LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.: The board of directors of Laguna Playhouse has named David Ellenstein to be interim artistic director, filling a gap left by the departure of Anne E. Wareham, announced last December. Ellenstein currently serves as artistic director of North Coast Repertory Theater in Solano Beach, Calif., but will do double duty from Oct. 3 until Jan. 1, 2023.  

“We are thrilled to have David and his remarkable talent guide us through the transition until we find a new artistic director for the Playhouse,” said the Playhouse’s board of directors in a statement. “Mr. Ellenstein will help us select our 2023-2024 season as well as monitor all artistic and production needs of the current season.”

Ellenstein has served as the artistic director of North Coast Repertory Theatre since 2003. He previously served as the artistic director of Los Angeles Repertory Company and Arizona Jewish Theatre, and has also worked at theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, Great Lakes, California Shakespeare Festivals, and Portland Stage, among others.

Laguna Playhouse was founded in 1920 as a nonprofit theatre aimed at serving the patrons of the Laguna Beach community. In the past five years, Laguna Playhouse was named one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of live theatre. As of 2020 the Laguna Playhouse had an annual budget of approximately $5.5 million.

Laguna Playhouse was founded in 1920 as a not-for-profit theater aimed at serving the patrons of the Laguna Beach community. In the past five years, Laguna Playhouse was named one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. As of 2020 the Laguna Playhouse had an annual budget of approximately $5.5 million.