Kathy Hood
Administrative Director, Drama Division

Born in Bethesda, Md., Kathy Hood grew up in Carmel, Calif., before her family headed to Ohio (when Kathy was about 11) and then Seattle. Kathy earned a B.F.A. in directing and stage managing at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and came to Juilliard shortly after college, where she has worked since 1988.

Kathy Hood

What are the most striking differences between Juilliard now and Juilliard when you first started?

One of the most notable differences is the diversity in the student body, which represents such an extraordinary range of background and experience. I am also struck by the dynamic energy and vitality of this place, thanks to the introduction of the residence hall and the real development of a rich community life. When I first began in the Drama Division, we didn't have the Directing or Playwriting programs, both of which came about in the 1990s. The collaborative dialogue and interaction that develops between these young theater artists at an early stage of their training is essential for the future of the American theater. It is very gratifying to see how these artistic relationships further blossom when they work together in the profession.

What is one of your favorite memories from your years here?

I fondly remember Nora Downes at the front desk, and how much humanity she brought to the School, from the moment you walked into the building. She remembered so many of the students' names and would ask after them. Her presence, kindness and generosity left a lasting impression upon me. Her spirit definitely thrives here.

How has your current position changed or evolved in the years you've been in it?

I started as a stage management intern in 1988, and I've been very fortunate that my entire career has been shaped and developed in the Drama Division. After my internship (which paid $150 a week), I was offered a substantial increase (to $207 a week!) as the production coordinator, which was a part-time position. Even though it was part-time, I found myself being here quite a bit and trying to step in and be of assistance wherever it was needed. After about a year, I became assistant to Michael Langham (then head of the program) while continuing with my production coordinator responsibilities. A year and a half later, I became general manager of the division. When Harold Stone retired as the administrative director in 2001, I was honored to be asked to step into that position. I now spend my days focusing on producing, admissions, and administrative endeavors, but most importantly I am in a position to directly support and nurture the students. It's extremely creative and challenging and very fulfilling. I don't know how many students know that I started out as an intern, or how long I've been here!

Many Juilliard staff members are also artists. Do you engage in any artistic endeavors outside your job?

Though I'm not a performing artist, I do try to pursue artistic endeavors as much as I can during the year. I also serve on the boards of two up-and-coming theater companies—the Red Bull Theater Company and Division 13 (lead by directing alumna Joanna Settle). A fortune teller once told me I should be a writer!

What was the best vacation you've ever had?

My first trip to Europe I traveled by myself to France. It was a life-changing experience in terms of immersing myself in the culture and language, and traveling independently. I knew that, for the rest of my adult life, the experience of travel and opening myself to different cultural experiences was going to be pivotal—and it has been. I had another amazing trip when I traveled to Lebanon and Syria with my husband's family back in 1999. I had some trepidation about whether it was safe to travel to that part of the world, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's almost impossible to describe what it was like to travel the countryside, meet the people, experience the richness and simplicity of their lives in terms of dedication to family, spirituality, and community. Many of the people I came across had (by our standards) very little, but they seemed to lead much fuller lives. You can't help but be changed by that.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I belong to the Park Slope Food Co-op. So once a month my job is to bag dried organic fruits and nuts, cut cheese, and disseminate olives into various bags. Also, I am a huge Yankees fan.