Announcement
Artistic Team Updates & Leadership Renewals
Village Theatre is thrilled to announce several exciting updates to our artistic leadership team, reinforcing our commitment to bringing vibrant storytelling and artistic excellence to audiences on Seattle’s Eastside and throughout the North Sound.
Adam Immerwahr, Village Theatre’s Artistic Director, has renewed his contract for an additional five years, ensuring continued visionary leadership and creative innovation.
Since joining the organization, Immerwahr has deepened the theatre’s artistic impact across the region, driven strategic enhancement of its world-class youth theater education program, and developed more than 15 new works at all stages of the creative process.
Immerwahr recently directed Village’s productions of Dial M for Murder, Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot, Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood, and The Fantasticks. He is responsible for our season selection and also oversees the artistic, education, and production departments.
Joining the artistic team is Aislinn Frantz-Nava, who steps into the role of Associate Artistic Director. Frantz-Nava brings a wealth of experience in theatrical development and a passion for cultivating dynamic new musical theater works.
In her role with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Frantz-Nava produced the North American premiere of Six and world premiere of The Notebook, along with many Shakespeare productions for audiences of all ages.
In the same role with the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, she supported nationally renowned programming like the National Music Theater Conference and Young Playwrights Festival.
Arika Matoba has been appointed Casting Director & Producing Associate, a role that will further strengthen the theatre’s commitment to intentional casting and seamless producing support. Matoba’s casting expertise and collaborative spirit are already making a meaningful impact behind the scenes.
Matoba is a theater professional on and off stage, having performed with Village Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre, and more.
Matoba now leads event management and audition coordination; participates in season planning; collaborates on artistic and marketing projects; and supports mainstage productions from beginning to end.
Additionally, R.J. Tancioco has renewed his contract as Artistic Associate, continuing his invaluable partnership with the artistic team, including Resident Music Supervisor Tim Symons.
Tancioco and Symons’ work has been instrumental in shaping the theatre’s sound and supporting all its artists.
Tancioco’s recent Village credits include music direction of Jersey Boys and the Youth Education production of Les Misérables.
Symons’ recent Village credits include music direction of Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon and Legally Blonde: The Musical.
“We are incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the direction we’re heading,” said Derek Watanabe, Village Theatre Managing Director.
“These updates reflect Village Theatre’s dedication to creating truly excellent, locally produced professional musical theater that resonates deeply with our audiences.”
Originally published on November 3, 2025