Martin will begin his new job at the Massachusetts venue Nov. 1. Rees is stepping down to "move on to other opportunities," according to a press announcement. Martin will also continue serving as artistic director of Huntington through spring 2008.

Martin — who will direct the upcoming Paul Rudnick play, The New Century, at Lincoln Center Theater in April 2008 — has a long history with Williamstown, including a two-year stint as WTF's resident director under then-artistic director Michael Ritchie.

In a statement Martin said, "I couldn't be more delighted to be returning to Williamstown Theatre Festival where I have shared so many experiences with so many incredible artists. Williamstown is truly the place where I feel I really learned to direct."

WTF Board President Matt Harris said, "Nicholas Martin is a great leader and a superb director. We are thrilled that he will be helming the WTF and look forward to a creative association and an exciting new chapter in the life of the Williamstown Theatre Festival."

"Roger [Rees] came in at a time of transition for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and did a great job setting a foundation of innovation for the future," Harris added. "He also helped to reaffirm our focus on training the next generation of artists while continuing our tradition of top notch productions." On Broadway Nicholas Martin has directed Butley, Match and Hedda Gabler. His Off-Broadway credits include Fully Committed, Full Gallop, You Can Never Tell, Observe the Sons of Ulster, The Time of the Cuckoo, Chaucer in Rome, Betty's Summer Vacation and Bosoms and Neglect. For Williamstown, Martin has directed productions of The Corn is Green, Where's Charley?, Camino Real, Dead End, The Royal Family, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Dreading Thekla and Mother of Invention. His regional credits are numerous.

The mission of the Williamstown Theatre Festival is to "produce classic and new plays with distinction and verve; provide a training program in which emerging theater talents collaborate with accomplished mentors in a vital, professional and educational atmosphere; and create and present programs that have the potential to serve and engage a diverse community."

For more information visit www.wtfestival.org.