Elmo's Puppeteer to Speak at SilverDocs

Elmo is one of childhood’s most recognizable figures. Sesame Street’s red and furry friend has been teaching kids the basics for years. But, behind the fabric lies Kevin Clash, Elmo’s puppeteer.

Clash, a Baltimore native, will visit the SilverDocs festival in Silver Spring for a Doctalk about the movie Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey. The documentary details Clash’s creativity in creating one of the most beloved children’s characters.

The documentary will also highlight his relationship with Muppets creator Jim Henson and is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. According to SilverDoc’s blog, Being Elmo is one of the most anticipated films of the festival. The film is directed by Constance A. Marks, who is known for other documentaries such as Return to Appalachia and Green Chimneys. Being Elmo has already won the Sundance Festival’s Special Jury Prize.

Clash’s Doctalk will begin at 4 p.m. in the Silver Spring Civic Building’s Great Hall. Tickets are available for purchase at the SilverDoc’s Web site. A screening of the movie Being Elmo will take place in Silver Theater 1 at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Saturday.