Elon community mourns the death of Professor of Performing Arts Fred Rubeck

With great sadness, I write to share with you that Fred Rubeck, professor of performing arts and chair of the Department of Performing Arts, passed away Wednesday, May 6.

All are invited to the Sacred Space in Numen Lumen at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, for a Gathering of Friends in Fred’s memory as we mourn the loss of someone who was a colleague, mentor, and friend.

Fred joined the Elon faculty in 1988 and served as chair of the Department of Performing Arts twice—first from 2006 to 2018, and again from 2022 until his passing. In that role, he skillfully guided one of the largest departments at Elon, serving multiple majors and minors all focused on excellent performance experiences that challenge, entertain, and teach. He was instrumental in building the foundation of our performing arts programs, supervising the renovations of the Center for the Arts and the construction of Scott Studios, which includes the Roberts Studio Theatre, rehearsal hall, dressing rooms, and shop and storage facilities.

Fred’s creative legacy is extraordinary. At Elon, he directed more than 50 productions, beginning with “Tintypes” in 1988 and including “South Pacific,” “The Shadow Box,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Antigone,” “Arcadia,” and “Instant Laughter,” among many others. As a playwright, Fred composed 10 original works, performed in more than 40 productions and served as an educator and champion of the performing arts for close to four decades. His scholarship extended well beyond our campus, with summer directing engagements at regional theatres across the country for productions including “A Christmas Carol,” “Evita,” “The Sound of Music,” “Damn Yankees,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Hair.”

Generations of Elon students benefited from Fred’s teaching, which spanned nearly every aspect of the performing arts curriculum—performance, directing, playwriting, theory, production, ensemble, travel courses, and general education. Beyond his department, Fred was a citizen of the entire university, serving on practically every committee that supports our work, from Academic Council and Curriculum Committee to countless search committees and more. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award, the Semester Sabbatical Award, the Exemplary Service Award for Advising College Freshmen, a Summer Fellowship in Playwriting, and a Faculty Research Grant for the study of movement training for the actor.

It is hard to imagine Elon without Fred’s joyful and dashing presence. His warmth, his craft, and his deep kindness for students and colleagues alike shaped this community in ways we will never forget.

Resources are available to students, faculty, and staff to discuss feelings of loss or concern for others. Students can always access the 24/7 resources from the crisis counselor on-call at 336-278-2222, TalkNow from TimelyCare, or the Student Life administrator on-call through Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555. On weekdays, university resources include university chaplains in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at 336-278-7729, staff with the Office of Student Care and Outreach at 336-278-7104, or counselors from Counseling Services at 336-278-7280. Faculty and staff may also utilize Elon Work-Life Resources for support. Assistance is also available from Elon’s Employee Assistance Program through MYgroup, which offers free confidential counseling and other resources to employees and their families. Access MYgroup resources by calling (800) 633-3353 and ask to connect with counseling resources.

Please join me in sending prayers of thanks for the personal and professional contributions Fred made to this university and this community, and keep Fred’s colleagues, family and friends in your thoughts. May they find peace and consolation during this very difficult time.