SEATTLE: Book-It Repertory Theatre has announced that Josh Aaseng has been promoted to associate artistic director, and Kayti Barnett-O’Brien has been promoted to managing director. Aaseng will support Jones and Platt on the development of new works and season planning, as well as strategic planning initiatives.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to conversations as we select works that are relevant to our times and represent voices and perspectives from our community and around the world,” said Aaseng in a statement.

Aaseng joined Book-It in 2010, and served as the education associate and then the literary manager for five years. During his tenure, he adapted and directed Slaughterhouse-Five and directed Jesus’ Son. Most recently, he directed and co-adapated Welcome to Braggsville, which was nominated for Outstanding Production for the 2017 Gregory Awards. He also worked at the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival in the Netherlands, the PS 122 COIL Festival in New York City, ACT in Seattle, and the Guthrie Theater. He is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, and is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Prior to her new role as managing director, Barnett-O’Brien served as the company’s general manager since 2015. She will continue to oversee daily operations and work with the staff and board to raise funds and build audiences. She also served as the managing director of New Century Theatre Company and a former board member of Theatre Puget Sound, both in Seattle. Barnett-O’Brien is a member of the Leadership for Social Change cohort with artEquity, and holds and MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University.

In addition to their staff roles, both Aaseng and Barnett-O’Brien are members of Book-It’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee.