VIDEO: Austin McCormick Aims To Turn Company XIV Into New York's Moulin Rouge

In the ten years since the brilliant and provocative director/choreographer Austin Mccormick began recruiting an assemblage of classical dancers, actors, operatic vocalists, circus and burlesque performers into Company XIV, named for the intimate and decadent private performances at France's Louis XIV's court, the troupe has become one of the most inventive and thrilling theatre companies in New York.

They've also been one of the unluckiest, have lost their first long-term home to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and then losing their plush jewel box Astor Place venue due to the realities of Manhattan real estate.

Though they've recently been mounting productions at Greenwich Village's Minetta Lane Theatre, Company XIV is holding a fundraising campaign in order to secure a new permanent home.

It's McCormick's wish for Company XIV to become "The Moulin Rouge of New York." In the video, that features intriguing glimpses of Company XIV in action, McCormick explains his artistic style of combining grand spectacle with daring intimacy.

Visit CompanyXIV.com.