“This is precisely the time when artists go to work.
There is no room for despair, no place for self-pity,
no need for silence, no room for fear.
We speak, we write, we do language.
That is how civilizations heal.”
– Toni Morrison
The mission of North Coast Rep is to create a platform where artists and audiences thrive through the intimacy of live theatre, recognizing the power of theatre to challenge complacency, revitalizing the imagination, nurturing the unexpected, and embracing the variety and diversity in our lives. David Ellenstein is the Artistic Director for North Coast Rep and Denise Young is their Director of Development.
#1 Where did you grow up?
David Ellenstein: I was born in New York City and raised in West Los Angeles.
Denise Young: I was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and grew up in Los Angeles and Seattle.
#2 Do you have a favorite travel destination?
David: Spain and Italy.
Denise: Yep, so far those have been my favorite destinations. I especially fell in love with Barcelona.
#3 Are there any places you have not been to yet that you would like to visit?
Greece, Japan, Australia/New Zealand.
#4 What are your Hobbies?
David – Poker
Denise – If I am not at the theatre, you can find me at my yoga studio or in my garden.
#5 Do you have any Book Recommendations?
David – “Doctor Glas” by Hjalmar Söderberg.
Denise – “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabrielle Garcia Marquez. Guilty pleasure – anything by Sarah Maas! (If you know, you know).
#6 Do you have a favorite play?
David – “Hamlet”
Denise – David and I are working together on a world premiere play called Louisa Gillis. David is directing, and I am actually acting in it. It will be the first time I have worked as an actor in a very, very long time.
#7 Who is someone that has positively impacted your life?
David – My Dad. Taught me. Worked with me. Encouraged me. Loved me.
Denise – My children. They gave me perspective and a capacity for love I did not know was possible.
#8 Why is it important for you to give back to our community?
David – What is the point otherwise? If we are not improving the world we live in by our actions, then we are doing the opposite.
Denise – We simply have to take care of each other and do what we can to make the world a better place.
#9 Why North Coast Rep?
North Coast Rep has a commitment to creating top notch theatre. We have a great community that supports us, loves what we do and feels like an extended family.
#10 Do you have any upcoming events?
Our Spotlight Gala supports our artists and educational programming. This year Rita Rudner will lend her brilliant comic stylings to the evening!
North Coast Rep
“Spotlight Gala”
May 16, 2026
Park Hyatt Aviara
7100 Aviara Resort Drive; Carlsbad
www.northcoastrep.org
