Under The Umbrella Tree is a popular children’s television show Noreen Young created, produced, and starred in as the puppet character Gloria Gopher. The show aired from 1986–1996 and was broadcast by the Disney Channel, CBC, YTV, and Canal Famille.
The show uses humour to teach children lessons about life. It stars Holly Larocque as Holly Higgins, and three puppet roommates: Gloria Gopher, Iggy Iguana, and Jacob Blue Jay. These lovable characters help kids enjoy the process of learning about themselves and the world.
280 episodes were produced over the years; 270 are 15 minutes long; ten are 30-minute specials.
Disney’s rights to the show expired in 2005. It was after this that Under The Umbrella Tree made its debut on DVD through Cinerio Entertainment.
In Spring 2009 Noreen Young Productions began marketing and producing these DVDs independently, and operating the online store ShopUnderTheUmbrellaTree.com.
About Noreen Young
Noreen Young is a Canadian producer and puppeteer/puppet builder who is actively involved in the pupppetry business through her corporation, Noreen Young Productions. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and currently lives nearby in Almonte where she helps foster a vibrant arts community.
It was at the Ontario College of Art, while studying drawing and painting, that Noreen began to develop her own unique style. Fascinated by puppets of all kinds and their application to video production, she first honed her talents as a puppet builder and puppeteer. Later she added the roles of designer, writer, and ultimately producer with the formation of Noreen Young Productions Inc. in 1979.
In her career Noreen has worked on over 100 separate television productions including the popular “Under the Umbrella Tree” series that aired on CBC, YTV, Canal Famille, and the Disney Channel. Noreen created and produced the series and also starred as Gloria Gopher.
Noreen has worked in educational and entertainment programs for both children and adult audiences and has gathered around her a respected pool of puppet builders, puppeteers, character voices, writers, producers, and designers.
Noreen is currently Artistic Director of Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival which takes place annually in Almonte, Ontario.
As a master puppet builder Noreen teaches workshops on different puppet-building techniques to adults and children.
Noreen is a Member of the Order of Canada, an honour she received in 1995 for her achievements in children’s television.
Awards
- Member of the Order of Canada (1995)
- UNIMA, USA Citation of Excellence (1996)
- Children’s Broadcast Institute Achievement Award (1992)
- Gemini Awards Nominations (1993, 1994)
Other awards include:
- The Prix Anik Award CBC
- ACTRA Best Children’s Programme
- Ohio State Award
- New York Film Festival Award
- Chicago Film Festival
- International TV Movie Award