Danny Pushkin welcomed as New Artistic Director
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. Pushkin says he doesn’t plan to dissolve the council, but will work with them and continue to use their input and expertise. Council member Mollie Greenberg stated “the council was always meant to be temporary or supplemental, and an arts organization needs an artistic leader. Danny already made his commitment to continuing to uplift the artistic council clear by casting and teaching so many of us.”
Pushkin brings his experience performing and puppeteering for countless productions, including local and national tours, along with 21 years at Glen Echo Park. He has also worked at the Puppet Co, puppeteering for productions such as Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Rapunzel, Rumplestiltskin, and Sleeping Beauty, and directing shows such as the annual Nutcracker production and Hansel and Gretel. Pushkin has also written, produced, and directed his own puppet show which had a sold out run at Capital Fringe in 2011 featuring a 7-person cast operating 17 puppets. As a resident artist at Adventure Theatre MTC, Pushkin performed in over 40 productions with the neighboring theatre in Glen Echo Park. Pushkin is also recognized locally for performing with the Washington Revels, Synetic Theatre, and Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre.
“We are thrilled to have Danny take a more central role at the Puppet Co.” Executive Director Isabel Dawson said of hiring Pushkin. Board President Jamie Wood added: “He’s passionate about the Puppet Co., he’s full of great ideas for change for the better, and he’s got the desire and skill to make those changes happen. I’m overjoyed to have Danny as our Artistic Director, and I’m so excited to work with him to build the future of the Puppet Co.” Pushkin will be involved in the rest of the Puppet Co’s season, including The Little Prince, directed by Marshall Bailey, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs.
