Rochester High School (RHS) bid farewell to a legendary figure in its halls of creativity and inspiration as Frank Gollon, theater director and educator, directed his final show, “Noises Off,” this spring and prepares for retirement at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Culminating a remarkable four-decade career at the school, Gollon’s impact resonated far beyond the stage. His legacy was celebrated with a surprise event on Saturday, June 1, titled “Mr. Gollon’s Opus,” an evening dedicated to honoring the lives he touched.

Reflecting on the event, Gollon said: “I knew something was up, but they only told me to show up on Saturday and gave no details. It was quite the soiree. Seeing everyone there was a great surprise — colleagues, alums, friends and family. They did it like a ‘This is Your Life’ episode. Someone would ring the doorbell and then share a story. It was an overwhelmingly wonderful evening.”

Gollon reflected on his four decades at Rochester High School, writing in the “Noises Off” playbill: “How can I possibly summarize in a few short lines what being the theatre director at RHS for 40 years has meant to me? All of the long rehearsals, builds, performances and strikes have provided countless cherished memories. Yes, they could be tiring and maddening, but in the end, there was always joy. Joy in standing back and watching students take ownership of each production. Joy in seeing students discover talents they did not know they possessed. … I am honored to have been a part of it.”

As a testament to his success, Gollon was named an honorable mention for the 2024 Excellence in Theatre Education Award from the Tony Awards. The award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. “who has demonstrated a monumental impact on students’ lives and who embodies the highest standards of the profession.”

For Gollon, his journey into theater education was an unexpected yet transformative path.

“I started as a substitute teacher at RHS in January 1983,” he said. “It wasn’t until the 1984-85 school year, when the previous director announced retirement, that a group of seniors came to me to direct their senior spring musical, ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ I had never directed before, but the seniors would not have had a show if someone didn’t take on the role.”

Gollon said that the first production sealed the deal on his directing career. “By the closing night, I realized this was the career for me.”

According to Sarah Miesch, social studies teacher and theatre manager, Gollon, who also taught in the English department at Rochester High School, has inspired many students over the years.

“He always encourages the students to find something to become involved in. Many have joined our theatre program because he encouraged them to try something new,” she said.

That includes students who have gone on to successful acting careers.

“Our theatre program is known as the Rochester Alliance of Theatrical Students — our nickname is the RATS. Many of our former RATS have gone on to careers in theatre,” Miesch said. “Some have found work in the Chicago theatre scene, on Broadway, shows such as ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Book of Mormon,’ as well as in television having roles on ABC “Schooled,” Disney’s ‘Just Roll With It’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ Not to mention the many who have continued contributing to community theatre and directing shows as theatre directors in their own high school programs.”

Over the years, Gollon witnessed the evolution of Rochester High School’s theater program. “The first time I entered the auditorium, it was in rough shape, with no upgrades over 20-plus years,” he said. “But we adapted and improvised, turning it into a space conducive to creativity.”

His philosophy emphasized educational theater, giving students ownership and pushing boundaries with classic and contemporary productions.

“Each show we produced has a memory. Some good successes, some mistakes, but it is all part of the theatrical world. When something goes wrong, we create a solution,” he said. “Students learned that so many little lessons they learn in theatre hold true for them in life.”

Suzi Barrett, a former student who graduated in 1996, attested to Gollon’s profound influence. Barrett, now an accomplished actor and improviser in Los Angeles, flew in for the event and expressed gratitude for Gollon’s mentorship.

“Mr. Gollon had an absolutely profound impact on my life and career,” she said. “He recognized my affinity for improv and nurtured my passion, ultimately shaping my career path. He gave me a book called ‘Truth in Comedy,’ which details the history and development of long-form improv, which I hadn’t heard of. I immediately changed my five-year plan and decided that rather than just aiming for a career as an actor, I would move to Chicago after college and train at the long-form improv school mentioned in the book. That’s exactly what I did, and that decision launched me on my career as an improv comedian.”

Barrett, who has been improvising for over 25 years and teaching improv for 20 — with credits including The Second City and Boom Chicago — said Gollon’s positive influence on her career is immeasurable.

“Every great thing in my life has stemmed from that decision: my income, friends, joy and fulfillment. And it all came about because he took an interest in my interest and took the time and care to nurture my passion,” she said. “He was a phenomenal teacher and director, but more than that, he was a phenomenal person. He cared about all of his students and generously gave his time, thought and attention to all of us. He was a mentor, a champion and a safe space. He made us all feel seen, heard and appreciated.”

Jessie Carl, who attended RHS from 2013-2017, echoed similar sentiments. “Mr. Gollon was easily the most impactful teacher I had in my early education,” Carl said. “His guidance allowed me to believe in myself, and his support fueled my passion for theater beyond high school.”

Carl went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from the University of Northern Colorado and currently lives in Chicago, working as a film actor and social media manager. She’s acted in several short films and a few feature-length films, including “Movie Theater Massacre” (shot at the famous Redford Detroit Theater) and “Walter, Grace, and the Submarine,” which is currently running the festival circuit throughout the Midwest.

Gollon’s dedication extended beyond the stage, impacting students like Carl on a personal level.

“He taught us the importance of tradition, teamwork, chosen family and how to ‘go do that voodoo that you do so well,’” Carl said. “His lessons about responsibility and kindness still stick with me today.”

As Gollon embarks on retirement, his impact on generations of students remains indelible.

“When I signed on to become an educator, it was about doing what’s best for the kids. The theater is a welcoming place. It is a place where students can be themselves, an environment where they can find a whole new side of themselves on stage,” he said. “I think that through theater, I was able to help students find and embrace those special aspects about themselves.”

Gollon said he now “looks forward to new adventures, possibly staying involved in theater in some capacity.”

The curtain may have closed on his illustrious career at Rochester High School, but the memories, lessons, and lives he touched will continue to resonate for years to come — a testament to the enduring power of education and the arts.