The Dallas Children’s Theater has announced Emily Ernst as its new artistic director ahead of the 2025-26 season.

According to a release, Ernst was selected after a nationwide search which began in September after the announcement of outgoing Artistic Director Artie Olaisen’s retirement. Ernst has  previously worked in the performing arts in Dallas, New York, Tennessee and Nebraska.

The Dallas Children’s Theater is a professional theater company which annually performs for an audience of 150,000 North Texas children and their families through five annual productions and in-school residencies. Theater education is also a major part of the DCT’s mission, with more than 2,000 children a year participating in academy classes.

“I’m honored to join DCT, which has long been a cornerstone of creativity and storytelling in our community,” Ernst said in a press release. “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.”

In her new role, Ernst will guide the theater’s artistic direction, develop educational offerings, and lead production and staffing. Ernst will work closely on the 2025-26 season with Olaisen, the release states.

“Emily Ernst will be a phenomenal addition to our team at DCT,” Executive Director Samantha Turner said in a release. “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.”

Before joining the DCT, Ernst co-founded Dallas’s Fair Assembly ensemble, an ensemble theater company that describes itself as “physical, interdisciplinary, minimalist” and committed to collaboration. Ernst has also worked in Dallas with the Junior Players, Cara Mia Theatre Company, Teatro Dallas, and Cry Havoc Theatre Company. In New York, she served as an artistic associate at Theater for a New Audience.

DCT partnered with Arts Consulting Group for the search process.