~ MEET THE TEAM ~
Kristen Marie Ernst
OWNER | FOUNDER | PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Kristen Ernst has been actively working in the entertainment industry for over 3 decades. 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 in New York City until she spread her wings again as a choreographer and 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 produced and choreographed concerts for symphonies.
As a programming director, Kristen handled the live entertainment bookings for several events, bars, clubs, etc. As a producer, she helmed several NYC cabarets, artist showcases, and production management of a huge, amphitheater size, live event! Kristen has a consultation program that creates and produces new concerts for the touring market. She believes music is what connects humanity and her mission is to deliver quality live entertainment to the community.
KMEntertainment is a Production Company offering a unique skill set which spans all layers of Artistic Direction and Venue Management: The "Power of 3": Producing, Programming, and Booking Live Entertainment. Years of experience in producing live events, specializing in delivering audiences world class artists and concierge style advancing of each performance contract, and striving to connect the community by fostering local, emerging talent providing jobs for displaced arts workers.
Kristen has spent the last couple years touring North America as Company Manager for several productions including The Choir of Man US Tour and The Simon & Garfunkel Story North American Tour.
Kristen is proud to announce the partnership with Chaplin Entertainment. She is excited to procure engagements for Chaplin’s extensive roster of artists and continue to cultivate relationships with industry leaders.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 actor, playwright and podcast host. 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 co-wrote and starred in the short film Don't Be A Stranger (2021).
Julia is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and studies privately with Broadway Playwright, Actor & Director Ashley Griffin. Julia is the co-host of Playdate, a podcast discussing plays and interviewing up and coming playwrights. 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.
