Toronto-based Visitor Media’s 11-minute pilot for its previously-shelved Caring Cabin series will premiere exclusively on the Criterion Channel in July.

The pilot for the children’s series (pictured) features U.S.-born, New Brunswick-based transgender singer-songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland – referred to as Glenn in the release – as well as his music, blending archival footage with handmade puppets. Caring Cabin was co-directed by the husband and wife duo, Chelsea McMullan and Douglas Nayler Jr., who also wrote the script.

The project was first conceived by Glenn’s wife Elizabeth, who co-created the project with her husband, Ali J. Eisner, and Visitor founder Sean O’Neill, who produced the pilot.

According to a release, production plans for the series were shelved following a “health diagnosis” for Glenn after the pilot was filmed. It will now find an audience through the Criterion Channel as well as a free screening at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto on July 5.

The screening will be followed by a live performance by Glenn and Elizabeth as well as a Q&A with members of the show’s creative team.

Glenn is well-regarded for his 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies. He was also a recurring character on CBC’s Mr. Dressup and composed music for Sesame Street and Shining Time Station.

“Caring Cabin began as a serendipitous phone call in the early weeks of the pandemic. Elizabeth had a vision for a series that would bring together Glenn’s warmth and playfulness, inspiring music, and amazing puppets. Glenn described hosting a children’s show as a dream he’s held since he was a cast-member on Mr. Dressup,” said O’Neill in a statement. “After years of collaboration, and some curveballs along the way, we’re all so thrilled that the pilot episode will find an audience on the Criterion Channel, and in-person at the TIFF premiere.”

Visitor is also working on a Chase Joynt-directed documentary about Glenn alongside L.A.’s Level Ground Productions, following Glenn and Elizabeth navigating the implications of Glenn’s dementia diagnosis, which he revealed in September 2024.

Image courtesy of Visitor Media