LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.: Laguna Playhouse has announced that artistic director Ann E. Wareham will leave her position as artistic director at the end of the calendar year after leading the company for the last decade. During her remaining time, Wareham will assist as the company transitions leadership.

“It has been a tremendous honor to be able to guide the Laguna Playhouse over this past decade and to serve the extraordinary arts community of Laguna Beach,” said Wareham in a statement. “It is such a vibrant and truly special place and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity.”

Prior to joining Laguna Playhouse as only its third artistic director since 1976, Wareham spent nearly three decades as an associate producer at Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles. Wareham was originally brought on to produce the remainder of the Playhouse’s 2010 season, planned by former artistic director Andrew Barnicle before he resigned. Less than a year later, Wareham stepped into the full-time role of artistic director, leading the company through its centennial in 2020.

“Over the past 11 years, Annie has been instrumental in the artistic growth and vision of the Playhouse,” said Glenn Gray, president of the board of directors, in a statement. “The staff, crew, Playhouse donors, and board of directors join me in wishing Ann nothing but the best as she embarks on her next journey.