In an 85-seat space, Mr. Houghton produced six plays by Mr. Linney, who died in 2011, for a total of $35,000. He built his singular legacy, founded on his devotion to playwrights’ work and to playwrights themselves, with a uniquely sweet, generous spirit; with unflagging optimism; and with grace.” Mr. Houghton altered the Juilliard audition process and is credited with relaxing the atmosphere of the program. PhotoA year ago, after learning of his cancer, Mr. Houghton announced that he would step down at Signature after the 2015-16 season. James Houghton, the founder and, until recently, the artistic director of the Signature Theater Company, one of Off Broadway’s essential nonprofit theaters and perhaps the nation’s leading safe house for playwrights, died on Tuesday at his home in Manhattan.

Source: New York Times August 03, 2016 16:38 UTC