Dr. Joel Rubin

Dr. Joel E. Rubin became the face of Kliegl Bros. Lighting Company, one of the major manufacturers of stage lighting, for a large portion of the twentieth century.  He was also a lighting designer, company executive and later, an active theatre consultant at Artec Consultants, and his own firm Joel E. Rubins and Associates.

But there was another side to Dr. Rubin’s presence, that of a supporter and nurturer of the profession of theatre technology and of individuals who aspired to be a part of it.

His work to develop and launch the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) is tribute to that. Going back to the early 1960’s, he provided leadership to a small group of industry professionals, designers, and educators to form what would eventually become a major national organization that brings together thousands of theatre technology participants at an annual conference and in regional section meetings. Dr. Rubin also was a founding member of the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Theatre Technicians (OISTAT), serving as president for eight years.  He was instrumental in starting the well-respected journal of USITT, Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T).  Through his influence and support, he helped to launch hundreds of professional careers.

Joel Rubin was an accomplished practitioner who knew our industry inside and out. But at heart he was a dedicated teacher and theatre production enthusiast, looking out, especially, for the young people who were just getting started.

He was instrumental in the design and manufacture of many significant products that helped advance the course of stage lighting and its designers. In his later years he was a sought after and effective theatre consultant with a slate of national and international clients. But behind it all was his never-failing advocacy for the profession, best illustrated by his lifetime support of USITT and its membership.

His contributions and friendship shall be his enduring legacy. May he be well remembered.

http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/news/story.asp?ID=-MB93WD

https://www.livedesignonline.com/news/joel-e-rubin-1928-2024

By D. Andrew Gibbs, PhD, ASTC

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the American Society of Theatre Consultants.  This article is for general information only and should not be substituted for specific advice from a Theatre Consultant, Code Consultant, or Design Professional, and may not be suitable for all situations nor in all locations.