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Friday, April 17, 2026
The Puppet Co. welcomes Danny Pushkin as new Artistic Director
DC Theater Arts: The Puppet Co. welcomed a new Artistic Director, Danny Pushkin, this April. The Puppet Co. had been operating with an artistic council after the previous Artistic Director, Elizabeth Dapo, resigned in May of 2024.
I assume that Pushkin’s long history with the company; as a performer, director, and teaching artist, means he understands not only puppetry but also the culture and audience that this theater serves. Hiring someone within the company can be valuable within the period of transition following the previous director’s resignation in 2024.His plan to collaborate with the existing artistic council rather than replace it will also keep them on track for a smooth transition. Pushkin’s experience with two decades at Glen Echo Park and involvement in dozens of productions, also positions him well to balance tradition with innovation. This background suggests that he can honor the company’s legacy while still pushing it forward artistically. This leadership shift seems less like a disruptive transition and more like an evolution for this company. I also think being an artistic director involves a lot more than the artistic vision, sometimes the jobs aren't so glamorous. I always think people forget that somebody has to stay after the gala and pick up the chairs, or come in during the snow storm to shovel the entrance to the theatre. Pushkin already has a heart for this company, and hopefully will be joyful even through those unglamorous tasks.
The appointment of a new Artistic Director for The Puppet Co. is exciting news, particularly with Danny Pushkin as the new AD. He has an established bond with Glen Echo due to many years spent working there. While they have had an artistic council for the past two years, it will be pleasant to see a single leader who wants to maintain the collaborative council model of governance for the management of the organization. Danny Pushkin's resume is very strong including 21 years at Glen Echo along with experience from Adventure Theatre Studio and Synetic Theatre working with both organizations provides him with the knowledge of the DMV to navigate his way around the local art community. The Puppet Co. is dedicated to preserving puppetry through artistic expression. Having directed productions there such as The Nutcracker and Hansel and Gretel gives him added credentials bringing a level of comfort to the organization. Plus, he is also a creator in his own right having produced performances as part of the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C.
2 comments:
I assume that Pushkin’s long history with the company; as a performer, director, and teaching artist, means he understands not only puppetry but also the culture and audience that this theater serves. Hiring someone within the company can be valuable within the period of transition following the previous director’s resignation in 2024.His plan to collaborate with the existing artistic council rather than replace it will also keep them on track for a smooth transition.
Pushkin’s experience with two decades at Glen Echo Park and involvement in dozens of productions, also positions him well to balance tradition with innovation. This background suggests that he can honor the company’s legacy while still pushing it forward artistically. This leadership shift seems less like a disruptive transition and more like an evolution for this company. I also think being an artistic director involves a lot more than the artistic vision, sometimes the jobs aren't so glamorous. I always think people forget that somebody has to stay after the gala and pick up the chairs, or come in during the snow storm to shovel the entrance to the theatre. Pushkin already has a heart for this company, and hopefully will be joyful even through those unglamorous tasks.
The appointment of a new Artistic Director for The Puppet Co. is exciting news, particularly with Danny Pushkin as the new AD. He has an established bond with Glen Echo due to many years spent working there. While they have had an artistic council for the past two years, it will be pleasant to see a single leader who wants to maintain the collaborative council model of governance for the management of the organization.
Danny Pushkin's resume is very strong including 21 years at Glen Echo along with experience from Adventure Theatre Studio and Synetic Theatre working with both organizations provides him with the knowledge of the DMV to navigate his way around the local art community. The Puppet Co. is dedicated to preserving puppetry through artistic expression. Having directed productions there such as The Nutcracker and Hansel and Gretel gives him added credentials bringing a level of comfort to the organization. Plus, he is also a creator in his own right having produced performances as part of the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C.
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