tracking pixel
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
David Ellenstein Headshot

David Ellenstein

Get David Ellenstein Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

David Ellenstein ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Born into a theatrical family, David has worked in theatres across the country. Before joining North Coast Rep in 2003 he served as Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Repertory Company and the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company (AJTC). A veteran of over 250 theatrical productions, directorial favorites include: North Coast Rep ? All in the Timing, Holmes & Watson, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Father, This Random World, Travels with My Aunt, The Illusion, Hedda Gabler (World Premiere Translation), Way Downriver; William Faulkner?s ?Old Man? (West Coast Premiere), Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush (World Premiere), Side By Side By Sondheim, Chapter Two, Freud?s Last Session (San Diego Premiere), Faded Glory (World Premiere), Mandate Memories (World Premiere), Becoming Cuba (World Premiere), Time Stands Still, Words by: Ira Gershwin and the Great American Songbook (World Premiere), Two by Pinter: The Lover and The Dumb Waiter, HENRY IV Part 1, Heroes, My Name is Asher Lev, The Drawer Boy, Becky?s New Car, Ghosts, The Tempest, Talley?s Folly, Over the Tavern, Old Wicked Songs, The Dresser, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Madagascar, A Shayna Maidel, The Honky-Tonk Angels, Rashomon, A Moon for the Misbegotten; Tuesdays With Morrie; Collected Stories; Halpern and Johnson; Romeo and Juliet; Amy?s View; Einstein Comes Through (also co-author); The Chosen; A Life in the Theatre; Story Theatre and Charley?s Aunt. Coconut Grove Playhouse - Sonia Flew starring Lucie Arnaz; Halpern and Johnson starring Hal Linden and Brian Murray. Papermill Playhouse - The Chosen starring Theodore Bikel and John Lloyd Young. 59E59 - His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley. Park Square & Colony Theatre ? Words By. Portland Stage - Halpern and Johnson. Renaissance Theatre - Long Day?s Journey Into Night. Actor?s Theatre of Phoenix - Rabbit Hole. Alabama Shakespeare Festival - The Glass Menagerie, Rocket City (World Premiere) and Honky-Tonk Angels. Laguna Playhouse - Chapatti, Alexandros (World Premiere). Southwest Shakespeare Company - Cyrano de Bergerac. AJTC - Awake and Sing. Meadow Brook Theatre - A Christmas Carol. Portland Rep - Conversations With My Father and Gaslamp Quarter Theatre - A Shayna Maidel Favorite roles as an actor include Max Prince from Laughter? on the 23rd Floor, Matt in Talley?s Folly at North Coast Rep, title roles in Hamlet at Los Angeles Theatre Center and Los Angeles Repertory Company; Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Moonlight Stage, Richard III at California Shakespeare Festival; Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile at Laguna Playhouse; Calisto in?The Illusion at the Arizona Theatre Company; Jonathan in Sight Unseen at North Coast Rep and Portland Repertory Theatre. Film and television credits include over three dozen roles including ?Star Trek IV,? ?The Practice,? ?Foul Play,? ?Christine Cromwell,? ?Renegade,? ?Eight is Enough? and ?General Hospital.? David has also been guest faculty for numerous universities including California State Northridge, Cal Arts, and Shakespeare workshops privately.

Videos

News


Review: BIRTHDAY CANDLES at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by ErinMarie Reiter - Jun 10, 2025

“Birthday Candles”, now playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre, is a curious mix because existentialism and birthday cake are not a combo I usually crave. Yet thanks to a charming cast and a moving central performance by Margot White, this blend of humor, heartache, and hope is something richer than expected.
Interview: Cate Caplin on Directing THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR
by Shari Barrett - Jun 10, 2025

Inspired by a 1924 drawing room comedy by Ferenc Molnar, The Angel Next Door was  originally commissioned by David Ellenstein for North Coast Rep and the Laguna Playhouse. Following its September 2023 premiere, the romp has gone on to delight theatergoers all over the country.
Photos: BIRTHDAY CANDLES At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2025

Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre will present Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES, a touching tribute to one woman’s life. Check out photos from the show.
BIRTHDAY CANDLES Will Play North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Emmy Rice - May 24, 2025

Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Noah Haidle's Birthday Candles, a touching tribute to one woman's life. See here for more details.
BIRTHDAY CANDLES Comes to North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025

 Playgoers are in for a treat as North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES, a touching tribute to one woman’s life.
THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR Comes to International City Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

International City Theatre will present the Los Angeles premiere of The Angel Next Door, a deliciously screwy rom-com by Paul Slade Smith, the playwright behind last season's hit comedy The Outsider.
THE MALTESE FALCON World Premiere and More Set for Laguna Playhouse 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE has revealed its 2025-2026 season of shows! The season opens with the Tony award-winning musical, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. See the full season lineup here!
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Mar 15, 2025

Step into the wonderfully chaotic world of You Can't Take It with You, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart! Check here for more details.
Photos: THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES At Laguna Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2025

​​​​​​​LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is presenting the musical comedy murder mystery, THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES, book by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein, lyrics by Omri Schein, music by Daniel Lincoln, choreography by Jill Gorrie, musical direction by Alby Potts and directed by David Ellenstein (Eleanor, A View from the Bridge, Holmes & Watson). See photos from the show!
THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES to be Presented at Laguna Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present a musical comedy murder mystery, THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES, book by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: ELEANOR is Now Playing at Laguna Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 17, 2025

Laguna Playhouse will one of the most iconic first ladies in American history, Kandis Chappell is Eleanor Roosevelt in ELEANOR written by Mark St. Germain and directed by David Ellenstein. Check out photos here!
THE BALD SOPRANO And THE LESSON Reading At North Coast Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

Experience the absurd and hilarious world of Eugène Ionesco's The Bald Soprano and The Lesson at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Featuring some of North Coast Rep's favorite actors: David Ellenstein, Katie MacNichol, Crystal Sershon, Bruce Turk, Rachael Van Wormer and Christopher Williams.
Laguna Playhouse to Host Talkback with Mary Roosevelt Following Performance of ELEANOR
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 2, 2025

join Laguna Playhouse for an exclusive talkback featuring Mary Roosevelt, a direct descendant of Eleanor Roosevelt, who will share personal stories and reflections on the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most iconic women.
ELEANOR by Mark St. Germain to be Presented at Laguna Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 17, 2024

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present one of the most iconic first ladies in American history, Kandis Chappell is Eleanor Roosevelt in ELEANOR written by Mark St. Germain and directed by David Ellenstein. Learn more!
Bill Kerlin Steps Down as Managing Director of the Laguna Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Dec 17, 2024

Laguna Playhouse announced that Bill Kerlin will step down from his position as Managing Director of the Laguna Playhouse to focus solely on his work as Managing Director of North Coast Repertory.  
Laguna Playhouse to Present Three Holiday Shows This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 7, 2024

Laguna Playhouse is inviting audiences to enjoy the holiday season with three magical holiday shows. Learn more about the shows and how to get tickets here!
Photos: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at Laguna Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2024

Laguna Playhouse is presenting A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE by Arthur Miller and directed by David Ellenstein. The production will run through Sunday, November 17 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach. Check out photos here!
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival to Begin with DR. GLAS Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2024

Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival will begin with DR. GLAS, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and featuring Daniel Gerroll. The production explores moral dilemmas and psychological intrigue. Learn how to purchase tickets.
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Comes to Laguna Playhouse Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2024

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE by Arthur Miller and directed by David Ellenstein. Performances run October 30 - November 17.
Video: First Look at A View from the Bridge at North Coast Rep
by Joshua Wright - Sep 25, 2024

Get a first look at North Coast Rep's A View from the Bridge in this all-new trail! Taut, gripping, and utterly compelling, critics are calling A View from the Bridge 'a triumphant production of an American classic!' Now extended by popular demand until October 13th!

Get David Ellenstein Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos