Tribune-Review: UC grad brings dinosaurs to life in 'Jurassic Park Live Tour'

CCM alumnus Douglas Puskas is the lead animatronics technician for the touring arena show

Fans of the "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World" movies can now see their favorite dinosaurs in all their lifelike glory in the "Jurassic Park Live Tour" presented through 2021.

poster from the Jurassic Park Live Tour with dinosaurs and stage actors

Douglas Puskas, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, brings the creatures to life in arenas across the U.S. as the lead animatronics technician for the show.

The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs — including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than 40 feet in length — that are custom-built with the latest technology, scientific precision and Hollywood studio quality, according to Feld Entertainment officials, producers of the show.

Puskas is part of a team of six technicians and seven dinoteers (puppeteers that work with the giant dinosaurs) that bring the creatures to life. 

“If you are a fan of the films, you will be a fan of this show,” he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It’s the same style as the two ‘Jurassic World’ movies, and it translates to kids and adults. There are some very scary moments when the T-Rex comes out, but the show is appealing to everyone.”

Puskas received his BFA in theater design and production — scenic design in 2015. Before joining "Jurassic Park Live Tour," he worked as a props assistant for Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls” musical on Broadway.

Read the full story.

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