Obituary is courtesy of Dignity Memorial
He was born in Queens, New York to the late Lawrence and Vivian (Block) Golub, and grew up in North Bellmore on Long Island.
Spencer earned his undergraduate degree from Union College, master’s degree from Syracuse University, and PhD from the University of Kansas. His teaching career began at Wayne State University, followed by the University of Virginia and Brown University, where he taught for 35 years.
At Brown, Spencer was Professor Emeritus of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies and Professor Emeritus of Slavic Studies. He was Chair of the Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance from 2001 to 2007, and was a founding architect of the Brown/Trinity Consortium. He authored seven books, co-wrote a novel, contributed 150 entries to The Cambridge Guide to World Theatre and The Cambridge Guide to American Theatre, and published essays in a wide variety of books and professional journals. He was a Fulbright, IREX and two-time NEH Fellow; worked as a professional stage director, journalist, script consultant and associate artistic director in New York City; and served as a guest scholar at professional regional theatres. He directed more than three dozen productions over his career. His research interests included mise en scene, film, philosophy, Russian theatre, and creative non-fiction.
Spencer was grateful throughout his career for the opportunities to inspire new dimensions of thought, perspective, and imagination. When he wasn’t busy educating and writing, he enjoyed spending time with his family on Cape Cod and following Kansas Jayhawks basketball.
In addition to his loving wife Jeanie, he is survived by his children Rachel Ellis Golub of Rhode Island, and Ethan Golub and wife Anna of California; his sister, Mindy Golden and husband Bruce of Maryland; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Spencer will forever be an irreplaceable part of the Golub and Lynch families.
The funeral and burial are private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a photo, video or special memory of Spencer at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12628612