Playhouse Update

Dear Playhouse Community,

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Trustees to share the very bittersweet news that Artistic Director Christopher Ashley will be departing the Playhouse in 2026 to take on the role of Artistic Director of New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company. He will remain in his role at the Playhouse through December 31, 2025 and will program the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.

Chris’s departure will mark the end of a nearly two-decade tenure as the Playhouse’s artistic leader, during which time he helmed more than 20 productions, oversaw the development of 50 world premieres and shepherded 20 shows to Broadway. He spearheaded the creation of the popular and widely-acclaimed WOW program of site-based and immersive theatre, and launched the DNA New Work Series, creating an incubator for playwrights and directors to develop their works – many of which have later been programmed as part of our subscription season.

A champion of the San Diego theatre community, Chris established the Resident Theatre Program in 2010, which provides a home and resources to an itinerant local theatre company each year. His vision has also helped launch such programs as the annual Director Fellowship, paid internships, and the Veterans Playwriting Workshop, while also building on the success of the Playhouse’s signature Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour for young audiences. Over the last 18 seasons, Chris has brought extraordinary artists to develop their work at the Playhouse, and he has continued to foster numerous community partnerships, including the Native Voices Play Festival and the Latinx New Play Festival, to name a few. Chris’s legacy of innovation, community engagement, and new work development has cemented La Jolla Playhouse as the place to see what’s next on the American theatre landscape.

Over the next year, we will have many opportunities to celebrate and thank Chris, and we will keep you closely informed as we begin the search process for his replacement.

As an artist, colleague, friend and leader, Chris’s singular vision and incredible warmth and generosity have made working with him a delight for nearly two decades, and to say we will miss him dearly is an understatement. Though we are deeply saddened to see Chris go, we are immensely proud of all that he has accomplished, and we wish him all the best in this exciting next chapter.

Sincerely,
Sheri L. Jamieson
Chair, La Jolla Playhouse Board of Trustees

It has been my deepest honor, privilege and joy to serve as the Playhouse’s Artistic Director for the past 18 seasons. While I am excited for this new chapter at the acclaimed Roundabout Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse will always remain a cornerstone of my career, both as an artist and a member of this extraordinary creative community. I am beyond grateful to all those who have supported the Playhouse mission: our incredible Board of Trustees; my partner, Managing Director Debby Buchholz, whose tremendous friendship and stewardship have helped this institution – and me personally – thrive; Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie, who keeps the Playhouse’s numerous artistic endeavors flowing seamlessly; our unparalleled staff, artists and production teams, who work tirelessly to develop, build and sustain the thrilling new work on our stages; as well as our passionate and loyal audiences – all of whom have contributed to making La Jolla Playhouse one of the most vibrant and innovative theatres in the country – if not the world.