Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 14, 2003|Volume 32, Number 11

Acclaimed actor and teacher Ron Van Lieu joins drama school as Lloyd Richards Professor

Renowned actor, director and educa, Ron Van Lieu will join the faculty of the School of Drama as the Lloyd Richards Professor (Adjunct) and chair of the Department of Acting, according to an announcement by Dean James Bundy and Provost Susan Hockfield.

"Ron Van Lieu is a truly eminent American teacher of acting, who has distinguished himself as a leader in American theater training for nearly three decades," said Bundy. "It is an honor and a privilege to welcome him to the outstanding faculty of the Yale School of Drama. We prize his impassioned artistry, his enthusiasm for the highest standards of craft and his profound commitment to the development of young professionals."

Hockfield added: "Yale School of Drama's leadership role in theater training is a source of pride and celebration for the entire University, and the field. The appointment of Mr. Van Lieu reflects our commitment to attracting not only the most talented students, but also the nation's most notable teachers."

Van Lieu has served as master teacher of acting at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) since 1975. In partnership with Zelda Fichandler, he reshaped the Graduate Acting Program curriculum there. He served as chair of the department 1990-1995, as acting chair 1980-1981 and 1987-1989, and as head of acting 1986-1999. In 1993 he received the Distinguished Teaching Medal, NYU's highest honor for outstanding achievement in classroom teaching.

In addition, Van Lieu is a founding faculty member and current teacher of acting at The Shakespeare Lab at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Joseph Papp Public Theater; a founding faculty member, a current member of the board of directors and master teacher of acting at The Actors Center in New York; and director of Studio Tisch.

As an actor, Van Lieu was a company member of Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, as well as a founding member of both the Lion Theatre Company in New York City and Circo delle Arte. He has also performed at Playwrights Horizons, the Public Theater, Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival, Whole Theatre Company, Vassar Experimental Theater, Wolf Trap Festival and various off-off-Broadway venues. His directing credits include work at Syracuse Stage, Greer Garson Theatre, and over 50 productions at Studio Tisch. He has served as evaluator of actor training at American Conservatory Theatre, Brandeis University, and for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Van Lieu received his B.S. in education from Bowling Green State University and did graduate work at both the University of Iowa and New York University.

"Yale School of Drama has long been an important training ground for actors of exceptional artistry, individuality, and leadership in the field. I look forward to making my contribution to that mission," Van Lieu says. "I am particularly energized by the passionate leadership of Dean James Bundy and am honored to be appointed to the Lloyd Richards Chair. Lloyd Richards was my teacher and had a profound influence on my decision to become a theater artist."

Van Lieu will audition applicants to the School of Drama's acting program during February and March, and will assume full-time duties at the School of Drama beginning July 1.

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Campus Notes