A Fond Farewell: Celebrating Kevin Johnson-Sather’s Journey with East West Players

July 7, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA

East West Players announces, with both pride and heartfelt gratitude, the upcoming departure of Managing Director Kevin Johnson-Sather, who will transition this summer to become the next Executive Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse in Omaha, Nebraska.

Kevin’s journey with EWP began in late 2020, when he joined as Audience Services Manager during a period of uncertainty for Los Angeles theatre. Over nearly six years, Kevin’s steady hand, vision, and deep empathy have helped guide EWP through challenge and growth alike. Holding many positions, Audience Services Manager, General Manager, Acting Managing Director, and ultimately Managing Director, Kevin has been unwavering in his commitment to leading with humility, optimism, and a genuine care for the EWP community.

“This decision is bittersweet,” Kevin shares. “East West Players has given me a true sense of belonging and I’ve been honored by the trust given to me by the greater community in contributing to the history of EWP. For my wife Olivia, our two young kids, and me, the chance to lead another historic organization whose impact has been deeply felt in the community for over 100 years and to live near our extended family in Omaha will be an incredible honor and blessing. I’m grateful to EWP for supporting me not just as a professional, but as a person.”

Throughout his tenure, Kevin has been a steadfast champion for the transformative power of theatre, cultivating a space where artists and audiences alike feel seen, valued, and understood. One moment in particular continues to shape his perspective on the importance of EWP’s work:

“I’ll never forget being in one of our playwriting classes when a young Korean American writer was worried that their story about being caught between immigrant identity and belonging in the U.S. wouldn’t be understood, and that maybe the characters should only speak in English,” Kevin recalls. “When they were told that EWP is exactly the place where their story would be understood, I saw something shift. It was like they realized, maybe for the first time, that they could tell their story exactly as it is, without having to explain or translate themselves. That kind of freedom is unique to EWP, and that profound impact is something I’ll always carry with me. 

“Under Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal’s leadership, the guidance of this board, and the strength of the staff, artists, and community, the future of EWP is stronger and more vibrant than ever.”

Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal notes, “I’m so grateful to have co-led East West Players with Kevin from the start of my time here through our landmark 60th anniversary season. We started in our positions on the same day, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Kevin’s achievements at EWP have been monumental, always putting our mission and people first with his leadership, integrity, and compassion. We will miss him deeply, but we are better and stronger because of his work. Together we shaped our upcoming 61st season, and we are excited for our audiences to see the contributions he’s made launching East West Players into the next 60 years.”

Board Chair Rose Chan Loui adds, “It has been a pleasure to work with Kevin and to see him grow in his various positions at EWP. Kevin is both a thoughtful strategic executive who has helped us imagine a sustainable future and an empathetic team player who has led with calm and grace through challenging situations. While we are sad to see him go, we are proud that another community will benefit from the gifts he shared with us here.” 

Kevin will remain at EWP through the summer, working closely with Lily and the board to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. His mark on the organization, and on each of us, will be felt for years to come.

Please join us in thanking Kevin for his years of dedicated service, leadership, and friendship. We wish Kevin, Olivia, and their children every happiness as they set down new roots in Omaha, knowing they will always have a home at East West Players.