SOLANA BEACH — For more than a decade, Joe Powers said he “dedicated heart and soul to (the) programs, productions and, most of all, students” at North Coast Repertory Theatre. But as of July 7, Powers is no longer affiliated with the intimate Solana Beach playhouse.

“The organization felt it was time for us to part ways and I’m not really sure why,” Powers, who was director of the theater school and educational outreach programs, said. “After 11 years, it seems a bit unjust to terminate a relationship on a whim.”

David Ellenstein, producing artistic director, said it was a simply a matter of money.

“We were doing some belt-tightening and needed everyone to take on more duties,” Ellenstein said. “Joe was asked for the upcoming season to teach. He said no.”

Powers said he was planning a return to the classroom for his ensemble group, a nighttime course for advanced students. But he was unable to teach Saturday classes — something he hadn’t done for nine years — because he said he couldn’t be in two places at one time.

In a letter to the theater’s board of trustees, Powers noted that “the theater school has never cost the organization a cent. With its earnings and contributions, all programs and my salary have been fully covered.” According to Ellenstein, Powers turned down a severance package offered to him in June.

Regardless of the reason for the split, both sides insist there is no ill will. Powers said he feels more disappointment than anger.

“There is no animosity toward Joe Powers,” Ellenstein said. “He did a lot of really good things. I don’t want to tarnish what he’s done.”

Since joining North Coast Rep in 1997, Powers grew the theater school from two poorly attended Saturday classes to six popular courses including ensemble. He expanded the youth production season from two shows to four by adding summer Shakespeare and the student written and directed one-acts.

Powers brought acting workshops into area classrooms by developing an outreach program with local public schools and created a summer drama camp, now in its fifth year, for students between the ages of 9 and 18.

He also established Behind the Mask, a collaboration between the theater school and New Alternatives, a nonprofit corporation that provides residential facilities for juvenile court dependents who have been removed from abusive or neglectful homes.

Behind the Mask instructors provide weekly theater classes for youngsters between 8 and 17 years old who often suffer from emotional problems. Participants in the program, now in its sixth year, learn to express emotions in a creative and positive way.

During his tenure, Powers directed 34 shows. He adapted the scripts for 17 of them, including all 12 Shakespeare performances. He appeared onstage in nine productions. To do so, he was required to charge a fee as a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. However, he sought a waiver from the union to perform for free in theater school productions.

Powers has also been onstage at Diversionary Theatre, San Diego Black Ensemble and The Old Globe. His original works include “Mustard Seed,” “Green Babies” and “Taxi Dance,” which is currently being produced in San Diego and Los Angeles.

He holds a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State and Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Powers said he has fond memories from all the shows, but it’s the students he will remember most. Many were with the program for nine or 10 years. Several went on to study or participate in acting at Harvard, New York University, DePaul and Emerson, to name a few.

His current students were shocked by the news of his departure. “I think it’s not good at all,” said 12-year-old Eva Loeser, who has been in 14 shows during her five years with the theater school. “He does so much for so many kids. He really cares about everybody.”

Describing the theater as her second home, Eva said Powers “gets so many people into the arts and that helps our community. He’s what makes the theater and why it means so much to me.”

Ellenstein said while the theater conducts a national search for a new director, all programs will continue as planned. “We’re moving forward and are committed to growing the school,” he said. “With Joe’s loss, we’ll have to retool, but the core value of the school won’t change. Our attention to quality is still intact.”

As for his future, Powers said he “can’t walk away from what I do, which is teaching young people with the philosophy that acting is all about the process. Performing is just the icing on the cake.”