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In Memoriam: Joel E. Rubin, PhD, 95

Dr. Joel E. Rubin

Dr. Joel E. Rubin died peacefully on the evening of March 27, 2024. Born in September 1928, he was 95. Dr. Rubin was the Co-Founder and a Past President of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). He was one of the founding members of the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Theatre Technicians (OISTAT). He also had a long career in the industry working as the Executive Vice-President of Kliegl Bros. Stage Lighting, Co. Inc., as well as many years as Principal Consultant and Managing Director of Artec Consultants.

Here is a biography for Dr. Rubin put together by Patricia MacKay, a longtime friend, colleague, and USITT Fellow.Read More »In Memoriam: Joel E. Rubin, PhD, 95

Willa Kim Scholarship & Exhibition; News from Perdue and USITT

The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has announced the recipients of 2023 The Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship, honoring costume designer Willa Kim’s legacy and her life’s work as a pioneer, legend, and inspiration for many of today’s theater artists. Kim’s iconic work in ballet, theater, opera, and television is also the subject of a career spanning retrospective at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts as noted in this month’s theater news, along with a new online course in Structures for the Stage from Purdue University. We also look at USITT’s Gateway Program and USITT’s 2023 Joel E. Rubin Founders Award honoree, Elynmarie Kazle.

Elynmarie Kazle Honored with the USITT Joel E. Rubin Founders Award at USITT23

At the USITT 23 Conference in St. Louis, USITT honored Elynmarie Kazle with The Joel E. Rubin Founder’s Award, which is presented to a USITT member in recognition of outstanding and continued service to the Institute. This award was named in honor of Dr. Joel E. Rubin, co-founder and the second president of the Institute. Given to USITT members in recognition of extraordinary and continued service to the Institute, the award is presented as an important highlight of the Annual Conference & Stage Expo.Read More »Elynmarie Kazle Honored with the USITT Joel E. Rubin Founders Award at USITT23

Call for Contributions to Celebrate Dr. Joel E. Rubin on his 95th Birthday

Dr. Joel E. Rubin

Where would we be without him?  Of course we’re talking about Dr. Joel E. Rubin. In honor of Dr. Rubin’s 95th birthday, a number of people have decided that the most meaningful celebration would be an informal Festschrift* of contributions from the many people whose lives he has positively impacted over his long career. See below for the Call for Contributions honoring Dr. Rubin for his birthday.Read More »Call for Contributions to Celebrate Dr. Joel E. Rubin on his 95th Birthday