Steppenwolf Theatre

Chicago's Curt Columbus, head of the summer Theatre on the Lake and associate artisitc director at Steppenwolf Theatre is leaving the Chicago Theatre scene to become the artisitic director at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.

In addition to his duties at Steppenwolf and Theater on the Lake, the Yale graduate teaches at the University of Chicago and DePaul University. Columbus is a director, writer, dramaturg, and translator/adaptor of major Russian works such as "Crime and Punishment." Among his first duties — when he assumes his new position in January — will be choosing the new Trinity 2006-2007 season. His appointment also includes duties as chair of the Brown University/Trinity Consortium's graduate programs in acting and directing.

Trinity announced his appointment, capping a search to replace Oskar Eustis, who left to become artistic director of the Public Theater in New York.

''Curt Columbus is one of America's finest theater leaders, with a great depth of experience," Jack McConnell, chair of the search committee and a Trinity trustee, said in a statement. ''We were struck by his passion for creating environments where both resident company members and national artists can excel; programs that engage the community; teaching that inspires and challenges both students and faculty; and creating and adapting new works."

Columbus's duties will include selecting the plays for Trinity's 2006-2007 season. He will also head a graduate program in acting and directing administered jointly by Trinity and Brown University.

In the statement, McConnell indicated that the search, which began with more than a hundred applicants, ended with a trio of finalists whom he called ''three of the most talented people in regional theater today."

Trinity Rep was founded in 1964. The company received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater Company in 1981.