Adam Shankman joins Team Lythgoe on SYTYCD

By April MacIntyre Sep 17, 2009, 5:23 GMT

05/08/2009 - Adam Shankman - Shankman, who serves as a guest judge on this season’s audition episodes, will join the judges’ panel beginning with the Top 20 performance show Tuesday, Oct. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Acclaimed producer, director and choreographer Adam Shankman has joined the dance reality competition "So You Think You Can Dance" as a third judge.

Shankman, who has been a guest judge and choreographer on the show since 2007, will sit alongside Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe and draw upon his expertise to critique the dancers throughout the competition.

The new fall season airs Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Shankman, who serves as a guest judge on this season’s audition episodes, will join the judges’ panel beginning with the Top 20 performance show Tuesday, Oct. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

"So You Think You Can Dance is one of the most important things to happen in the last decade for the art form,” said Shankman. “Choreography is how I found my way into this business, and I’m proud to be a part of the show. As a filmmaker, it’s an honor to be able to recognize choreographers and dancers, and to be able to bring all of this amazing work into America’s homes. These kids challenge themselves every week, and it’s great for people to see how terrific these dancers are.”

“I am extremely happy that Adam has agreed to be a resident judge,” said Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer/Co-Creator, So You Think You Can Dance. “We love bantering and bickering, and yet he still finds a way of capturing the sensitivity of every story told on stage. He is a consummate professional with a passion for dance and a discerning eye, which makes him perfect for us. Plus, it must be remembered, it takes a slightly crazy person to work with me and Mary.”

Adam Shankman's recent credits include “Bedtime Stories” starring Adam Sandler and Keri Russell, “17 Again” starring Zac Efron and “Hairspray,” the feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Shankman also directed the hit viral video “Prop 8: The Musical” for FunnyorDie.com.

Shankman’s directorial debut was “The Wedding Planner” starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.

Prior to directing, Shankman was a choreographer who worked on such projects as “The Addams Family,” “Casper,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Anastasia,” “George of the Jungle,” “Boogie Nights,” “Miami Rhapsody” and “The Flintstones,” for which he was nominated for a Bob Fosse Award.