Rubén Polendo has been named dean of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, according to an announcement by President Linda G. Mills and Provost Georgina Dopico. Polendo is known for his work as a theatre artist and educator, as well as for founding Theater Mitu, a Brooklyn-based company with international recognition.
Polendo joined NYU in 2009 when he became the founding director of the theatre program at NYU Abu Dhabi. He later served as associate dean for NYUAD’s Arts Center, helping to establish its theatre program and build NYUAD’s reputation as a cultural destination in the UAE. In 2016, he was appointed chair of Tisch’s Department of Drama in New York. During this period, he led efforts to update training programs, revise curriculum, integrate technology into teaching methods, and adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also initiated projects exploring performance and technology.
In 2023, Polendo was named associate dean of Tisch’s Institute of Performing Arts and directed Tisch’s Innovation Studio. His experience includes launching interdisciplinary initiatives focused on performance and emerging technologies.
“Tisch is a remarkable incubator for the world’s most dynamic artists, scholars, and creative technologists. It holds a deep commitment to craft, experimentation, and reinvention. Having been part of this extraordinary community for many years, I’m honored to now serve as dean and to help steward it into its next chapter—one that reaffirms our identity while embracing emerging technologies, deepening global connectivity, and continuing to reimagine how the arts actively engage the world. Every day, I’m inspired by the brilliance, imagination, and boldness of our students—they are the future of the field,” Polendo said.
President Mills described Polendo as “an indisputable leader in the arts and arts education who is recognized internationally for the innovation and ingenuity he has brought to the performing arts. He is a person who knows and thoroughly understands Tisch’s creative culture and traditions, is an award-winning practitioner and admired arts educator, an active fundraiser, and a proven leader.” She added: “Rubén fully appreciates the importance of drawing on the strengths of the Tisch community and beyond to build a viable vision for making art and nurturing scholars. He also recognizes the need to work collaboratively to develop a thoughtful strategic plan for the future of Tisch, one that not only builds on its excellence but that also meets the moment and considers the roles that creatively trained people can play in the economy.”
Polendo has led Theater Mitu for more than 25 years with projects worldwide including residencies in India (Bangalore), Thailand (Bangkok), Japan (Tokyo), premieres at major venues such as Cairo Opera House (Egypt) or Teatro DUOC (Chile), among others across Europe and North America.
His achievements have recently been acknowledged with honors such as being named a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow for his work on AI in performance; Theater Mitu received The Ross Wetzsteon Award—a special Obie Award—in 2025 recognizing innovation in theater. Supporters include organizations like National Endowment for The Arts or Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
Polendo holds degrees from Trinity University (BS Biochemistry), Lancaster University (MA Global Performance), UCLA School Of Theater Film And Television (MFA Directing).
He will become Tisch’s fifth dean since its founding in 1965 following an international search chaired by Susan Hilferty—Arts Professor & Tony Award-winning costume designer—and succeeds Allyson Green who had served since 2014.
The appointment takes effect August 15th.
For nearly six decades NYU’s Tisch School has drawn from New York City resources offering students conservatory-level training alongside liberal arts education within NYU’s global network spanning campuses worldwide including Abu Dhabi & Shanghai.
