Michael Kahn, the Richard Rodgers Director of Juilliard's Drama Division, announced in November that he will step down from that post at the end of this academic year. Kahn has led the division since 1992 and has been on the faculty since the Drama Division was founded in 1968. He will continue to teach his third-year acting class at Juilliard as a member of the drama faculty.

Michael Kahn (right), the Richard Rodgers Director of the Drama Division, with fourth-year drama students Will Pailen (standing) and Sean Davis. (Photo by Jessica Katz)

In his capacity as artistic director of the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C., Kahn will oversee the ongoing construction and completion of the company's new, state-of-the-art, 800-seat theater, guiding the company's expansion into a national destination for classical theater, and programming all other events at the umbrella organization, the Harman Center for the Arts. Kahn, who has divided his time between Washington and New York, frequently directs productions at both his home institutions. He has also directed on Broadway, in regional theater, and for national opera companies.

Juilliard President Joseph W. Polisi will chair a search for Mr. Kahn's successor. He commented, "Michael Kahn's extraordinary leadership of our Drama Division has allowed our young actors to acquire the requisite 'tools' they will need as they work in the profession in the time ahead. With intelligence, taste, creativity and a deep understanding of the world of the theater, Michael's legacy will have a positive impact on the profession for many generations. My colleagues and I are very pleased that Michael will remain as an active member of the Juilliard community through his continuing teaching responsibilities at the School."

The Drama Division's curriculum was designed by its founders, John Houseman and Michel Saint-Denis, to replicate the thorough acting education methods of European conservatories. In its three and a half decades of existence, it has produced a remarkable roster of accomplished alumni. Mr. Kahn is only the fifth director to have led the division. During his tenure, Juilliard added an advanced diploma in playwriting via the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program (in 1993) and a program for directors (in 1995).

"Juilliard has been one of my artistic homes throughout my theatrical career," said Mr. Kahn. "I am grateful to the students and faculty for inspiring me and allowing me to grow both as a person and as an artist. Although I have determined that most of my energy and time needs to be concentrated now in Washington, I am more than pleased to remain on the faculty of this extraordinary institution."