There's a new artistic director at Dallas Children's Theater: Emily Ernst, who will officially step into the role March 3, 2025.

Ernst's hiring comes after a nationwide search in which DCT partnered with Arts Consulting Group, an executive search firm specializing in the performing arts. The theater reports that the opportunity attracted more than 100 candidates from across the U.S. and internationally, who met with the search committee, board, and staff members during the course of several interviews.

She will lead artistic programming (including the as-yet-announced 2025-26 season), development of new work, educational initiatives, production, and staffing alongside associate artistic director Artie Olaisen, who is winding down a nearly 40-year career at DCT.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emily Ernst as our next artistic leader,” says DCT board president Leah Mora in a release. “We are especially delighted that she has deep connections to the Dallas artistic community in addition to her experience creating theater both nationally and across the globe.”

A graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, Ernst brings more than 13 years of experience in nonprofit arts leadership. Ernst is a co-founder Dallas theater group Fair Assembly and was a core part of Junior Players' youth-focused Shakespeare program for incarcerated girls, along with leadership roles at Cara Mía Theatre Company, Teatro Dallas, and Cry Havoc Theater Company.

Outside of Texas, Ernst was managing director at Theater for a New Audience in New York, led educational programming for Lincoln Community Playhouse in Nebraska, and most recently served as associate artistic director for River & Rail Theatre Company in Tennessee.

“Emily Ernst will be a phenomenal addition to our team at DCT,” says executive director Samantha Turner. “The search committee was so impressed by her skill for storytelling, deep commitment to arts education, and innovative vision. Emily’s ability to ignite passion and excitement in those around her makes her the perfect person to guide DCT’s artistic vision as we enter this exciting new era.”

Co-founded by Robyn Flatt in 1984, Dallas Children's Theater serves over 95,000 young people and their families annually with professional productions and a robust arts-in-education program. The only professional theater in North Texas focused exclusively on children and families, DCT's offerings also encompass student matinees that serve nearly 40,000 each season, the DCT Academy, and community programming that includes sensory-friendly performances.

“I’m honored to join DCT, which has long been a cornerstone of creativity and storytelling in our community,” says Ernst. “The impact this theater has on young audiences to spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the arts is immeasurable. I look forward to collaborating with the incredible team to honor DCT's legacy and to bring new, inspiring productions to our stage and into our community. We will work to ensure that children of all ages in Dallas — and their families — encounter the transformative magic of live theater.”