~ MEET THE TEAM ~
Kristen Marie Ernst
OWNER | FOUNDER | PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Kristen Ernst is a 32 year veteran of the entertainment industry. Her career in the arts began as a child actress in Los Angeles, performing on both stage and screen. Passionate for the stage, she performed professionally for many years as a musical theater artist touring the country, the high seas, and performing in New York City until she spread her wings again as a choreographer & casting associate for several reputable Directors, Choreographers and Casting Directors.
Ten years ago, Kristen said farewell to the gypsy life and began an incredible journey as Artist Manager. Several of her top accomplishments included clients on Broadway, national touring productions, regional theaters and Off-Broadway as well as actors on film and television. In addition to management, Kristen began focusing on booking artists, acts, bands, and groups for symphonies, performing arts centers, theaters, festivals, etc. She also packaged concerts for symphonies including My Fair Lady in concert for North Carolina Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, and Utah Symphony and The Music Man in concert (which she also choreographed) for Pacific Symphony. Kristen also produced Live From Broadway starring current Broadway stars for Phoenix Symphony.
In January of 2019, Kristen launched KMEntertainment to continue her life's passion as an arts and artist advocate. KME handled the live entertainment bookings for Curtains Bar and Restaurant at Avenel Performing Arts Center for their inaugural season and produced several NYC cabarets, artist showcases, and most recently production management of a huge, amphitheater size, live event! She recently launched a consultation program that curates and produces new concerts for the touring market. Kristens believes that music is what connects humanity and her mission is to deliver quality live entertainment to the community.
Victor M. Ernst
WEST COAST BOOKING MANAGER
Victor brings decades of work in the entertainment, teaching, and financial field to KMEntertainment. With a focus on Vocal and Drama, Victor taught at the Middle and High School levels. At Burbank High School in California, he joined forces with major studios to bring professional experiences to his students, in both performing and technical facets. His casting, directing and artistic experience brings a watchful eye to the entertainment booking arena.
Victor spent over 10 years in regional musical theater as a member of the Actors' Equity Association. His chorus, supporting, and lead roles also contribute to his current position as KME's West Coast Booking Manager. With over a decade of experience as a Financial Advisor, Victor worked with his clients to help them understand and make the most of business opportunities, proper investment strategy, and insurance products.
These essential qualifications pave the way for KMEntertainment’s victory in realizing our mission of creating and encouraging the growth of live entertainment opportunities while cultivating an alliance of artists and art supporters to improve the landscape of the marketplace.
Victor believes in cultivating the success of each act and client by capitalizing on their unique talents, circumstance, and personality.
Julia Marie Black
MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Julia (she/her/hers) is an up and coming Playwright, as well as an Actor, Singer, Dancer and Magician’s assistant. She currently has several projects in development including her play Everything Feels Like the End of the World and a theatrical song cycle entitled Violent Delights with her collaborator, Mickie Wadsworth. She also stars in an upcoming short film Don't Be a Stranger which she co-wrote with director Josh Wahl.
Julia is a recent graduate from SUNY Fredonia and studies privately with Broadway Playwright, Actor & Director Ashley Griffin. Julia is also the Co-Founder of Disruptive Compassion, a collective devoted to exploring and discussing theatre and co-host of Playdate, a podcast discussing plays and the possibilities that come with them. You can learn more about Julia’s upcoming projects by visiting her website or following her here:
Geneviéve Carreño
OPERATIONS MANAGER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Geneviéve (she/they) is a junior B.A. Music & Theatre Management major with a minor in Music: Applied Voice at Baldwin Wallace University. Growing up as a performer in their hometown of Goshen, Indiana, Geneviéve is excited to now be working behind the scenes for music and theatre events.
At BW, Geneviéve works as a tour guide and served as an Orientation Leader this past summer. As an aspiring arts manager, their work includes being a part of the On-Campus Marketing Team for BWMT’s 2021 production of Into the Woods and Student Producer for the BW's upcoming 2023 Senior BFA Showcase.
