Since 1993, Zan and Dan Raynor have reigned as the beating heart and artistic soul of Stevens Puppets, bringing with them not only their dazzling stagecraft but also a lifetime steeped in the grandeur of theatre. Their shared love affair with the performing arts ignited in their youth—Zan beneath the Midwestern skies of Elkhart, Indiana, and Dan upon the sun-soaked stages of San Jose, California. What began as a spark of adolescent passion flourished into full-fledged careers: they acted, directed, and conquered stages across the nation, building reputations that revealed not just talent, but rare and visionary artistry. Little did they know, these creative gifts would entwine, evolving into the extraordinary mastery they now wield in the ethereal world of marionette theatre.
Zan, the master carver, breathes new life into the Stevens tradition, crafting puppets of haunting beauty while restoring the “Original Stevens Marionettes” with reverent precision. Together, the Raynors transform wood, paint, and string into living beings that dance, enchant, and astonish audiences wherever they roam. When the curtain rises, their combined artistry surges forth—two souls performing as one harmonious voice. Their own voices also linger through Stevens Puppets’ timeless productions, from the chilling whispers of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to the whimsy of “The Wizard of Oz,” the magic of “Aladdin,” and beyond, bringing these beloved classics to life for generations of rapt listeners.
The brilliance of their art is reflected in the richness of their lives. Parents to five extraordinary children—Pais, Mack, Gnoli, Caven, and Leilea—they have built a family as vibrant and dynamic as their performances. Dan, armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, wields his craft with seasoned authority, while Zan stands as a true Renaissance woman, her academic triumphs stretching from Theology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College to Early Church History and Moral Theology at Notre Dame, Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, and even the prestigious CELTA and DELTA from Cambridge University. A director and choreographer of considerable renown, Zan has also illuminated classrooms across the academic spectrum—teaching university theology, high school Latin, and leading schools as principal. Today, her expertise as a global consultant in English language education carries her far beyond the stage, shaping teaching methods and curriculums across continents.
The Raynors, now residing in Florida, live a life without borders. Their artistry has become an international phenomenon, as their marionette theatre graces stages not merely in towns and cities, but in countries around the globe. Wherever they travel, puppets spring to life under their touch, sweeping audiences into worlds of wonder. Their story is one of devotion, artistry, and boundless delight—a testament to a lifelong pursuit of magic.
Mack brings a wealth of theatrical artistry to Stevens Puppets, with a stage journey that began in 1994 when he made his debut as Tzeitel’s infant in Fiddler on the Roof. From those humble beginnings, he grew into commanding roles such as the charismatic Harold Hill in The Music Man, among many more celebrated performances.
A self-taught musical virtuoso, Mack’s talents span an impressive range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, and even the mighty tuba. He writes and performs music with infectious joy, always eager to share a song with any audience, large or small.
Offstage, Mack shares his life with his greatest leading lady, Katelyn, whom he married in 2018. Together they revel in adventures both real and imagined—whether conquering virtual worlds in their favorite video games or conjuring entire realms as Mack weaves unparalleled tales as a Dungeon Master, known among friends as “the world’s most amazing DM.”
Audiences of Stevens Puppets will recognize Mack’s dynamic voice in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (as one of the schoolchildren), Rumpelstiltskin (as the King), and The Sleeping Beauty (again, a regal King). Most recently, in a heartwarming collaboration, Mack and Katelyn lend their talents as the endearing voices of Mama Bear and Papa Bear in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Gnoli is nothing short of a force of nature—an artist, performer, and storyteller whose life has always been intertwined with the magic of marionettes. In 2025, she and her beloved wife, Madie, stepped into their most cherished role yet: becoming mothers to their radiant daughter, Winter Lee, who has already filled their world with light, laughter, and love.
Gnoli’s journey with the enchanting world of Stevens Puppets feels almost destined—after all, she literally grew up surrounded by the strings, shadows, and stories of marionettes. Apprenticing under her parents, Dan and Zan Raynor, she learned every nuance of the craft from the ground up: the wood, the paint, the stage, the story. What began as play has become her life’s heartbeat.
Her artistry extends far beyond the puppet stage. Gnoli is an accomplished actor, singer, dancer, painter, gymnast, and dream-chaser. A six-time State Champion Gymnast, she now passes on her passion by teaching the next generation of students to soar higher than they believed possible. Academically, she shines as well: a graduate of Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame with a double major in Theatre Performance and Studio Art (concentrating in Sculpture), and later an MFA from UNC School of the Arts in Wig and Makeup Design.
Her talents have taken her into the heart of theatrical magic around the globe. She has crafted and conjured spectacular transformations with Disney Cruise Lines aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic, worked behind the scenes for Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life in Orlando, contributed as a creative artist for Walt Disney World, and played a vital role in the opening of Universal Studios’ most ambitious new theme park, Epic Universe.
But at her core, Gnoli’s greatest joy is in sharing stories that bridge generations. She has toured extensively with Stevens Puppets—bringing wonder to audiences in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Alaska, and beyond. To her, puppetry isn’t just performance—it’s legacy. It’s artistry, it’s family, it’s community.
As a proud mother, amazing wife, lifelong student of story, and torchbearer of her family’s tradition, Gnoli is committed to keeping the magic of Stevens Puppets not only alive, but thriving for generations to come.
Jack Raynor took his first professional bow with Stevens Puppets in Alaska in 2017, launching a career that has since carried him to audiences across California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Florida, where he has often shared the stage alongside his father. Beyond the stage, his artistry comes to life in recorded performances, lending his voice to the timeless roles of The Sleeping Beauty and the spirited title character in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
A multifaceted artist, Jack is also an accomplished digital creator—animator, visual designer, and writer—whose imagination continues to expand the realm of puppet theatre. As the resident steward of Stevens Puppets’ digital presence, he brings a modern vibrancy to the company’s social media, uniting tradition with innovation.
Jack’s inquisitive mind extends well beyond the arts, with academic passions spanning history, marine biology, and zoology. He currently pursues his studies at Rollins College in Orlando, Florida, balancing the stagecraft of marionettes with the intellectual rigor of scholarly exploration.
Before joining forces with the Stevens, Jane and Elton Hummel had already made a special mark in Elkhart, IN, running a beloved sandwich shop that folks still remember fondly. Elton’s voice wasn’t just heard in their shop—it also filled the halls of barbershop quartet stages, where he sang with The Doctors of Harmony. Their winning of the International Championship in 1947 was a testament to his incredible talent and passion.
But what truly defined Elton and Jane was their heart and dedication. In 1965, they stepped into the world of Stevens Puppets, personally trained by Martin and Margi Stevens, and they poured nearly forty years into bringing joy and wonder through marionette theatre. When the Stevens passed in the early 1980s, Elton and Jane didn’t just take over a company—they took on a legacy, one filled with love, tradition, and magic. They nurtured Stevens Puppets into the most successful marionette company in North America, guiding it with care and a deep sense of responsibility for over two decades.
In 2002, with grace and trust, they passed the company on to Zan and Dan Raynor, their senior puppeteers, who continue to honor that legacy with new tours worldwide.
Elton was more than a dear friend, a man whose kindness and warmth left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. When he passed in August 2005, it felt like a light had dimmed in this world, but his spirit, laughter, and love never left us. The following year, when Elton and Jane were honored at the Amish Acres Arts and Crafts Festival—a place they brought joy to for over 40 years—it was a beautiful reminder that their magic lives on. The children’s tent now bears their names, a symbol of the love they shared with generations of children.
Then, in April 2011, we said goodbye to Jane, one of the kindest, funniest, and most loving souls I’ve ever known. Her warmth touched everyone she met, and in heaven, she’s reunited with Elton, the love of her life.
Their story is not just one of puppets and performances; it’s a story of love, devotion, and family. We’re blessed to have had them in our life, and even though they’re no longer here, their love guides us every day. We miss them deeply, and we carry their memory with us always.
Stevens Puppets was founded in 1933 in Middlebury, Indiana, by the visionary artists Martin and Olga Stevens. What began as a small company soon rose to international acclaim, establishing itself as one of the world’s most renowned marionette theaters. Their productions were not mere children’s entertainments, but powerful artistic expressions, bringing to life timeless dramas such as Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, Joan of Arc, and The Passion Play. From the 1930s through the 1950s, they carried their artistry across continents, earning worldwide recognition for the depth, beauty, and sophistication of their craft. Today, much of their extraordinary work is preserved in museums and private collections across the globe, a testament to their enduring influence.
In the late 1950s, Martin and Olga parted ways, but Martin’s journey with the marionette stage was far from over. On Valentine’s Day of 1960, Martin married Margi, and together they embarked on a new creative chapter. That fall, they debuted their first collaboration, The Sleeping Beauty, a breathtaking production that marked the beginning of two decades of prolific artistry. Over the years, they would bring to life beloved classics such as Robin Hood, The King of the Golden River, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Aladdin, Rumpelstiltskin, The Wizard of Oz, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Many of these works continue to captivate audiences to this day, carried on by new generations of puppeteers who honor the Stevens’ vision.
The world said farewell to these extraordinary artists far too soon—Margi in 1981, followed by Martin in 1983. Yet their legacy lives on, immortal in the timeless artistry of their marionette productions, which continue to enchant audiences and inspire wonder. Through their creations, Martin and Margi Stevens gave the gift of imagination to countless children and adults alike, and their names remain forever woven into the fabric of theatrical history.
