ForDetails,Contact:
ElliottCunningham
Phone:603-526-6710
ManagingDirector Email:Elliott@nlbarnorg
NewLondonBarnPlayhouseAnnouncesRestructuringofDevelopmentDepartment; CelebratestheContributionsandLegacyofDirectorofDevelopment,JodyCooper
New London, NH — [November 19, 2025] The New London Barn Playhouse today announced a strategic restructuring within its Development Department as the organizationpreparesforits94thseasononMainStreetinNewLondon,NH.Aspartofthis restructuring, thepositionofDirectorofDevelopmenthasbeeneliminated,andasaresult, JodyCooperwillbedepartingfromherroleattheNewLondonBarnPlayhouse.
This decision comes as the Barn Playhouse prioritizes its focus on individual donor stewardship and cultivating deeper, more personal relationships with the supporters who have sustained the organization for nearly a century. With the continued loss of federal and state arts funding, the Playhouse is investing in hands-on donor engagement, stewardship, and connection as it works to ensure a vibrant future for live theatre in the LakeSunapee/Kearsargeregionandbeyond.
“Jody has been anessentialpartoftheBarnPlayhouse’sstoryformanyyears,includingher years of performing on the Barn Playhouse’s MainStage,” said Elliott Cunningham, Managing Director. “Her commitment to the Barn’s mission, and her passion for the arts haveshapedthedevelopmentprograminlastingandmeaningfulways”
During her tenure, Cooper played a vital role inexpandingthePlayhouse’sdonorbaseand
cultivating a passionate community of supporters. She helped grow the annual fund, strengthen year-round donor relationships, and expand business sponsorships across the summer season. Her ideas helped elevate the Barn Playhouse’s philanthropic profile, creatingasolidfoundationonwhichfuturegrowthwillcontinuetobuild.
“She worked tirelessly to uplift our mission, advocate for the arts in our community, and inspire generosity. We are deeply grateful forhercontributionsduringhertimehere,” said KeithCoughlin,ExecutiveArtisticDirector.
The Barn Playhouse is committed to ensuring that donors, whether long-time subscribers, alumni, community partners, or new supporters, feel nurtured, valued, and welcomed As the organization leans into a more collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach to fundraising, staff leadership will take a proactive role in donor cultivation, stewardship events,andpersonalizedengagement.
“We want every donor and stakeholder to feel they have a seat at the table,” added Cunningham. “Our supporters are the heartbeat of this theatre. Their investment ensures thattheBarnPlayhouseremainsathrivingculturalhomeforgenerationstocome.”
The New London Barn Playhouse extends its heartfelt thanks to JodyCooperforheryears of service, leadership, and true dedication The Playhouse wishes her well in her future endeavorsandcelebratesthelastinglegacysheleavesbehind.
Looking forward, the Barn Playhouse is excited to introduce newandmeaningfulwaysfor donors and partners to engage with the theatre and all “Barnies” during its 94th season. More details will be shared in the coming months as the organization continues to innovate,evolve,andchampiontheartsinNewHampshire.
AbouttheNewLondonBarnPlayhouse
Now in its 94th season, the New London Barn Playhouse is one of the longest-running theaters in the nation, renowned for its commitment toartisticexcellence,education,and community impact. Located on historic Main Street in New London, NH, the Barn Playhouse presents a robust season of professional productions, concerts, new work development,andyouthprogrammingthatenrichtheculturallandscapeoftheregion
ForMoreInformation
ElliottCunningham
ManagingDirector
NewLondonBarnPlayhouse
Elliott@nlbarnorg|603-526-6710