By Christopher Trela | NB Indy The Laguna Playhouse and its Board of Directors has announced that North Coast Repertory Theatre ’ s Artistic Director David Ellenstein has been appointed as Laguna Playhouse ’ s new Artistic Director . Ellenstein had been named as interim Artistic Director last August after Ellen Richard announced that she resigned her position as Executive Producing Director of the Laguna Playhouse .

Richard had joined the Laguna Playhouse as Executive Director in April 2016 after previous Executive Director Karen Wood resigned after eight years and Richard replaced her . Richard had led the Playhouse through the most difficult challenge the Playhouse has faced in its 100- year history : being closed for almost two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic . During her time at the Playhouse , she oversaw the renovation of the historic theatre building and led the Playhouse to unprecedented financial success , including a 60 percent growth in theatre subscriptions pre-Covid .

In addition to Ellenstein ’ s appointment , North Coast Repertory ’ s Managing Director Bill Kerlin has been named Laguna Playhouse ’ s new Managing Director .

Ellenstein and Kerlin will continue as Artistic and Managing Directors of North Coast Repertory

David Ellenstein , new Artistic Director for Laguna Playhouse

Theatre as well .

A statement from the Laguna Playhouse Board of Directors comments that “ The Board of Directors are thrilled that David and Bill have decided to bring their talents to Laguna Beach and lead our theatre . With their depth of experience and inspiring artistic vision we are confident in their ability to take our Playhouse to new heights .”

According to Marc Tayer , president of North Coast Rep ’ s Board of Directors , “ We are excited to expand our relationship with the Laguna Playhouse , a storied theatre in an adjacent market . David and Bill are a superb team , and will bring proven artistic

Laguna Playhouse

and operational excellence to the Laguna area , while continuing to delight theatre audiences in San Diego .”

Since 2003 , Ellenstein has been the Artistic Director of North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach . He is the former Artistic Director of Los Angeles Repertory Company and Arizona Jewish Theatre . A veteran of over 300 theatrical productions , he has worked at theatres across the country for nearly five decades , including Coconut Grove Playhouse , Paper Mill Playhouse , Alabama , Great Lakes , California Shakespeare Festivals , Portland Stage , 59E59 , The Meadowbrook Theatre , and Colony Theatre .

Laguna Playhouse audiences may remember Ellenstein from his role as Einstein in the Playhouse ’ s production of “ Picasso at the Lapin Agile .”

Kerlin brings over 30 years of finance , marketing , and sales experience to the Laguna Playhouse , including 12 years as Managing Director for North Coast Repertory Theatre and sixteen seasons as the Director of Administration at the legendary Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami .

Up next at The Laguna Playhouse is “ Murder on the Links ,” billed as “ A funny and free-wheeling fastpaced comic mystery saga .” For more information , visit www . lagunaplayhouse . com .