Title: President
Company: The Strand
Location: Dover, New Hampshire, United States
Dan Demers, president at The Strand, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.
Mr. Demers, a distinguished figure in the entertainment and community service sectors, has dedicated his life to fostering creativity and supporting veterans. As the president of The Strand in Dover, New Hampshire, since 2015, he has transformed the venue into a vibrant hub for the arts. His commitment to customer relations is evident as he greets every attendee, ensuring they feel part of The Strand family. This personal touch, combined with his expertise in customer relations, has been instrumental in the theater’s success. Under Mr. Demers’s leadership, The Strand hosts a variety of events, including concerts, game shows and fashion shows, while also partnering with educational institutions like Seacoast Charter School to teach students about theater production.
Before venturing into the entertainment industry, Mr. Demers ran his own business at Dr. Dan Auto Clinic. He later founded Dania Dance Studio, where he taught dance and designed dance shoes. Mr. Demers began his notable tenure in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an aircraft mechanic from 1979 to 1983, and then rejoined after a decade-long break, retiring in 2018. His military service instilled in him a strong work ethic and technical skills that have been invaluable throughout his professional journey.
Mr. Demers graduated from high school in 1978. He is now pursuing an undergraduate degree in theater from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. His higher education will further equip him with the skills necessary to manage The Strand effectively and support emerging artists. Additionally, Mr. Demers is taking business courses, which will help him manage his ventures.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Demers is actively involved in various civic organizations, including the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers at Seacoast Charter School and serves as quartermaster at the NH Veterans Association Campground at Weirs Beach. Furthermore, he teaches salsa and bachata dance within his community, having previously served on a dance team in 2015. Mr. Demers’s charitable efforts extend to organizations such as Dover Children’s Home, Hometown Heroes in Seabrook, United Way Worldwide and local veterans’ groups.
Mr. Demers’s professional contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received accolades such as Best of New Hampshire for Eclectic Performance Space in 2023 and Unique Best Places for Best Small-Town Movie Theaters by New Hampshire Magazine in 2024. These awards reflect his commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic environment at The Strand.
Attributing much of his success to his determination and persistence, these qualities have driven Mr. Demers to create opportunities for others within the arts community. Looking ahead, he envisions expanding The Strand’s reach by acquiring additional properties and establishing a network of theaters across various locations. He also aims to create a traveling theater company that brings performances to different communities, fostering shared cultural experiences. Additionally, Mr. Demers plans to offer free rehearsal space for bands at The Strand, nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools needed to succeed in the music industry.
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