A new appointment promises to bring more fresh, diverse voices to the stages of the La Jolla Playhouse.
Texas native Jaime Castañeda is the new associate artistic director at the playhouse. The position has been vacant for years.
Castañeda, 33, has an impressive resume. He spent five years as an artistic associate at New York’s Atlantic Theater Co., the off-Broadway group founded by playwright David Mamet and actor William H. Macy. He ran the theater's new-play program.
Castañeda is known for shepherding young, emerging talent to the stage, especially the work of Latino artists. That will continue in his new role. "Part of the rolodex of folks that I roll with, that I’m excited about, are Latino artists," Castañeda said. "So I’ll be continuing to move that needle forward in terms of looking at Latino writers and actors, designers, and directors.
Castañeda will help produce and direct at the playhouse. Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley said they were looking for someone who brings "experience in both the worlds of directing and administrative leadership while sharing in the playhouse’s deep commitment to new work."
"He brings a tremendous passion, strong artist relationships and a youthful energy to the institution, and it gives me great joy to welcome him to the Playhouse family," Ashley said in a statement.
This post puts Castañeda in a small company of Latino artistic leaders in the San Diego theater scene.
