Cast Members

Bob the Vid Tech

Engaging and inquisitive, Bob the Vid Tech is constantly exploring the world around him, taking young viewers along for the ride as his family and friends learn all sorts of cool and interesting things. Here's a brief look at Bob, his family, and his friends.

Every morning Bob the Vid Tech rolls out of bed and fires up his own TV transmitter at the Kids and Family, which broadcasts all the best children's shows on television. With the help of some very cutting-edge technology and a colorful cast of family and friends, Bob and his Vid Kids learn lots of fun and useful stuff.

Bob is a caring, friendly, fun loving guy. Sharing is important, too, as is being good to animals and to each other. He also feels it's important to have a good time, but when you do, always play safely.

He talks to kids of all ages from his TV studio before, between, and after their favorite children's programs in the morning and afternoon. At the center of his studio is his trusty VKPS (Vid Kid Program Satellite), a large globe-like device that can be controlled by hand or by using his "Vid Gizmo," a wrist-mounted remote. Spinning the VKPS not only begins programs, it also allows Bob to perform other nifty functions such as accessing historical data, doing mathematical calculations, even linking to remote locations so he can talk to Vid Kids via videophone.

The VKPS also has two very special features-the ability to transport characters anywhere in the world (and beyond) and to send characters through time. Like many high-tech devices, the VKPS doesn't always work exactly as it should, creating the makings for many learning adventures.

Parris Lane (A.K.A. "Brianna")

Accomplished singer, actress, and recording artist Parris Lane joined Maryland Public Television's Kids and Family in November 2000 when the Emmy award winning children's series kicked off its ninth season.

Lane plays the role of Brianna, a character who serves as the floor director and camera operator for club's daily broadcasts on MPT. But because of her technical expertise and knowledge of the many whimsical gizmos and colorful gadgets at the club, Brianna was quickly promoted to "Vid Tech Apprentice" a job that will allow her to sing, tell stories, and offer short educational lessons alongside her "partner in fun" comic/actor Bob Heck.

"This is a dream come true," says Lane. "I feel extremely blessed to work with good people like Bob and [Producer] Jonathan Slade. I really see it as a chance to offer children a positive model and hopefully make a difference in someone's life."

Lane first road tested the role of Brianna during the summer of 2000 at several live Vid Kid performances. There was such an overwhelmingly positive reaction from children and parents that she was immediately invited to come into the studio to tape some short Vid Kid vignettes for broadcast.

"Parris' positive energy and all?around good cheer is going to take Vid Kid to new and exciting places," explains Heck. "And if you've ever seen her at a live event, you know what I mean. We just want to catch some of that magic that happens on stage and funnel it into your television set."

Once dubbed Annapolis, Maryland's best kept secret, Lane wields a truly versatile voice. She's performed for both Governors Glendening and Schaefer, and for audiences from Carnegie Hall to Italy. She's also part of the BSO Arts Excel Program, an artist on roster for the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and has received numerous awards for her involvement in the arts.

"Everyone is so sincere about nurturing Vid Kid and making it the best it can be that it becomes an honor just to be a part of it," says Lane. "And the life lessons they offer like sharing, asking before you take something, and cleaning up after yourself are not only great for children, but they remind us how to be better adults, too."

Momma Vid Tech
Momma Vid Tech is the adoring mother of twin boys, Bob the Vid Tech and his brother Biff. She has a successful career of her own and her schedule and activities isn't unlike those of other working mothers. Her boys are the most important things in the world to her, and she gives them lots of love and, when necessary, some needed perspective.

Biff
Biff is Bob's twin brother with a personality diametrically opposed to the friendly, caring Vid Tech. Biff is a darkly clad sourpuss who is selfish, grouchy, and always looking for a shortcut instead of trying to do things the right way. As a result, Biff often ends up in some type of trouble, turning to Bob for help. Bob, of course, always rises to the occasion, saving his brother and demonstrating the advantages of good behavior.

Pop Quiz
Pop Quiz is a cantankerous family friend who likes Bob but is often skeptical about whether or not Bob ever learns anything from his experiences. Sometimes he'll ask Bob a question or two just to find out. This helps the audience to recap key points covered that day and keep Bob in Pop Quiz's good graces.

Sid the Vid Fish (a.k.a. Sid Fishus)
Sid is Momma Vid Tech's brightly colored, pinochle playing pet fish. Sid is a happy-go-lucky Aquatic-American who lives each day to its fullest. One gets the sense that Sid, were he not a fish, might be seen driving a convertible while listening to some very cool music.

Photos courtesty of Larry Canner.