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Carlsbad

Kristianne Kurner to Step Down as NVA Artistic Leader

The New Village Arts founder will depart her position in Carlsbad in June 2027 to relocate to New York City.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Arts Theater — General

Bold vector editorial illustration of a theater stage with parted velvet curtains, reflecting a long-standing career in the arts.
New Village Arts founder Kristianne Kurner will step down as executive artistic director in June 2027, concluding a 25-year tenure in Carlsbad. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kristianne Kurner, who founded Carlsbad's New Village Arts in 2001, will step down from her role as executive artistic director in June 2027. Kurner is currently overseeing the organization's production of As You Like It as she prepares for her move to New York City.

Why it matters

The departure marks a major leadership transition for the theater company after Kurner spent 25 years building the institution. She plans to move to New York City to live closer to her adult son.

Kurner has directed 40 productions throughout her career at the organization. The current musical adaptation of As You Like It features a 95-minute runtime and showcases members of the NVA Mainstage Players.

The players

Kristianne Kurner

She is the founder and executive artistic director of New Village Arts in Carlsbad.

New Village Arts

This is a theater company based in Carlsbad that focuses on community-based performance art.

NVA Mainstage Players

This is the performance program at New Village Arts whose members participate in the theater's productions.

The details

Kurner is currently handling scenery design for the theater's production of As You Like It and will perform the role of Duke Frederick during the play's final week. She selected this specific musical, adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, to bookend her quarter-century at the company.

Timeline

  1. Kristianne Kurner founded New Village Arts in 2001.

  2. The company originally presented As You Like It in May 2002.

  3. Previews for the current production of As You Like It begin October 16, 2026.

  4. The final performance of As You Like It is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

  5. Kristianne Kurner steps down as executive artistic director in June 2027.

Industry Dynamics

Kurner's upcoming departure follows the pattern set by other long-standing regional theater founders who transition leadership after decades of service. This shift highlights the broader challenge of institutional succession as regional arts organizations move into their second quarter-century.

Patrons can currently view the final production directed by Kurner, with performances running through November 2026. Those interested in supporting the organization can participate in current productions while the board continues its national search for new leadership.

The takeaway

Founders of local arts organizations often time their departures to coincide with milestone anniversaries or legacy projects. Attendees of the current production have a unique opportunity to see Kurner perform on stage before her departure.

Further reading

Learn more about local performance updates in the Arts Theater — General section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Would you consider a major career shift after 25 years at one organization?