Snack?'. This initiative reflects her ability to adapt traditional puppetry to modern platforms, engaging a digital audience. Her work in directing music videos for Helpsters showcases her versatility in combining music and puppetry, enhancing the educational content provided by Sesame Workshop. Barnhart's contributions to new media content have expanded the reach and impact of puppetry in contemporary children's programming.