Instagram: @juliannacrespo
jcrespo@theatricals.org
Julianna Crespo is a live entertainment and arts executive with more than a decade of experience in programming, venue operations, audience development, talent booking, and organizational leadership. Her career spans performing arts centers, presenting organizations, arts education, community initiatives, and organizational leadership, with a focus on connecting artists and audiences through meaningful live experiences.
Prior to serving as Executive Director of Mosaic Theatricals, Julianna spent more than a decade in leadership at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, where she curated the presented season from 2016–2023 and oversaw multiple operational departments supporting performances, community events, rentals, box office, and patron services. During her tenure, she negotiated artist engagements, developed strategic partnerships, and worked with artists, agents, promoters, and representatives from many of the nation's leading entertainment agencies. Her programming portfolio included contemporary music, classical artists, comedy, theatre, family entertainment, cultural events, and nationally touring productions, requiring a nuanced understanding of audience behavior, market demand, and event performance across diverse genres.
As Executive Director of Mosaic Theatricals, Julianna has guided the organization's transition from a program to an independent nonprofit while expanding its impact through theatrical productions, arts education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Under her leadership, Mosaic has grown its regional reach, developed programming across multiple venues and school sites, established an accredited workforce development partnership with California State University San Marcos, and secured significant philanthropic investment to support long-term sustainability.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Julianna has built partnerships with hundreds of local, regional, and national organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. She is deeply passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and creating pathways for emerging professionals to thrive. Her work focuses on strengthening cultural infrastructure, developing new audiences, cultivating talent, and creating opportunities for artists and arts professionals at every stage of their careers.
Her contributions have been recognized with the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle's Don Braunagel Award for Outstanding Achievement at a Small Theatre, an Escondido City Council Award for Outstanding Service, and recognition from the California State Board of Equalization for Empowering Women in Leadership. She was also featured on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Theatre Corner S03E01 discussing the founding of the Dorris Staples Theatrical Conservatory and the role of inclusion and workforce development in the arts.
Rooted in her Chicana heritage and a deep belief in the power of storytelling, Julianna remains passionate about creating spaces where artists, audiences, and communities can connect, learn, and thrive. She is deeply grateful to the many women mentors, colleagues, educators, artists, and leaders whose guidance, advocacy, and example helped make her own journey possible.
