Evans makes the move from another Off-Broadway institution, having served as artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater's LCT3 since its inception in 2008.
"Over the past eight years, I've been delighted to build a new program and theatre along with Andre Bishop, Adam Siegel, Hattie Jutagir, and the Board of Directors and staff of Lincoln Center Theater and to work with many talented artists at LCT3. I look forward to continuing those relationships in the years ahead," said Evans in a press statement.
"Over 25 years, [Houghton] grew Signature into one of the great theatres in America," added Signature's board of trustees chairman Edward Norton. "Now Signature is making smart, proactive moves to incubate the success of its next 25 years by cultivating the next generation of artistic leadership. We're so excited to have Paige Evans lead this next chapter."
Houghton announced his resignation in March 2015 due to health concerns. Under his leadership, the organization opened the Pershing Square Signature Theatre Center, the largest new theatre center in New York City in nearly 50 years. With a mission to honor and celebrate the playwright, it was the first theatre to dedicate a full season to a living writer's body of work. During his tenure the Signature devoted complete seasons to the works of Lanford Wilson, Romulus Linney, John Guare, Adrienne Kennedy, Sam Shepard, Paula Vogel. Horton Foote, Athol Fugard, Maria Irene Fornes, Bill Irwin and many others. It has also launched a host of innovative initiatives including residencies and a ticket subsidy program.
"Paige Evans embodies all that we could possibly hope for in an artistic leader," commented Houghton. "She has spent the last twenty years dedicated to advancing the field and our writing community and has done so with tremendous integrity and determination. We're lucky to have her."
In entering the theatre's 26th season, Evans will work alongside executive director Erika Mallin. For more information on Signature's current 25th anniversary season, visit signaturetheatre.org.
