By Miguel A. Gastelum
Fresno State alumnus and acclaimed puppeteer Matt McGee returns to his roots with ‘Along Came a Dog,’ a production that blends live performance with puppetry. Written by Meinjert Dejong and adapted and directed by Professor Nicola Olsen, the show tells the heartfelt story of a stray dog’s unwavering loyalty to a red hen. But behind the scenes, McGee’s craftsmanship and expertise bring the puppets to life, captivating audiences of all ages.
McGee has spent his career specializing in puppetry for theater, earning recognition from the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation. His journey began in the Central Valley, where he was raised in a family deeply connected to storytelling and puppetry. His father, a ventriloquist and storyteller, introduced him to the world of puppets, sparking a lifelong passion.
As a student at Fresno State, McGee studied theater arts with an emphasis in acting, but his skills extended beyond performance. He explored scenic design, which led to his first opportunity to incorporate puppetry into a Fresno State production. Encouraged by faculty members, he continued refining his craft. His ability to blend performance with technical artistry has since propelled him into a distinguished career in puppetry and design.
For ‘Along Came a Dog,’ McGee faced unique design challenges, particularly in creating the show’s chicken puppets.
“We wanted them to move authentically, but they also had to perch and roost,” he explained.
Drawing from marionette techniques, he developed a leg mechanism that allowed for natural movement, ensuring the puppets felt dynamic and lifelike.
The collaboration between McGee and Olsen was instrumental in refining the puppets’ functionality.
“Matt is incredibly creative and always open to trying new things,” Olsen said. “We’d test different movements, make adjustments, and refine the design until it was just right.”
Beyond building the puppets, McGee also worked closely with the student actors, training them in the intricacies of puppetry performance.
“Puppetry is a heightened form of acting,” he noted. “You have to channel emotions and storytelling into an inanimate object, making the audience believe it’s alive.”
McGee’s journey since Fresno State has been filled with notable achievements. From performing on the Kennedy Center stage to receiving multiple awards for puppet design, he has carved out a successful career in an unconventional field. Now, as the director of fabrication at The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, he continues to push the boundaries of puppetry, bringing new stories to life through innovative design.
Reflecting on his career, McGee acknowledges the challenges of working in the arts but encourages aspiring artists to persevere. “Trust your abilities, be open to learning and diversify your skills,” he advised. “Opportunities come when you put yourself out there.”
McGee’s return to Fresno State for ‘Along Came a Dog’ is not just a professional milestone but also a personal one. “It’s been incredible to come back and collaborate with the department that helped shape my career,” he shared. The production, part of Fresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences program, will tour schools across the Central Valley and feature free public performances during Vintage Days on April 12 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre.
For those interested in experiencing McGee’s artistry firsthand, ‘Along Came a Dog’ offers a rare opportunity to see puppetry at its finest. Limited bookings for school performances are still available, and more information can be found on the Theatre for Young Audiences webpage.
With his creativity and dedication, McGee continues to prove that puppetry is not just for children—it’s an art form that captivates and inspires audiences of all ages.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 
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