Laguna Playhouse Announces New Artistic Director

The Laguna Playhouse welcomes 30-year theatre producing veteran Ann E. Wareham as Artistic Director.

"We are very fortunate to continue our partnership with Ann as she advances from Associate Producer to Artistic Director. Her extraordinary talent, experience and passion for the collaborative process of theatre are already serving The Laguna Playhouse and community well. We are very excited to deepen our cultural partnership with Ann." Says Executve Director, Karen Wood.Board President, Henry Mayhew cites "Ann brings a rich history and aesthetic sensibility to our organization. We are pleased to welcome her to the leadership of The Laguna Playhouse."

Ann comes to The Laguna Playhouse after 27 years as a producing partner with Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, and has produced such plays as Ain't Misbehavin', Pippin, Spring Awakening, No Child..., Sweeney Todd, Distracted, Sleeping Beauty Wakes, Edward Scissorhands, In the Continuum, Pyrenees, The Black Rider, Without Walls, Stuff Happens, Like Jazz, The Talking Cure, A Perfect Wedding and Putting It Together. She served as Producing Associate to Gordon Davidson during his historic and award-winning leadership tenure as Artistic Director of CTG. Davidson fondly remarks "Annie makes it her business to know everything about the work at hand. She is known and respected in the field nationally and I believe she will make an extraordinary contribution to the reputation of The Laguna Playhouse." In 2010, Ann supported the Pasadena Playhouse as the Associate Producer for the West Coast premiere of Dangerous Beauty. She has also produced plays at the Victory Theatre, the CAST Theatre and the Met, in Los Angeles. Ann is excited to be a new resident of Laguna Beach and enjoys spending time with her daughter Tessa, a full-time student in Los Angeles.

Wareham states "I am thrilled to join Karen Wood in the leadership of this great theatre and look forward to being a part of the rich and vibrant arts community that is Laguna Beach. I am eager to roll up my sleeves in service to our patrons and in support of our partners, board of trustees, staff and friends. The Playhouse has an extraordinary artistic history and I am pleased and proud to be here."