Laguna Playhouse has named Adele Adkins as the new Managing Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on July 15, 2025.
Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director) is one of the oldest continuously operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals, and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts directly to over 80,000 patrons each season.
Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre), and is one of the few companies in the region that offers a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history, and performing arts curriculum.
Adkins joins the Playhouse from Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, often referred to as America’s Most Famous Summer Theater, where she served as Managing Director. There, she played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through a period of transformative growth. Under her leadership, BCP expanded its annual budget from 8.6 million to 10.6 million while significantly reducing its deficit, transitioned from a private operating foundation to a public charity to unlock new funding opportunities, and implemented financial strategies that improved efficiency and increased revenue. Adkins also co-led a successful capital initiative to purchase a nearby inn for actor housing, generating substantial long-term savings for the theater.
“We are thrilled to welcome Adele to The Laguna Playhouse,” says Lisa Hale, Chair of the Board. “She is a mission-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to balance artistic vision with business acumen. Her experience, values, and collaborative spirit make her the ideal partner to lead this next chapter in our storied history.”
Adds Artistic Director David Ellenstein, “It is with great excitement that we welcome Adele Adkins to Laguna Playhouse as Managing Director to join me in leading the theatre into its next chapter. Adele's vast experience, savvy understanding of the non-profit arts world, and her warm personality will be a great fit to our Laguna Beach community. I am looking forward to our creating great theatre together. Welcome Adele!"
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.