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JOSHUA TREE, CA — The Joshua Tree Cultural Center (formerly the Hi-Desert Cultural Center) proudly announces the appointment of Justin Zsebe as Artistic Director of its prestigious Playhouse Division. An acclaimed immersive director, writer, and educator, Zsebe brings more than 15 years of experience creating bold, emotionally resonant performance experiences across theater, film, and live events.
Zsebe’s work blends narrative depth with visceral design and participatory storytelling, inviting audiences into charged, transformative spaces. He is recognized for fostering collaborative, high-performance environments and delivering groundbreaking work for entertainment studios and brands including SHOWTIME, CBS, DOLBY, and VARIETY, as well as for pioneering experiential projects that have pushed the boundaries of live performance.
Joshua Tree is a place where boundaries dissolve—between art forms, ideas, and people. My vision for the Playhouse is to cultivate bold performances that invite audiences not just to watch, but to participate in something larger than themselves. One of the things I’m most excited about is bringing dramatic arts education back to the Center. Theater is such a powerful tool for self-expression, whether you’re a child stepping on stage for the first time or an adult rediscovering your creative voice. We’re building programs that will open doors for everyone in our community to engage, learn, and grow through performance.”
— Justin Zsebe, Playhouse Artistic Director
PHOTO CAPTION (FROM RIGHT): Director Justin Zsebe rehearses actress Angela Reed (House Of Cards, Daredevil, Blue Bloods, Law & Order) and Ben Morrow (Blood Makes the Green Grass Grow, Words of Courage) in a production of HOMEFREE by Lisa Loomer.
A Distinguished Career in Theater and Education
Zsebe has taught theater at UCLA and West Los Angeles College, and served as Director of the Family Initiative at The Actors’ Gang, where he expanded access to arts education and community programming. He has led commedia dell’arte masterclasses at more than 40 universities nationwide and served as a teaching artist-in-residence at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette, Louisiana, developing site-specific performances rooted in the works of Tennessee Williams.
As Creative Director of L’Enfant Terrible, an all-ages Shakespeare company, Zsebe developed repertory adaptations of King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Titus Andronicus—culminating in L.A.’s first Fun Family Festival of Tragedy and a national tour. His critically acclaimed production of Nine Circles at Bootleg Theater received Ovation and LA Weekly Award nominations for Best Production.
Since 2015, Zsebe’s immersive work with Production Club’s Hellcrest series has redefined interactive storytelling in Los Angeles nightlife, blending performance, design, and audience participation in groundbreaking ways. His work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, Backstage, and Business Insider.
PHOTO CAPTION: Directed by Justin Zsebe, a scene from Thorton Wilder’s Our Town at the Actors’ Gang Theater.
A Bold New Chapter for the Playhouse Division
Cultural Center President, Jarrod Radnich, himself a recipient of numerous awards for outstanding production, theater lighting, and sound design, expressed enthusiasm for Zsebe’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin. His ability to blend narrative depth with immersive design will enrich both our stage and our community, making theater in Joshua Tree more accessible, impactful, and unforgettable.”
With Zsebe at the helm, the Playhouse Division is poised to expand its reputation as a center for cutting-edge performance and transformative arts education, bridging professional-caliber productions with meaningful community engagement.
For more information about Justin Zsebe and upcoming Playhouse Division programming, click below:
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The Joshua Tree Cultural Center proudly announces the appointment of Justin Zsebe as Artistic Director of its prestigious Playhouse Division. An acclaimed immersive director, writer, and educator, Zsebe brings more than 15 years of experience creating bold, emotionally resonant performance experiences across theater, film, and live events.
