UConn Celebrates the Creative Genius of a CT Native: The Muppet Designer and Photographer Behind the Magic

MIDDLETOWN — A puppetry designer and photographer from Middletown, famed for his contributions to “Sesame Street,” is scheduled to present decades of his artistic work next month at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs. The show will present behind-the-scenes images featuring four first ladies.

The Jim Henson Foundation and Ballard Institute at the University of Connecticut are set to showcase “American Puppet Theater Today: The Photography of Richard Termine” towards the end of next month.

Termine, who attributes his artistic development to his upbringing in the vibrant cultural scene of the city and the encouragement of his parents, relocated to Brooklyn in 1980. He was back in Middletown last week for a family Christmas gathering.

Termine received his education at Middletown Public Schools and Xavier High School. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from UConn, where he acquired his puppetry skills. His mentor was the internationally acclaimed puppeteer Frank Ballard.

Following his graduation, he spent a few years teaching before securing a position as a

puppet creator with the Jim Henson Co. as part of the “Sesame Street Live” tour and The Muppets, he stated.

He was dismissed, but rejoined the organization as a contractor for Sesame Workshop a year afterward, Termine mentioned, for the 13th season of its eponymous show.

One of Termine’s notable achievements is creating and constructing the Muppet Placido Flamingo, the rosy bird inspired by opera artist Plácido Domingo.

When he transitioned to a freelance photographer, Termine noted, “Sesame Street” was his initial client.

He holds the position of vice president at the Jim Henson Foundation and has been associated with the 42-year-old institution since almost its inception.

Perhaps one of Termine’s most significant and distinctive recognitions is collaborating with former first ladies on “Sesame Street”: Michelle Obama, the late Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, and Jill Biden.

He remembered that FBI security was exceptionally stringent for Michelle Obama, said Termine, who relayed the story of Big Bird being brought onto the set.

“The Secret Service was using their wand to scan Big Bird before he could pass through the studio entrance to be on camera,” he laughed.

He served as Michelle Obama’s personal photographer for her yearly fundraising gala for Sesame Workshop around three years ago. Termine described her as a “genuine” individual.

Witnessing Jim Henson and puppeteer Frank Oz animate Ernie and Bert was an exhilarating experience, he noted. “Their partnership was — and continues to be — truly remarkable,” he stated.

It was “enchanting” to observe the other artists in their creative flow, Termine remarked. “The characters acquire a life of their own. Watching them perform and seeing the passion they put into their work, it’s a remarkable atmosphere.”

Capturing images of still figures was indeed challenging, he recalled, as he had to “dance” around for the cameras.

Termine’s parents, who introduced their children to the arts from an early age, would take them to opera and theater, including at the Oakdale Theater and The Bushnell, he noted.

At that time, the family resided near Bielefield Elementary School, where his mother served as a secretary. Like most children, Termine enjoyed playing with puppets and dolls, all of which he still possesses.

He reminisced about the occasion a touring marionette performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto” visited the school. “It was an aha moment. I was so captivated by its enchantment, the impact it had,” he shared.

He felt instantly inspired to search the school library for books on puppetry — and soon began crafting his own.

He acquired sewing skills from his grandmother in Middletown. In fact, Termine possesses her 1920s Singer sewing machine, which remains functional after being restored, Termine stated.

His parents were enthusiastic supporters of his interests, noted Termine. Once, his father, who constructed their home, brought home a metal staircase for the stage Termine was creating in his bedroom.

“He removed the casement window from its frame because it wouldn’t fit through the door. That’s how generous and encouraging he was,” his son remembered.

While he was enrolled at what was then Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School, he participated in a woodworking course, where he conceived the idea of crafting a wooden marionette for a project, Termine stated.

“The teacher was supportive and provided guidance,” said the photographer, an ardent admirer of the city’s art scene.

He subsequently taught for a summer with the Middletown Recreation Department after establishing a creative dramatics program for children. He also took singing lessons in Middletown and acted in musical theater performances during high school, Termine explained.

He portrayed El Gallo in the summer enrichment program adaptation of the musical “The Fantasticks” performed at Wesleyan University. “Whenever there was an opportunity for the arts and to support it, I was engaged from a very young age,” he stated.

His mother was acquainted with a local woman who had studied at UConn under Ballard. While he was in his junior year at Xavier, she took Termine to Ballard’s staging of “The Love for Three Oranges.”

At UConn, recognized as one of the leading puppetry institutions in the nation, he attended all of Ballard’s courses and ultimately became his protégé.

During his final year in college, Termine crafted the puppet Christian, a modern Christ figure used in Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers” for the inauguration of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The 24-inch-high marionette will be included in the exhibit and will eventually reside in UConn’s puppetry collection, he affirmed.

He presently captures images for the Metropolitan Opera. Termine describes his career as “a dream.”

“His drive is unparalleled,” remarked his brother John Termine of Middletown. “His talent is inherent. He’s a determined individual. Even now, I tell him, ‘Rick, take it easy.’”

The exhibition will be available from Jan. 31 to May 11 at the Ballard Institute, 1 Royce Circle in Storrs. For further details, visit richardtermine.com and bit.ly/409iXFP.