James Houghton, a noted producer, theater administrator, and award-winning director, will be the new Richard Rodgers Director of the Drama Division at Juilliard, beginning with the 2006-07 school year. The appointment was announced on April 17 by Juilliard's president, Joseph W. Polisi.

James Houghton (Photo © 2006 Joseph Moran Photography)

Mr. Houghton, 47, is the founding artistic director of New York's Signature Theater Company; he will remain in that position as he assumes directorship of Juilliard's Drama Division. He succeeds Michael Kahn, who completes a 14-year tenure as the Richard Rodgers Director at the end of the current academic term. Mr. Kahn, who has been a drama faculty member since the division was created in 1968, will continue teaching at Juilliard.

In making the announcement, President Polisi said, "Jim Houghton's appointment as the Richard Rodgers Director of Drama at Juilliard heralds a new era in the distinguished history of actor education at the School. His vision, knowledge, creativity, and extraordinary success in the profession as a director, producer, and supporter of young talent make him the perfect person to lead Juilliard's program into the future. We also look forward to working closely with the Signature Theater in developing programs that will benefit both institutions."

The president also extended his gratitude to Michael Kahn, who, "from the very beginning of the division's history in 1968, has brought his artistry and dedicated teaching to every class of Juilliard actors," Dr. Polisi said. "We are delighted that he will continue to teach his revered course in acting for our third-year students."

As artistic director of the nonprofit Signature Theater, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, Mr. Houghton set the company's agenda of single-playwright seasons, with playwrights such as Edward Albee, Lee Blessing, Horton Foote, Maria Irene Fornes, John Guare, Bill Irwin, Adrienne Kennedy, Romulus Linney, Arthur Miller, Sam Shepard, Paula Vogel, and Lanford Wilson in residency during the seasons devoted to their works. In addition, Signature has produced 41 premiere works, including 17 world premieres, some of them created during two "all premiere" seasons. The theater plans to open Signature Center, a venue designed by Frank Gehry, at the new performing arts center that is to be part of the revitalized World Trade Center site.

Mr. Houghton began his career as a stage actor, performing with several companies including John Houseman's Acting Company, founded by Mr. Houseman originally with actors who were the first to have studied at Juilliard. He is a guest lecturer at numerous colleges and theater programs, including Yale, N.Y.U., Columbia, and the Actors Studio. He has also been a judge and nominator for prestigious awards including the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and the PEN/Laura Pels Foundation Award, among others, as well as a presenter and speaker at many panels and symposiums.

In accepting the appointment, Mr. Houghton said: "I am thrilled and honored to be part of the long tradition of excellence at The Juilliard School and I am grateful to President Polisi and the selection committee for my appointment. On the occasion of its centennial, The Juilliard School is celebrating its extraordinary past while looking bravely to a future filled with exciting potential. I'm looking forward to being part of that future and working together with the tremendous talents that fill the halls of this remarkable school."