Dan and Meg Burnham
When you live in an apartment directly above The Granada Theatre, it’s hard not to get drawn into the magic of the theater. Since The Granada reopened in 2008, Dan and Meg Burnham have been active participants in the theater’s community.
The couple, who lived outside the city for several years after Dan retired as Chairman and CEO of Raytheon, decided they wanted to be more connected to the Santa Barbara community. Michael Towbes suggested they look at the development at Granada Towers. Meg fell in love with the penthouse, and soon, the couple relocated to the heart of the city.
“We had time and decided to get involved with the performing arts; living on top of the theater made that very easy,” said Dan Burnham.
Volunteer Committees
Through the time they devote to The Granada, the Burnhams make a tangible difference in the theater’s daily life.
Meg has served on The Legends Gala Committee since 2015, and on the Centennial Committee, helping guide one of the theater’s major annual events as well as its year-long 100th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
“Meg truly does it all, and she does it all with a smile,” said Drew Davis, Associate Director of Development at The Granada. “Her dedication to The Granada has made a tremendous impact across countless moments, large and small. Whether she’s attending events or stuffing popcorn boxes for film screenings, she consistently shows up with efficiency, reliability, and a genuine willingness to support whatever is needed for the greater good of the organization. Meg is, in every sense, the ultimate team player.
Joining the Board
Dan brought his extensive business background to The Granada Board, where he’s served as a member since 2008.
“I was in business all my career, and while I care about art, I also care about the business of art and thought I could help in that regard,” he said.
According to Burnham, he joined a passionate board that had successfully navigated the renovation and reopening of The Granada.
“There were high standards from the beginning,” he said. “We initially had the major task to help the Board strengthen the theater’s operations, and that was part of my initial effort. Since then, I’ve helped the Board define its management and administration processes in a way that balances the business and artistic sides of the theater.”
While Burnham also serves on the boards of the Santa Barbara Symphony, Ensemble Theatre Company, and the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association, his work with The Granada remains near and dear to his heart.
“If living in the same building doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will,” he said. “The Board under Palmer Jackson Jr.’s Leadership is doing its job well, and I’m very much enjoying the ride.”
Daily Impact
Through their leadership and committee involvement, the Burnhams connected with the community and continue to help elevate the theater.
“Meg and Dan’s partnership, generosity, and spirit of community have been a gift to The Granada, and we are sincerely grateful for all they contribute,” said Davis.
“By volunteering (or donating) to The Granada, you can participate in a wide array of performing arts and get connected to a vital heart of Santa Barbara,” Burnham said. “If you have high standards and want to join an organization with the same standards, join The Granada community.”