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Jeff Rebudal
Director and Assistant Clinical Professor, Arts and Entertainment Management MS Program
Department of Management and Management Sciences
We interviewed Professor Jeff Rebudal, who joined Pace three years ago, about his unorthodox career trajectory from broadcast journalist to dancer and choreographer to his current role as professor of management and director of the MS in Arts and Entertainment Management .
Why Management and Management Science?
Arts and Entertainment Management is inextricably linked to the performance industry (live/virtual events) and is the backbone for the support and future of various industries. Without business acumen, art and entertainment wouldn’t happen and vice versa.
Why Lubin/Pace?
The Lubin School of Business has one of the most popular AEM programs in the country. Our program is relevant and in the center of one of the entertainment capitals of the world. Also, we truly guide and assist students in their academic success through graduation and beyond.
List your research interests/areas:
Event studies/projects and event management: My new research focuses on the Javits Center in New York City, specifically their recent, new sustainable events space. During my initial research phase, key questions asked (but not limited to) are: What are the significant impacts (environmental, educational, economic, community, and legacy) that the Javits Center has on organizations, demographics, communities, and individuals?
Performing arts: dance, opera and theater
Why is it important to advance research in those areas?
Similar to arts management being less than 50 years old in terms of existence as a field of study and research, event studies is a relatively new field of academic study/research. It’s exciting to be a part of a timely and relevant topic. Event studies are being taken seriously in other parts of the world and continue to take root and be noticed here in the US
What do students learn in your class?
Among the many hard and soft skills students gain in the courses I teach at The Lubin School, the principals of DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility) are fundamentally taught and discussed. Readings, assignments, and projects center around DEIA as a means of understanding and exploring how race/ethnicity shapes the field of entertainment. We also analyze how race/ethnicity intersects with other social identities and experiences in relation to project and event management.
You serve on the Executive Committee of the American College Dance Association as Vice President of Membership. What motivated you to get involved with ACDA?
I have served on the board for almost 20 years. In addition to the many benefits that motivated me to be with ACDA, it is also a wonderful community of colleagues and artists while being part of a larger sphere that mentors, teaches future dance artists and performing arts leaders.
How does your work with ACDA translate to your work in Lubin?
It fulfills the professional service requirements for full-time faculty positions and keeps me professionally connected to the non-profit arts sectors that can further connect real-world experiences to the classroom.
It also serves as potential referrals/recruitment of prospective students to Lubin and Pace University.
Discuss your professional path and its impact on how you teach and what you teach.
Non-Linear/Unorthodox Trajectory: Broadcast Journalist => Dancer => Choreographer=> Professor of Dance => Director of Dance Program=> Director of Arts=> Professor of Management=>Director of Arts and Entertainment Management Program.
Real-world skills and relevant experience inform your learning in the classroom and creative spaces. My keen interest in the creative performing arts and the pragmatism of business acumen inform each other as I teach. Thus, further informing my research/learning in the field of art and entertainment.
What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are today?
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, I helped launch a new and exciting Master of Arts program in the midst of a global crisis. I also gladly resigned from a position at a Research I level institution to seek my next path in my life’s journey.
Which triumph are you most proud of?
Launching a new MS program during the pandemic and seeing/leading the first cohorts of graduates successfully through the program, each gaining gainful employment in key AEM positions here in one of the entertainment capitals of the world.
What is the single most important lesson you want to teach your students?
“Nothing is new.” Know who was part of history and what developed before you as you “stand on the shoulders” of those who started and developed what you are learning/experiencing now. Also, network-network-network in person – I can’t stress this enough!
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
Teaching and mentoring (and learning from) future performing arts and entertainment leaders who are diverse and inclusive with a global and open perspective.
And Professor Rebudal gives:
MGT 620 Arts and Entertainment Management
MGT 621 Programming and Manufacturing Practicum
MGT 622 Fundraising and Budgeting in A+E
MGT 623 Project & Event Management at A+E
MGT 624 Agent Representation in A+E
MBA 814 Leadership Team Management
MGT 317 Project Management Entertainment