‘King Lear’ Marks Dramatic Departure for Professor Rubin

For more than 25 years, Dr. Jason Rubin, associate professor of drama, has taught students his extensive knowledge of the theater with a smile that never fades. Rubin’s sparkling personality and commitment to education has helped him create an academic environment where his passion for drama is transcended to his students.

Rubin’s all-encompassing involvement with the Drama Department extends outside the classroom. Along with a total of 17 courses he has taught at Washington College, Rubin is active in directing and designing many of WC’s best productions, including “The Tragedy of King Lear,” which opens April 4.

“Directing the musicals has always been a challenge and a lot of fun, but I’ve also been extremely pleased that I could experiment on stage with something like ‘Medea’… and ‘Anne Frank’… back in the ’90s,” he said.

After seeing a ballet in second grade, Rubin fell in love with set design. In grade school he would create his own sets and participated in summer theater programs. After completing both his undergraduate degree and Master of Fine Arts at Hofstra and Columbia University respectively, Rubin began thinking about academia while pursuing his doctorate at New York University.

In 1986, WC had an opening while Professor Tim Maloney was on sabbatical, which is when Rubin first became a professor. He fit in so well, he was hired back as a permanent professor after Maloney’s sabbatical was over. Rubin and Maloney have worked very closely together on numerous productions ever since.

“I’ve been lucky to have some great colleagues [like Maloney] in the Drama Department,” said Rubin.

“I believe both of us have taken a great deal of pleasure and inspiration from our free exchange of ideas on each of those productions. I know that I have been a better director because of our collaboration. I’ll miss that as I’ll miss our frequent conversations in his office or mine on almost any topic imaginable,” said Maloney.

Rubin has built a unique connection at WC with his students. As an openly gay man, Rubin has been able to be a mentor and a role model to others struggling with their sexuality. In the past, Rubin was an advisor for EROS (Encouraging Respect of Sexualities) and now hopes to marry his partner of 37 years.

The small liberal arts environment has allowed Rubin to truly get to know his students. He still keeps in touch with his students from when he started in 1986. “[The students] keep me young,” said Rubin.

Many students agree that the energy and humor of Rubin’s teaching is sure to be missed. Sophomore Austin Lewis said, “I’ve really enjoyed being able to joke around with him, but still get a lot done in a fun, engaging way. I’ll definitely miss working with him; his questions that make you really think as an actor and help flesh out a character onstage, and of course his all too familiar smile.”

“He is not your ordinary professor. I will miss his sense of humor and love for what he teaches,” said sophomore Ashley Elmore.

“I’m going to miss seeing Jason’s outfits, and mostly his smile and his upbeat attitude that he constantly has. I am so proud to have the opportunity to know him,” said junior Phaedra Scott.

After this final semester, Rubin will be retiring to his home in Baltimore where he jokingly plans to do absolutely nothing. He said, “I’ve reached my expiration date. The cumulative effect [of the commute] is taking its toll on me physically and mentally. If I didn’t have to do the commute I could keep teaching. I love it. I love being in the classroom.”