Arthur Storch

Arthur Storch (June 29, 1925 – March 5, 2013) was an American actor, theatre director, and educator. A life member of The Actors Studio, he founded Syracuse Stage in 1974 and served as its artistic director for 18 years, establishing it as a major regional theater. Storch directed over 50 productions there while simultaneously serving as Chair of the Syracuse University Drama Department and teaching where he developed the influential "Syracuse Model" of actor training. His Broadway career spanned four decades as both an actor (''A Hatful of Rain'', '' The Night of the Iguana'') and director (''Tribute'', ''Norman, Is That You?''). He also appeared in films including ''The Exorcist'' (1973) and mentored actors like Frank Langella.

Early life

Arthur Storch was born on June 29, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. 1He attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Like many of his generation, he enlisted in the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor, crossed Normandy early in the campaign, and advanced deep into Germany by the war's end.

After his service, he studied drama at The New School under Erwin Piscator in the 1940s. 2In 1952, Storch joined The Actors Studio, where he trained alongside Marlon Brando and Julie Harris in method acting. 3

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Career

Early acting career

After studying at The Actors Studio, Storch began his career as an actor in the 1950s. He appeared in several Broadway productions including Michael V. Gazzo's ''A Hatful of Rain'' (1955) and the original production of Tennessee Williams' '' The Night of the Iguana'' (1961).

His Broadway acting credits also included ''The Egghead'' (1957) and ''The Disenchanted'' (1958), establishing him as a character actor in dramatic roles.

Directing and Syracuse Stage

Storch founded Syracuse Stage in 1974 as a professional theater integrated with Syracuse University's drama program - an innovative model later adopted by Yale and Juilliard. As artistic director until 1992, he:
* Directed 50+ productions including the world premiere of ''Tribute'' (1978), which transferred to Broadway
* Developed new works like Frank Langella's '' Cyrano'' (1986)
* Taught acting using his signature text-analysis approach

Under his leadership, Syracuse Stage became a regional powerhouse, premiering works as Patrick Meyer's, K2 (1984), and Frank Langella's '' Cyrano'' (1986).

Film and later work

Storch appeared as the psychiatrist in William Friedkin's horror classic ''The Exorcist'' (1973). He continued acting sporadically in film and television through the 2000s, while also teaching at The New School in New York.

Teaching

Storch served as a professor at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts from 1974 to 1992, where he developed his signature approach combining Stanislavskian principles with rigorous text analysis. He pioneered the "Syracuse Model," integrating professional regional theatre (through Syracuse Stage) with academic training - an approach later emulated by programs like Yale and Juilliard.

His notable contemporary Frank Langella and student Taye Diggs frequently cited his transformative mentorship:

Storch's pedagogical approach directly influenced his professional work. His 1978 production of ''Tribute'', developed through Syracuse Stage's academic-theatre pipeline, transferred to Broadway with its "razor-sharp comic timing" intact. This synergy between classroom and stage became a hallmark of his tenure.

Personal life

Storch was married five times; Brook Hanna, Vergel Cook (actor), Virginia Kiser (actor), Cynthia Martin, & Dr.Peggy McEvoy and had three children, Max, Alexander & Bess. His son Max followed him into theatre as a production manager.

Death and legacy

Storch died from natural causes on March 5, 2013, in Manhattan. In 2014, Syracuse Stage:
* Established the **Arthur Storch Award for Outstanding New Play**
* Named its mainstage in his honor
* Premiered a WCNY-TV documentary about his career

Tributes

Following his death, Frank Langella recalled Storch as "a fierce advocate for actors and new plays," while Syracuse Stage artistic director Robert Hupp stated, "Arthur built this theater with sheer will and artistic integrity." The Drama League honored him posthumously for his contributions to regional theatre.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage

As actor

* ''A Hatful of Rain'' (1955) - Broadway (Replacement)
* '' The Egghead'' (1957) - Broadway (Howard Wagner)
* '' The Disenchanted'' (1958) - Broadway (Understudy)
* '' The Night of the Iguana'' (1961) - Broadway (Original cast)

As director

References

External links

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Syracuse Stage 50th Anniversary Archive
(archived 2023)

TCM Filmography

Arthur Storch
at the Internet Off-Broadway Database

{{DEFAULTSORT:Storch, Arthur
1925 births
2013 deaths
American male film actors
American theatre directors
Actors Studio alumni
Actors from Brooklyn