News Release

Photo note:  To download a photo of Katz, see end of release.

CHAPEL HILL -- Dr. Leon Katz, an accomplished playwright and teacher, has been named the first David G. Frey distinguished professor of dramatic art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

His appointment began this semester; he was visiting professor in the department in fall 2004. Katz teaches the literature and history of the theater, contemporary theater practice and critical writing. He also provides his expertise to PlayMakers Repertory Co.

The David G. Frey distinguished professorship in dramatic art in the College of Arts and Sciences was established in 1999 by David Gardner Frey (BA ’64, JD ’67). The $500,000 professorship endowment includes a $167,000 match from the N.C. Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund.

Frey, a third-generation banker in Grand Rapids, Mich., has created funds at UNC in support of the visual and performing arts, including professorships in music and American art. Frey’s family also funded the Frey Foundation distinguished visiting professorship, which brings to campus prominent scholars in public services, the arts, the humanities and social sciences.

The gift counts toward the Carolina First campaign goal of $1.8 billion. Carolina First is a comprehensive, multi-year, private fund-raising campaign to support Carolina’s vision of becoming the nation’s leading public university.

Katz brings an extraordinary depth of experience in academic and professional theaters.

"It’s not often one has the opportunity to add a legend to one’s faculty," said Ray Dooley, chairman of the department of dramatic art. "Dr. Leon Katz is the preeminent practitioner and teacher of American dramaturgy – that area of our field where literature meets practical stage practice."

"His former students are leading figures in both the professional and educational theater throughout the country," Dooley said. "We are thrilled to call him colleague, and we are deeply grateful to Mr. Frey for the endowment that has made Leon’s appointment possible."

Katz earned his bachelor’s degree in English at the College of the City of New York, and a master’s and doctorate in English and comparative literature from Columbia University. He previously served on the faculties of Carnegie Mellon University, the Yale University School of Drama and the University of California at Los Angeles.

He is also a widely published playwright with many original works and 25 dramatic adaptations and translations. One of his plays, "The Three Cuckolds," has been performed in more than 400 productions, and in 11 countries in five languages. Among his numerous publications are the recently published anthologies, "Classical Monologues from Aeschylus to Bernard Shaw," volumes one and two for men, and volumes three and four for women.

His current writing projects include "Play Analysis," a textbook; and "Performance Theory," an anthology of critical essays.

In summer 2004, Katz received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Teaching from the Association for Theatre in Higher Education.

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Photo note: A photo of Katz is available by clicking on http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/visiting/katz_leon.jpg

UNC News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415 or deborah_saine@unc.edu