Sins of No-Mission
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Founded in the mid-80s by dancer/choreographer David Puszh, Puszh Studios initially focused on presenting dance events in its cozy suite of spaces at 3829 N. Broadway. When it became apparent that dance alone could not support the venue, Puszh expanded to include theater, performance art, and other attractions; one of the company’s most popular events a few years ago was a series of cabaret evenings featuring performances by local musical theater stars.
The Organic, on the other hand, has been under the leadership of an unwieldy artistic collective for the last two years, but the latest in a series of regimes since Gordon’s departure. When the company found itself on the verge of collapse last fall after an expensive main-stage production of Who Goes There? closed prematurely, it canceled all future main-stage production plans and relieved the collective of its managerial powers (though the group will continue to function as an ensemble affiliated with the Organic). Executive director Jeff Neal is now handling all business-related matters, while a three-person team (former members of the collective) is steering the company artistically. The company’s been bringing in income by renting its stages out; currently both the 400-seat main stage and both studios are filled.
