Courtesy of David Geffen School of Drama

On Feb. 27, University President Maurie McInnis and Provost Scott Strobel announced the retirement of James Bundy DRA ’95, dean of the David Geffen School of Drama and artistic director of the Yale Repertory Theatre, in an email to the Yale community. 

Bundy has served in his role since 2002 and is the longest-serving dean in school history. He will continue to serve as both dean and artistic director for the School of Drama for the 2025-26 season. 

“The opportunity to create things that invite people to entertain significant propositions and complexity with joy and empathy and understanding is a tremendous privilege,” said Bundy. “I’m going to enjoy that right through June 30, 2026.”

According to Bundy, it seemed like a “good moment” to announce his plans for stepping down, as the final year of his tenure coincides with the 100th year of dramatic arts at Yale. He also said that the construction plans for the new Dramatic Arts Building are currently being finalized.

The early retirement notice also gives the Provost’s Office the opportunity to begin the search for his successor. 

Chantal Rodriguez, associate dean of the School of Drama, said that it will be “difficult” to find someone to fill Bundy’s position. However, she said that the school is undergoing a time of transition into the next chapter of the school.

“I think it’ll be a great opportunity to engage with a new vision for the arts, and I hope it will be inspiring as well to the students,” said Rodriguez. 

Rodriguez emphasized the impact of Bundy’s legacy on the School of Drama, particularly with the financial aid offered by the school. Under his leadership in 2021, a $150 million donation from entertainment magnate David Geffen enabled the School of Drama to become tuition-free in perpetuity, beginning in the 2021-22 academic year. 

“He’s really been focused on equity and accessibility, to make sure that the school can become and continues to be accessible,” said Rodriguez. 

According to Bundy, his favorite part of his job has been witnessing students achieve a standard of work that is the hallmark of the School of Drama. 

“Those kinds of breakthroughs are absolutely thrilling,” Bundy said. “They’re kind of the proof of the pudding.”

Following his retirement, Bundy said that he will remain dedicated to theater at Yale and plans to continue teaching at the Yale College, as well as the School of Drama following his retirement. Currently, Bundy teaches “Acting Shakespeare” to undergraduates in the fall and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. 

Prior to Yale, he served as the artistic director of Great Lakes Theater Festival, as well as the associate producing director of the Acting Company in New York City. According to Bundy, his work at Yale is a combination of directing and engaging in training at the “highest level.” 

A 1995 graduate of the School of Drama, Bundy acknowledged that his experience as a student equipped him for the challenges of the job.

“I wanted to have the opportunity to change other people’s lives the way mine had been changed,” Bundy said.

Florie Seery, associate dean of the School of Drama and managing director of the Yale Repertory Theatre, has worked with Bundy since taking on her position in 2020. She said that the shared leadership model fosters the collaborative relationship between deans.

“He very much is a believer in listening to the ideas in the room,” said Seery. 

Rodriguez has worked alongside Bundy since her appointment as assistant dean in 2016. A year later, she became associate dean and most recently was invited to become the associate artistic director of the Yale Rep. 

During her time, she said, Bundy expanded the decanal team from three to five people. 

Working with him both creatively, as well as overseeing diversity and inclusion initiatives together, Rodriguez said that she has seen him work in the capacity of multiple roles: director, dean and teacher.

Both Seery and Rodriguez described Bundy as someone who is extremely dedicated to and invested in the school, as well as the Rep. 

“He’s an amazing leader who really can see the big picture of the school and the Rep,” said Rodriguez.

Bundy spends an “incredible” amount of time and energy dedicated to maintaining both communities. This, she said, is driven by his deep passion and understanding for the art form, as well as training theater professionals. 

Seery emphasized the difficulty for hiring someone to fulfill the positions of dean of the School of Drama and artistic director of the Yale Rep. The role would require someone who is both artistically talented and competent to lead the school. 

The School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre are yet to announce who would fill Bundy’s position. 

 “While everyone is replaceable, he’s going to be hard to replace,” said Seery. 

The new Dramatic Arts Building is set to finish in summer 2029.