Meet Pete Bush of PSBcreative in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Bush.

Pete, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved here from NJ after being a full-time performer (singer, actor, director, magician, balloonist, costumed character – whatever paid the bills) in NJ, NYC and Philly to set my wife up with her new job here in Atlanta. My plan was to continue south and perform for Disney. While waiting for the green light from Orlando, I started as a substitute teacher at Kincaid Elementary in Marietta.

There I discovered that thing in life that really spoke to me – working, creating and performing with young people. When the Mouse called, I knew that this place, these kids and this kind of “work” was right for me. I stayed here in the Atlanta area and never looked back. Creating shows with young performers sparked something inside me and I’ve never looked back. Over 5 years ago, I formed PSBcreative, a full-service theatrical production company. This venture was a natural progression since our school was now earning an excellent reputation for putting on high quality shows – some that were compared to our neighboring high schools.

After succeeding with our versions of many of the classics and favorites, we wrote and produced an original rock musical specifically for young performers that deals with bullying which received really cool media coverage and now is documented by a soundtrack on iTunes.

We now have 1000s of costumes, props, and scenic pieces (almost all of which is stored in my basement – I have an amazingly understanding wife). We hope to eventually get a “show bus” on the road so we can bring our costumes, etc. to schools and help them strengthen their own programs. Sort of like the Wells Fargo Wagon from the old days but instead we’re loaded up with show supplies.

We also facilitate after school programs that give thousands of dollars back to our host schools while at the same time providing part-time job opportunities for older students who are considering careers in education and or the arts.

We know that producing a show can be an amazing community builder. We really want to become known to groups that may not have the means to furnish a show. We believe there’s an infinite amount of positive ripple effects for a student, school, and community through participating in programs such as ours. We can help schools, churches and community groups with any aspect of producing a show.

PSBcreative is now energized by a team of veteran educators and performing arts professionals who each are passionate about our mission to help as many schools and community groups as we possibly can. Some of our former students come back and work with us. Our December 2016 production was a staged history lesson about pop culture in the 80s and was designed, choreographed and directed by a former student of ours.

We are now in rehearsals for an exciting endeavor that we’ve never attempted before. Inspired by the unparalleled performances I’ve been lucky enough to experience at Atlanta’s own Serenbe Playhouse, we’re going to bring open-air theatre to Cobb County. We’ll be performing Alice in Wonderland, outside on a playscape, at night. Our Wonderland will be literally glowing-in-the-dark! My team thinks I’m crazy (and I am a little) but they’re used to it by now. With each project, we must seek opportunities to grow by challenging ourselves.

We’re always developing new original works. We’re always seeking awesome creative people hopefully collaborate with.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Whenever working with young people, parents, and schools, indeed there will be challenges! We learn and grow form each one.

Our biggest issue, however, has been with trying to reach out to other programs, schools, churches, community groups, etc. People who supervise these departments are rightfully very protective and territorial. It’s hard to let someone from the outside in and to accept help from them. We want programs to succeed. We want to see more young people performing. We don’t want to steal the spotlight from anyone, we want to help that spotlight shine even brighter on as many groups as possible. Whether we consult on a show, facilitate a new program, furnish a production, or are commissioned to create an original work, we want to help. Sometimes it’s challenging to get our message out there.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about PSBcreative – what should we know?
I often hear how PSBcreative day is a student’s favorite day. Every child can actively participate. Every child is respected. Every child belongs. All of the participating people in each of our shows feel valued. They know that they are an intricate part of our team. There are no small parts. We all wear more than one hat. Everyone is valued and respected. Our kids learn about responsibility, compassion, and commitment. We believe these traits remain and grow in our performers long after their final bow with us. As the production of a show progresses, it’s amazing to see how a child grows in confidence, leadership skills, with teamwork, and self-expression. What may just be performing a fairy tale now, could someday become a college or job interview, a speech in front of many, a leadership role. Students are aware that they need to keep up their academic obligations and this helps their effort in the classroom. We end every session with our kids saying a compliment to someone different each time. We become a family of sorts. Our programs are community builders.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife and son. I’m nothing without them.

My parents and sister. My grandparents. They opened the world to me. My first record, concert, show, etc.

Every teacher I ever had. Whether it was a positive experience or not, we are always learning from others.

My supportive friends and colleagues. I come up with some far out ideas and they always come along on the journey. They don’t make much money. It’s a lot of work. And yet I have the most reliable team anyone could ask for. They are PSBcreative.

Contact Info:

• Address: PO Box 443
  Marietta, GA 30061-0443
• Website: www.psbcreativearts.com
• Phone: 678-761-5652
• Email: info@psbcreativearts.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/psbcreative
• Other: The P.S. Be Creative Podcast – coming soon!!!