The Oscar Hammerstein II Center for Theatre Studies at Columbia University School of the Arts has announced the appointment of James Ijames, the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, director, and educator, as Associate Professor of Theatre with tenure.
Ijames, widely celebrated for his groundbreaking storytelling and innovative theatrical style, joins Columbia following an extensive national search. Christian Parker, Professor of Professional Practice and Dramaturgy Concentration Head, praised Ijames’ appointment, stating: “James impressed everyone with his candor, warmth, commitment to teaching, and insight into fostering innovation in this most collaborative of art forms. His stunning and ascendant career as a playwright speaks for itself and will no doubt inspire our students.”
A dynamic force in contemporary theater, Ijames’ works have been produced by renowned companies, including The Public Theater (NYC), Steppenwolf Theatre, The National Black Theatre, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Theater, and Shotgun Players, among others. His plays have also undergone development with PlayPenn New Play Conference, The Lark, and Playwrights Horizons.
Ijames’ accolades reflect his profound impact on the arts. He is the 2022 Pulitzer Prize winner in Drama and a 2023 Tony Award nominee for his acclaimed play Fat Ham. His honors also include the 2011 F. Otto Haas Award, two Barrymore Awards for Outstanding Direction, the 2015 Pew Fellowship for Playwriting, the Whiting Award (2017), and Steinberg Prizes in both 2020 and 2022.
Beyond his achievements as a playwright, Ijames is a dedicated educator and mentor. A graduate of Morehouse College (BA in Drama) and Temple University (MFA in Acting), he is also a founding member of Orbiter 3, Philadelphia’s first playwright-producing collective.
Reflecting on his new role, Ijames shared, “I am thrilled to join this faculty. Columbia is filled with artists and scholars I admire and respect. I arrive here at a potent moment of change, and I’m eager to explore what plays can be and how they can respond to the world around us.”
Columbia’s leadership and faculty, including Dean Sarah Cole and Professor Lynn Nottage, expressed excitement over Ijames’ arrival, calling him a “brilliant playwright, gifted educator, and dynamic creative force” poised to elevate the university’s theatre program.