Joan Lufrano

Lufrano's credit in Episode 0265

Joan Lufrano was an associate producer for Sesame Street from seasons 2 through 4. Lufrano was in charge of the outside animated pieces that aired on the show. She later served in the same role for the Children's Television Workshop on their other series The Electric Company and 3-2-1 Contact. Lufrano was also among the production coordinators on the album Sesame Street LIVE!

A 1972 review of the operations of CTW provides some insight on Lufrano's role within the organization, regarding the production of outside animated pieces:

“The outside animator may begin with a CTW script or submit his own proposal. He then presents a storyboard which is checked by Joan Lufrano, who is in charge of the animation area, "Sesame Street" producer Jon Stone, and the curriculum specialist, Sharon Lerner.

Miss Lufrano conveys instructions regarding changes to the animator. The sound portion of the script is then produced. If the recording is done in New York, Miss Lufrano listens to the studio taping session. West Coast companies submit audio tapes for Workshop approval. Finally, the workprint is submitted. Sometimes, the completed print is unsatisfactory, even if the separate storyboard and sound tracks have been acceptable—the segment is then discarded.”

Lufrano had dropped out of school at the age of 15, but later received her Baccalaureate from Fordham University in New York City at age 60. With CTW from its inception, Lufrano later served as head of the organization's international productions department. Lufrano continued to work for CTW as late as 1991, serving as Special Consultant for CTW's international television group.