Remembering Ruis Woertendyke

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The Sands College of Performing Arts community mourns the passing of Ruis Woertendyke, former Chair of Theatre at Pace School of Performing Arts (PPA). For more than three decades, Ruis dedicated his career to educating artists, mentoring faculty, and playing an integral role in shaping the performing arts programs that would ultimately become the Sands College of Performing Arts.

A visionary educator and leader, Ruis fostered a culture of artistic excellence that continues to define Sands College. During his tenure, he recruited a new generation of faculty, many of whom remain part of the Sands community today. Ruis also oversaw the creation of the renowned Musical Theater and Commercial Dance programs, as well as the evolution of the BFA Acting and BA Acting and Directing programs.

Ruis established Pace’s first collaboration with La MaMa, launching repertory seasons featuring one-act plays by celebrated playwrights. He was also instrumental in founding Methods: A Journal of Acting Pedagogy, which became an important forum for advancing scholarship and dialogue about the craft and teaching of acting. In 2017, Ruis was honored with the Kenan Award for Teaching Excellence in recognition of his outstanding teaching, dedication to students, and intellectual leadership.

Those who knew Ruis remember him not only as an accomplished educator and administrator but also as a mentor who nurtured artists with curiosity, rigor, and generosity. His legacy lives on in the countless students, alumni, and colleagues he inspired, and in the vibrant artistic community he helped create at Pace.

A celebration of Ruis Woertendyke's life will be held on Monday, July 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at TJ Byrnes. All are welcome to attend as we remember and celebrate Ruis's extraordinary life and lasting contributions.