The Science and Psychology of Muppet Design

Mon Jun 15 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm UTC-07:00

800 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA, United States, California 94025 | Menlo Park

Menlo Park Library
Publisher/HostMenlo Park Library
The Science and Psychology of Muppet Design
Advertisement
What makes characters like the Muppets so irresistibly appealing? Let’s get into the science behind the cuteness!
Award-winning character designer and official Muppet Maker Michael Schupbach will join us for a behind the scenes exploration of the fascinating world of puppet design.
Schup will break down the hidden tools and tricks that designers use to create lovable characters. Learn how color, texture, proportion and movement help create emotionally resonant personalities.
About the Presenter:
Michael Schupbach is an Emmy Award-winning character designer and creative technologist who brings expressive characters to life for animation, themed entertainment, and live performance. From Sesame Street and Avenue Q to Jurassic World and Ms. Rachel, Schup’s work spans puppetry, animatronics, robotics, and interactive storytelling, with a focus on creating characters that spark genuine audience connection, both on screen and in the real world.
This free event received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.
Monday, June 15, 2026 | 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA
https://www.menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Library-and-Community-Services/Events/Events-for-adults/20260615-Schup-Muppet-Design
About the Summer Puppetry Festival:
We’re presenting our 9th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! Menlo Park celebrates the art of puppetry in its many forms, with a series of puppet shows and related events featuring beloved performers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Drop in for one event, or join us for the entire series.
Performances:
- June 28 | Pop & Go Puppets | Belle Haven Library
- July 9 | The Puppet Company | Menlo Park Library
- July 26 | Fratello Marionettes | Belle Haven Library
- July 30 | Puppet Art Theater | Menlo Park Library
- Aug. 23 | Possibly Puppets | Belle Haven Library
Other events:
- June 9 | The Science & Psychology of Muppet Design | Menlo Park Library
- July 18 | Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 8-Adult) | Belle Haven Library
- Aug. 12 | Meet Mallory Lewis | Zoom
- Aug. 26 | Film: Shari & Lamb Chop | Menlo Park Library
More free events with Menlo Park Library:
https://www.menlopark.gov/calendar
Menlo Park Library on social media:
@menloparklibrary on Instagram & Facebook
@menlolibrary on Twitter/X
Advertisement

Event Venue

800 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA, United States, California 94025

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Menlo Park

Lucinda Williams & Her Band at The Guild
Tue, 16 Jun at 08:00 pm Lucinda Williams & Her Band at The Guild

949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA, United States, California 94025

Lucinda Williams at The Guild Theatre
Tue, 16 Jun at 08:00 pm Lucinda Williams at The Guild Theatre

The Guild Theatre

@Scale: AI & Data
Wed, 17 Jun at 08:30 am @Scale: AI & Data

Menlo Park, California

Dave Eggers
Wed, 17 Jun at 07:00 pm Dave Eggers

Kepler's Books

Tech Weekend June 18-19  \u2014 Founder-VC Matchmaking |Silicon Valley
Thu, 18 Jun at 09:00 am Tech Weekend June 18-19 — Founder-VC Matchmaking |Silicon Valley

Allied Arts Guild - 75 Arbor Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Create: Finger Knitting
Thu, 18 Jun at 01:00 pm Create: Finger Knitting

800 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA, United States, California 94025

Menlo Park is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Menlo Park Events