Greg Dana’s connection to Marblehead High School theater stretches back to 1965, when, as a shy freshman, he was talked into auditioning for “Little Mary Sunshine.” He landed the role of a forest ranger — and never really left.
Aside from college and a two-year stint in the military, Dana remained a fixture in Marblehead theater for more than 60 years, working with thousands of students as the program’s longtime technical director. He ran lights, sound and backstage systems, and was often spotted after hours repairing seats in the Performing Arts Center at the Veterans School.
This fall, at 75, he quietly took his final bow.
“I really enjoyed what I did,” Dana said during a recent interview in his Marblehead living room. “It was always about the kids. I love their enthusiasm and their honesty. It’s so fun to watch them grow up.”
Now, supporters are proposing naming the MHS auditorium in his honor. Ashley Skeffington, an English teacher and drama director at the high school, made the pitch to the School Committee.
“Over the decades, Greg inspired generations of young people — many of whom pursued technical theater and film at prestigious universities, going on to have successful creative careers,” Skeffington wrote in a letter to the committee.
She continued, “His legacy is measured not only in their professional accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched, the confidence he instilled and the community he built through the arts.”
Dana’s influence reached well beyond Marblehead, touching students who went on to both fame and behind-the-scenes acclaim. Among them is movie star and writer Rob Delaney, MHS Class of 1995.
“Mr. Dana was an indispensable part of all the shows I did at MHS and was always a pleasure to work with,” Delaney told the Current. “He knew the facility inside and out and made sure all technical aspects of the shows were top notch. God knows how many kids he turned into capable, proficient backstage crew members. On top of all that, he’s a great guy and cares deeply about the school and his students.”
Another former student, Tyson Miller, Class of 2012, is now an entertainment lighting designer and technician based in Egypt.
“There are many generations of MHS students that have learned and trained under Greg,” Miller said. “A lot of the students that go through the theater don’t go into the entertainment industry, but the skills he teaches apply to a variety of contexts. He gives students a place to learn how to think creatively, work with their hands and collaborate in a physical environment outside the classroom.”
Current MHS senior Lucas Rosen began working with Dana as a freshman.
“He was a great mentor and friend,” Rosen said. “He taught me everything I know about lighting. He has so much knowledge about how the theater works. That’s what we’re truly going to miss.”
Rosen said Dana helped shape his future — he plans to pursue theater and lighting in college.
“And I’m going to take a page out of Mr. Dana’s book,” he said. “I want to be a math teacher and theater technical director.”
Beyond theater, Dana spent decades in the classroom as a popular math teacher. He led the yearbook for 35 years and created the senior slide show from 1984 to 2011.
As for what comes next, Dana said he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife of 41 years, Anita. He’s also developed a passion for gardening, sometimes spending 10 to 12 hours a day tending to his plants.
Asked what he’ll miss most about his theater days, Dana didn’t hesitate.
“The kids,” he said. “I have a lot of wonderful memories.”
The School Committee is inviting residents to share feedback on the proposal to name the auditorium for Dana. Comments can be sent to schoolcommittee@marbleheadschools.org.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
