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Kahn to Give Up Job as Juilliard Drama Head for Shakespeare Theatre Duties
By: BWW News Desk Dec. 30, 2005
Kahn, who has held that position at the prestigious acting school since 1992, is leaving in order to focus on his other job--as the artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. (where he frequently directs shows). He will oversee the completion of the company's new 800-seat second stage. The new theatre will supplement the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Lansburgh Theatre, where the company's plays are currently performed. Kahn, who has been on the Juilliard faculty since the drama school's founding in 1968, will stay on staff to continue teaching a third-year acting class, however.
"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," stated Juilliard president Joseph W. Polisi. A new Drama Division director has not yet been found.
Founded by John Houseman and Michel Saint-Denis, the Juilliard School Drama Division is one of the most renowned acting schools in the country. Its list of graduates includes Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Kevin Spacey, Kelsey Grammar, Christine Baranski, Harriet Harris, Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Sara Ramirez, William Hurt and more. Established in 1905 as The Institute for Musical Art, the school was dubbed by its present name in 1951. The same year, a dance division was added and drama followed suit in 1968. Today, Julliard also offers programs in jazz performance and playwriting (David Auburn and David Lindsay-Abaire are among those who came through the latter).
"Juilliard has been one of my artistic homes throughout my theatrical career. 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," stated Kahn.
For more information on the Juilliard School, visit www.juilliard.edu.
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