At the start of 2024, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) welcomed alumnus Sean Dooley to the team as the Technical Director of the Rogers Center for the Arts. A graduate from 2005, Dooley will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Center, working events and productions within the space, and assisting with planned renovations, equipment upgrades, and potential Center expansions.
Dooley’s most recent position before the College was at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown as their Technical Director. The venues’ events ranged “from movie screens and lectures, to stand up comedians and concerts,” with various companies using the space to perform productions in English, Hebrew, Armenian, Hindi, ASL, and more. One cool position even before the Mosesian Center, though, was his work with the Blue Man Group. Working in Boston, New York, Chicago, and even versions of the show on a cruise ship, he held various positions such as House Manager, Asst. Theatre Director, and Special FX Electrician.
His return to Merrimack has been a pleasant one. “So far, it’s like I never left, except for about 10 new buildings that have gone up! But everyone I have met has a great energy, and a desire to work with and support each other.”
Dooley has some great plans for the Rogers Center, with both short and long term goals. “Short term, we are looking to replace the stage surface this summer, and incorporate some new tech to help make the space easier to work in for small events. Longer term, the space needs a fresh coat of paint, and new chairs for the theatre. I’d like to start bringing in some more modern technology that students are likely to encounter in theatre spaces outside of Merrimack, and, to some extent, catch up with better technology that they may have had at some of the newer high school spaces that have been built.” In the grand scheme of things, Dooley says he’s planning for the Center’s expansion, and that “creating a centralized space for the Arts, and additional studio, rehearsal, and performance spaces on campus would be a great benefit to all of the Merrimack College Community!”
We’re lucky to have such a creative individual join our team in VPA. If you ever see him at his desk in the Rogers Center, don’t be afraid to say hi!
