About North Coast Repertory Theatre

We bring JOY, ENTERTAINMENT, and BELONGING to our community through ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE, EDUCATION, and the STORIES on our stage.

Our mission is to create a platform where artists and audiences thrive through the intimacy of live theatre, recognizing the power of theatre to challenge complacency, revitalize the imagination, nurture the unexpected, and embrace the variety and diversity in our lives.

Our Story

North Coast Repertory Theatre has been a jewel in North County San Diego’s theatre and arts community for over four decades. Known for its artistic excellence, over 50,000 theatergoers of all ages walk through its lobby each year to experience North Coast Rep’s critically acclaimed performances and educational programming.

Founded by Olive and Tom Blakistone, North Coast Rep was a grassroots effort driven by Olive’s passion for theatre, Tom’s business acumen, and a cadre of dedicated volunteers that willed North Coast Rep into being. Today, under the helm of Artistic Director David Ellenstein and Managing Director Bill Kerlin’s leadership, North Coast Rep has evolved into one of the area’s leading performing arts organizations, widely recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to excellence.

North Coast Rep boasts a diverse award-winning seven-play season in its intimate 194-seat setting, with works drawn from classic and contemporary theatre. Productions include commissioned new works, 20 World Premieres, and more than 175 San Diego/West Coast Premiers. In addition, the theatre serves thousands of young people each year through the Theatre School at North Coast Rep’s education and outreach programs. Other significant programming includes the collaborative Variety Night series and new play commissions. While we hire artists of national acclaim from all over the country, we are committed to providing opportunities for local actors, directors, and designers. We are proud of the consistently high artistic quality of our work.

North Coast Rep is a nationally recognized theatre, appearing in publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and American Theatre Magazine on several occasions. North Coast Rep has received critical acclaim from media and audiences alike. The theatre has been lauded with numerous Critic’s Pick designations and awards of excellence from The San Diego Union-Tribune and KPBS, as well as several Southern California media sources.