CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIF.: Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) has announced the hiring of Adam Karsten as the company’s new executive artistic director after a nationwide search with 39 applicants. Karsten succeeds founding artistic director Ron Celona, who announced his retirement last December. Karsten will begin in the role on July 1.

In a statement, Michael Monachino, the president of CVRep’s board of directors, describes Karsten as “an experienced, creative, and talented professional. His ability to understand the day-to-day business of running a theatre company, as well as his experience selecting and producing compelling, substantive live theatre, means that the CVRep playhouse and stage will be a vital and exciting place for our community for years to come.”

Karsten is a New York-based producer and director known for the Emmy-winning series Live From Lincoln Center. A former managing artistic director at Weathervane Playhouse Columbus, Karsten has also worked as a director Off-Broadway, regionally, and on national tours. Since 2006, Karsten has served as the artistic director of A2K Productions, which produces film, television, theatre, and commercials.

“I am humbled and honored to continue the work of that Ron and board have created, and to lead CVRep into its next chapters,” Karsten said in a statement. “I look forward to welcoming new audiences and inspiring our community.”

“After making the difficult decision to retire, it gives me great pleasure that I can confidently pass the baton to someone with the experience and expertise that Adam brings to CVRep’s future,” Celona said in a statement.

Coachella Valley Rep, whose budget as of 2019 was around $1.6 million, produces seasons of plays and special events and collaborates with other area performing arts organizations to serve as a destination for programs that enrich the community. CVRep is also a founding member of the Alliance of Desert Theatres.