Behind the Scenes Magazine | Special Holiday Edition 2020

Reinvent Your Holidays and Share New Traditions

Behind the Scenes MAGAZINE

Special Holiday Edition 2020 Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020 TheHanoverTheatre.org

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Dear Reader, This has been quite the year for all of us! We’ve all had to adapt in many surprising and often creative ways. Although we are missing all of you and we can’t wait for it to be safe for our main stage to open to the public again, we remain grateful for the things we ARE able to do and look forward to sharing them with you!

This special edition is dedicated to the passionate people who provide the talent, commitment and resources necessary so that we can reinvent and reimagine how we deliver quality experiences that connect us with one another. They are the reason we’ve been able to safely host events and conduct classes. We’re grateful for everyone who makes it possible to continue teaching our students through conservatory classes online and in person.

Behind the Scenes MAGAZINE Special Holiday Edition 2020

My ornament from the year of our grand opening reminds me how far we’ve been able to come on our journey. As I decorate my tree this year, I am filled with both hope and gratitude, and I wish the same for you. Here’s to the happiest of new years for everyone, full of fresh opportunities, sweet memories and joyful connections.

I look forward to seeing you back at the theatre in 2021!

My very best,

Happy Holidays!

Lisa K. Condit Vice President, Communications The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts p.s. Look for links to additional content and photos throughout this issue. For example, you can check out our Annual Report to the Community and a recording of our Annual Meeting for some entertaining surprises!

Behind the Scenes

Magazine is available online and typically printed twice a year under normal conditions by The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All rights reserved. All images, unless otherwise noted, ©The Hanover Theatre.

Editor: Lisa K. Condit Designer: Monica Wagner Elefterion Contributors: Veronica Bailey, Lillian Irwin, Meghan Montaner, Diane Pieciak, Kelly Rourke, Olivia Scanlon.

Front cover photo: Viktoria Chiappa and Steve Gagliastro (Ebenezer Scrooge) in a scene from A Christmas Carol Reimagined. Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

Plan now to advertise in our next issue.

Contact Diane Pieciak, senior sales manager, at 508.930.2424 or diane@thehanovertheatre.org.

Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

We’re excited to share the fresh new take on A Christmas Carol Reimagined, presented by THT Repertory at Worcester’s new BrickBox Theater. Attend one of our safe and socially distant screenings at the BrickBox and receive one of our gold-plated commemorative ornaments, (pictured above) compliments of The Club at Rockland Trust.

Inside December Delights......................................................6 A Christmas Carol Reimagined: Safety First............. 8 A New Take on Dickens’ Timeless Tale....................10 Sharing an Attitiude of Gratitude.............................12 Grateful to Our Season Sponsors.............................14 Meet the Cast and Creative Team.........................16 In the Words of Ebenezer Scrooge..........................20 Add Festive Fun to New Traditions...........................22 Give the Gift of Creativity.........................................24 Virtual Student Matinee Series..................................26 Bringing the Performing Arts to Students.................28 Thanks to Our Partners...............................................30 Your Contributions Make a Difference....................32 Win Tickets to See Sarah Brightman.........................33

December Delights!

Follow these links for more details and to purchase live stream tickets to a variety of concerts, as well as this year’s filmed theatrical production of A Christmas Carol Reimagined. Celebrate the spirit of the season from the comfort and safety of your own home!

WGBH Presents A Virtual Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan Wednesday, December 16 7:30 PM

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Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy at Home LIVE! Virtually Friday, December 18 7 PM

A Christmas Carol Reimagined Screenings at the BrickBox Available through December 23 Enjoy this new theatrical production filmed by John Stimpson on location at Worcester’s BrickBox Theater in the Jean McDonough Arts Center. Socially distant seating is limited to 25.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker Livestream Saturday, December 19 7 PM See page 26 for our Student Matinee option!

A Christmas Carol Reimagined Video On Demand Available through December 31 See page 26 for our Student Matinee option!

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020

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A Christmas Carol Reimagined: Safety Fir

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rst

When it became apparent that it wouldn’t be possible to present our annual production of A Christmas Carol on the main stage, Troy Siebels and Olivia D’Ambrosio Scanlon, THT Repertory’s artistic director, worked closely with Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) to ensure that safety protocols were put in place and followed so that the cast could rehearse and ultimately film this year’s production.

Listen to Troy’s Behind the Scenes interview and hear how current events inspired him to reinvent this holiday tradition and find a way to tell the story that is near and dear to his heart.

Pictured here, Troy makes notes as Viktoria Chiappa (Actor 5/Belle) and Steve Gagliastro (Ebenezer Scrooge) rehearse for A Christmas Carol Reimagined.

To view more rehearsal photos by Berlin Photography, visit our Flickr Album.

A New Take on Dickens’ Timeless Tale Filmmaker John Stimpson slates for cinematographer Amanda McGrady. Steve Gagliastro (Ebenezer Scrooge) waits for the first take of scene 2. A Christmas Carol Reimagined was filmed on November 29 at Worcester’s BrickBox Theater.

Click here to watch A Christmas Carol Reimagined from the comfort of your own home now through December 31.

To see more production shots by Michael Gerulaitis Photography, visit our Flickr album.

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY OR UNCERTAINTY. THROUGH THICK AND THIN. REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES. #PENTAstrong #HanoverStrong #CommunityStrong

T H E P E N TA B U I L D I N G / 2 0 8 T U R N P I K E R O A D / W E S T B O R O U G H , M A 0 1 5 8 1 / 5 0 8 . 6 1 6 . 9 9 0 0

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020

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Sharing an Attitude of Gratitude

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“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of our sponsors for making A Christmas Carol Reimagained possible this year. “ -Troy Siebels

At the table, the Cratchit Family from left Annie Kerins, Clara Cochran, Michael O. Afriyie and Taavon Gamble and looked upon

by Steve Gagliastro (as Scrooge standing).

Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

Presenting Co-Sponsors

Supporting Co-Sponsors

Presented in

Virtual Student Matinee Sponsor

Behind the Scenes at The Hanoverpartnership Theatre andwith Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020

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Grateful to our Season Sponsors!

At the end of last winter, when many of our sponsors originally agreed to sponsor shows in the 2020-2021 season, none of us had any idea that a pandemic would throw a wrench in the works and most productions would be cancelled, postponed or dramatically changed, including our Broadway Series. These companies were flexible and willingly changed their focus, sometimes multiple times, as our season evolved.

They always had a consistent view towards the value and importance of the performing arts in our community.

Assumption University Bartholomew & Co. Berkshire Bank Cornerstone Bank Country Bank Reliant Medical Group The Club at Rockland Trust UniBank Worcester Academy Worcester State University

Many sponsors agreed to come together in an unprecedented way, to sponsor THT Repertory’s A Christmas Carol Reimagined film production.

With their help, we are able to offer a tiered pricing strategy to our customers that includes a subsidized option and provides access to A Christmas Carol Reimagined for as little as $5.

Without the collaborative help of Assumption University, Bartholomew & Co, Cornerstone Bank, Country Bank, The Club at Rockland Trust, Worcester Academy and Worcester State University, this would not have been possible.

Others saw enormous value in ensuring that students around the state are able to experience the arts, even in our current circumstance, and have stepped up to sponsor virtual student matinees of A Christmas Carol Reimagined, The Stories of Peter and the Wolf & Hansel and Gretel and more. Sponsors like Reliant Medical Group, UniBank and Worcester State University are helping to ensure that the arts remain an accessible part of the education received by Worcester County students.

The aid our sponsors give us is always invaluable.

This year, it is especially wonderful to have their support as we all navigate these tricky waters together.

Beloved Tradition Continues Through Commitment to the Arts Berkshire Bank, who has sponsored our stage production of The Nutcracker for many years, continues to support this annual tradition in a new way. While the main stage remains closed to public performances, our conservatory students have the unique opportunity to perform all of the roles and present it as a virtual recital that showcases our many talented dancers by class level. Ava Tselios is playing Clara in The Nutcracker this year. She is photographed with Jennifer Agbay, director of dance at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory. The Nutcracker, sponsored by Berkshire Bank, will be streamed online December 20 for conservatory families.

Photo T & G staff/Rick Cinclair.

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Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Spedial Holiday Edition 2020

Meet the Cast and Creative Team of A Christmas Carol Reimagined “I am so proud of the cast and their dedication in making sure that this important story was able to be told this year, of all years. From our veteran cast members to our newest, their resiliency, talents and passion light up the stage and the screen this year.” -Troy Siebels CAST MICHAEL O. AFRIYIE (Boy/Tiny Tim) is a 3rd grade student at Worcester Arts Magnet Elementary School. He is thrilled to join the cast of A Christmas Carol Reimagined in his first production. He has a love for theater and hopes you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed working on the show.

VIKTORIA CHIAPPA* (Actor 5/Belle) is so grateful to have been asked back to The Hanover Theatre for A Christmas Carol Reimagined. Last year she had the privilege of playing the role of Lucy on the main stage. Other regional credits include: Bet (Oliver!, Ivoryton Playhouse), Doreen (Saturday Night Fever, Ivoryton Playhouse), Marcy (Spelling Bee, Chestnut Street Playhouse), Poppy (Noises Off, Connecticut Repertory Theatre), Footloose (Ivoryton Playhouse) and The Wizard of Oz (Kansas City Starlight Theatre). National Tours: Tinker Bell, Disney on Ice. Viktoria is an Elon University graduate, where she studied as an Acting BFA and Vocal Performance BA. She is a member of AEA and Tracie Stanfield’s dance company, Construction. She would like to thank her family and all of the health care and essential workers for all of their work.

Viktoriachiappa.com @toritutu CLARA COCHRAN (Girl/Belinda Cratchit) is a 4th grade student at Thoreau Elementary School, and she is thrilled to join the joyful cast and crew of A Christmas Carol Reimagined. Regional credits include the roles of Matilda in Matilda the Musical (The Cannon Theatre) and Ivonka in Once (SpeakEasy Stage Company). Clara has also performed in 11 different youth theater adaptations. Clara wishes everyone a cheerful holiday season!

STEVE GAGLIASTRO* (Ebenezer Scrooge) is delighted and humbled to perform the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, having played Mr. Fezziwig for the last decade. One thousand thanks to Troy for this opportunity. Other credits - Tours: Cinderella with Lea Salonga; Spongebob Squarepants: The Sponge Who Could Fly (Broadway Asia); The Buddy Holly Story (TOTS); Cabaret w/Andrea McCardle (NetWorks). Regional: PCLO, Riverside Theatre, Casa Mañana, Stoneham/GBSC, Gateway, Ivoryton, Flat Rock & Ogunquit Playhouses, Lyric Stage, La Mirada Theatre, TBTS, Maine State Music Theatre. TV: “Billions” (Showtime), “The Deuce” (HBO), “The Detour” (TBS), “Emma” (Quibi). page 16

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Film: “American Hustle,” “Eva,” “Ted 2.” Steve holds a BA in Music Education from UMASS, Amherst and is on the Visual/Performing Arts faculty at Worcester State University.

Gags is a proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. Learn more at www.stevegags.com. This performance is dedicated to the memory of Steve’s dad, Jack: “a real pussycat and a nifty dancer.”

TAAVON GAMBLE* (Actor 1/Bob Cratchit) is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of A Christmas Carol Reimagined after appearing in A Christmas Carol in 2016 with The Hanover Theatre. Taavon is a New England based actor, director, choreographer and teaching artist.

Regional appearances include: Trinity Repertory Theatre Company, North Shore Music Theatre, Lyric Stage Company, Greater Boston Stage Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Theatre By The Sea, Ivoryton Playhouse, Reagle Music Theatre, New Bedford Festival Theatre, The Hanover Theatre, West Virginia Public Theatre, Quantum Theatre, Village Theatre, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival and others.

2x IRNE nominee. He’s a graduate of Point Park University and a proud member of Actors’ Equity, serving as an Eastern Chorus Delegate.

KEISHA GILLES* (Actor 4/Ghost of Christmas Present) is overjoyed to be a part of this reimagined production of A Christmas Carol Reimagined. Now, more than ever, stories told reflecting the multiplicity of society are necessary.

Keisha is also a teaching artist who believes in cultivating joy, awareness and empathy so that her students can discover the power to create the world of their dreams. Currently, she is teaching dance at Waltham High School and various virtual classes.

Broadway: The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neil) National Tours: Aladdin (First National), The Book of Mormon (First National) Regional: A Christmas Carol (The Hanover Theatre), Smokey Joe’s Café (Stages St. Louis), The Little Mermaid (Theater by the Sea). Sketch Comedy: Explanation of Benefits (Heck No Techno). More info at www.keishagilles.com.

ANNIE KERINS* (Actor 3/Associate Director) feels truly blessed to be a part of this reimagining of A Christmas Carol under the direction of Troy Siebels at The Hanover Theatre Repertory. Most recently, Annie played a co-starring role for The History Channel in “The Food That Built America.” Off-Broadway: Looking for Billy Haines (Theatre Row). Regional: Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Majestic

“I’m so excited to be involved with A Christmas Carol Reimagined and to have this opportunity at this current time.

I think this story today resonates more than ever because we all can relate to Scrooge’s isolation from others and his journey to becoming part of society again.

I love this version Troy has reimagined.

It puts the emphasis squarely on the storytelling, creating a playground for actors to just run with.”

-Taavon Gamble

Taavon Gamble as Bob Crachit. Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020

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Theater), The Gypsy King (Goodspeed Opera House), Shrek (Wheelock Family Theatre), Animal Farm (New Repertory Theatre), Addams Family (GBSC) and The Rocky Horror Show (Foothills Theatre). Film/TV credits: “Out of Body,” featured last month in Worcester’s QFLIX Film Festival, “Central Intelligence” (Warner Brothers/New Line Cinema), “The Devil You Know” by Jenji Kohan and “Russian Doll” (small or LARGE Productions). Annie is a member of AEA and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Hartt School. She’s thrilled to be back on the stage in 2020 while her husband, Steve Gagliastro, takes on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

MARK LINEHAN* (Actor 2/Marley) is grateful to be back in Worcester for the holidays, having appeared in the last three years of A Christmas Carol, most recently as the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. Mark’s most recent credits include Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Harold Hill in The Music Man (Reagle Music Theatre), Onegin in the U.S. premiere of Onegin (Greater Boston Stage Company), and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Wheelock Family Theatre). A graduate of Emerson College, Mark is a four-time IRNE nominee and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. www. marklinehan.com @BeAnArtsHero

CREATIVE TEAM AND CREW GAIL ASTRID BUCKLEY (Costume Design) happily returns to this reimaged production of A Christmas Carol. Recent work (2019) includes Pacific Overtures and Murder on the Orient Express for the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Lifespan of a Fact at Gloucester Stage Company and assistant costume designer on the film “I Care A Lot” starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage and Dianne Wiest, recently sold to Netflix. Upcoming designs included the opera La Calisto for New England Conservatory (unfortunately abandoned due to Covid-19). Gail has received two Elliot Norton Awards and two IRNE Awards for Costume Design. Gail is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.

CHADYN CASE (Assistant Stage Manager) returns for her sixth holiday production with The Hanover Theatre and is thrilled to break new ground this year. Huge thanks to the people who helped keep us safe this year, and lots of love to the show’s extended family!

NICK JOYCE (Audio Designer/Post-production mixer) Member of IATSE local 96.

CHARLIE MORRISON (Lighting Designer) National and international tours and New York City credits include Disney’s The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical (NYC, Grand Ole Opry, US tour), A Chorus Line (US, Japan and China), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Aida (US and Asia), The Producers, Groovaloo (NYC, LA, US Tour), The Who’s Tommy (Europe and Japan), Titanic, The Music Man and many others.

Regional credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Repertory, Seattle 5th Avenue, Sacramento Music Circus, Theatre Under the Stars, Dallas Summer Musicals, Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO, George Street Playhouse, North Carolina page 18

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Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory and many others. Charlie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. www.cmlighting.com.

BRENDA SHEPARD (Head Electrician) is excited to be changing things up this year as the production electrician for A Christmas Carol Reimagined. For the past 12 years, Brenda has been the house lighting designer/head electrician at The Hanover Theatre. She was fortunate to have amazing mentors in college indoctrinate her in the ways of lighting, encouraging her to take risks and play.

In addition to her lighting portfolio, Brenda has a Masters from BU in Broadcast Production, where she produced a documentary, a music video and promotional spot for a prominent funk band in Boston. Her most favorite gig, however, is wife to Steve and mom to Kat. TROY SIEBELS (Director) serves as president and CEO of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, having led the organization’s development and staff since 2005. In non-COVID times, the theatre presents more than 140 performances to audiences of more than 180,000 annually, and has welcomed more than two million visitors to date. In its first 12 years, The Hanover Theatre has become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric and an active participant in helping to drive the city forward. Troy served as producing director at Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, MA and managing director of American Stage Festival in Milford and Nashua, NH. His favorite directing credits include Artist Descending a Staircase, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Wait Until Dark and more than 15 productions of his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Troy serves on the board of directors of Discover Central Massachusetts, the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, MassCreative and Worcester Cultural Coalition, and has been appointed by governors Patrick and Baker to the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

JOHN STIMPSON (Videographer) writes, directs, produces and edits motion pictures. He owns and operates his production company, H9 Films, out of Worcester, MA. Notable films include: “The Legend of Lucy Keyes” (2006), “A Christmas Kiss” (2010), “Sexting in Suburbia” (2011), “A Fall From Grace, aka Last Hours in Suburbia” (2012), “The March Sisters at Christmas” (2013), “Sins of the Preacher” (2014), “Vehicle for Revenge” (2016), “The Spruces & The Pines” (2017), “Ghost Light” (2018), “Christmas a la Mode” (2019) and, most recently, “Christmas on Ice” (2020).

RACHEL STURM* (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol Reimagined at The Hanover Theatre Repertory this year. Regional credits include: Alice in the Pandemic, I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams (White Snake Projects), The Children, Fun Home (SpeakEasy Stage Company), Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (Wheelock Family Theatre), Becoming Dr. Ruth (New Repertory Theatre), The Magic Flute (BYSO), Calendar Girls (Greater Boston Stage Company), Menopause the Musical (GFOUR Productions), Shrek: The Musical (North Shore Music Theatre), Cosi Fan Tutte (New England Conservatory), and Twelfth Night (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

KIT VERWEIJ (Assistant Stage Manager) is a student at Lincoln-Sudbury High School. They are excited to work on this production, and hope you enjoy the show! *Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Mark Linehan as the Ghost of Marley.

Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

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In the Words of Ebenezer Scrooge . . .

A Christmas Carol resides in the pantheons of both the greatest redemption and greatest ghost stories ever told. In this tale, we see ourselves reflected in each colorful character. We are, all of us, sometimes a Scrooge, sometimes a Fred; often the plainspoken Mrs. Crachit or diligent Bob. We have all been vulnerable as Tim, as generous as Fezziwig (I hope) and clear-eyed as Belle, painful as it may be.

It’s important for people to hear the message of A Christmas Carol Reimagined because it is a testimony to redemption and forgiveness, charity and kindness. It shines a light on the fact it is never too late to change one’s path and is a reminder not to cast an eye down, but instead to reach a hand out to the less fortunate.

As we pass through our own brief lives, this tale reminds us that we are, I believe, here to experience the human condition and that our words and deeds have the power to render ourselves and others “happy or unhappy, to make our service light or burdensome, a pleasure or a toil.” Goodness begets goodness, and darkness the same. Be a beacon of great light to others and it will be reflected back tenfold.

The unifying spirit of Christmas time is singular. To quote Scrooge’s nephew Fred, it is “the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work, especially with my heart, my wife Annie, and so many friends. To be doing so in this iconic role in my hometown is a dream.

I feel lucky and blessed to be a part of this company.

- Steve Gagliastro

Steve Gagliastro as Ebenezer Scrooge. Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

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Add Festive Fun t

So what does an actor in The Hanover Theatre’ we asked Annie Kerins, cast veteran and assoc of Wassail of course!”

Mark Linehan, Keisha Gilles and Viktoria Chiappa visit Scrooge, played by Steve Gagliastro. Michael Gerulaitis Photography. page 22

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What?! You don’t know what Wassail is? Wass to bless the upcoming crop of apples. It mean with a warmed, mulled cider offered to wassail make this traditional drink for the holidays. Enjo

to New Traditions

’s A Christmas Carol do on an evening off? When ciate director, she replied, “Why, make a big batch

sailing is a tradition of caroling around the holidays ns literally “good health” and became associated lers for their song. December is the perfect time to oy the recipe here. . .

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory Spring/Summer 2020

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Give the Gift of Creativity

Looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list? With class offerings for all ages, a conservatory gift certificate is sure to delight. Register now at TheHanoverTheatre,org/conservatory to ignite creativity and inspire confidence in the New Year.

New Semester Begins January 11 Performing Arts Classes In-Person & Online Adults (Ages 18+)

Adult Acting I Adult Acting: Performance Adult Improv I Adult Improv II Adult Tap Beginner I Adult Tap Beginner II Creating a Design Concept Intro to Stage Management Intro to Technical Theatre Lighting I Playwriting Online Scenic Design I Shakespeare: Page to Stage Online West African Dance Online West African Drumming Online

IGNITE CREATIVITY INSPIRE CONFIDENCE page 24

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Kids (Pre-K – Grade 3) Folk & Fairytale Imaginative Play Music Together Online World Explorers

Pre-Teens (Grades 4 -8) Creative Drama I Beginner's Improv l Creative Drama II Beginner's Improv II Creative Drama III

Teens (Grades 9 – 12)

Acting I Acting I: Performance Acting II: Performance Creating a Design Concept Demystifying Shakespeare Intro to Stage Management Intro to Technical Theatre Lighting I Playwriting Online Scenic Design I Teen Improv

“The Hanover Theatre Conservatory staff handled moving to remote classes in such a graceful way, nobody missed a beat. I couldn’t have been more grateful about how seamless it was. It was just like . . . we’re gonna keep going, we’re gonna power through this together.”

-Dakota, conservatory student

Dance

We offer the following 32-week dance programs September – May for ages 3 through adult. If you are interested in joining mid-year, please contact us at 508.471.1795.

Adult Ballet Ballet Levels A-D Beginner Pointe Boys Ballet Contemporary Creative Movement Dance Choreography & Composition Dance Improvisation Jazz Modern Musical Theatre Dance Pre-Ballet Pre-K Dance Pre-Pointe Primary Ballet I, II, III Progressing Ballet Technique Stretch & Strength Theatrical Tap Teen Ballet Photos ®Erb Photography.

2020-2021 Virtual Student Matinee Series All Ages. All Topics.

Setting for the Edgar Allan Poe Double Header. Photo ®Erb Photography.

For the 2020-2021 school year, the theatre is pleased to present a new Virtual Student Matinee Series to provide arts experiences for students across every grade level. After a decade of successful school partnerships, the theatre is eager to continue its connection with the students and schools of central Massachusetts and beyond.

Virtual Student Matinee Series Benefits: • Productions can be viewed at the school’s preferred date and time.

• Most shows are available all year long.

• Productions can be viewed online or in the classroom without needing buses or field trip permission slips.

• New and additional classroom resources are available (study guides, cast/creative team virtual visits, lesson plans, talk-backs with the cast, behind-the-scenes content, etc.)

Pricing Details: We understand that COVID-19 has had a severe impact on many school budgets as well as individual student/family budgets. In an effort to make our Virtual Student Matinee Series accessible to all, we are implementing a tiered pricing model. We trust that teachers and administrators can identify the price that their school/students can afford.

Teachers will be asked to select the option that is appropriate for the school’s demographic: • Free – Title I Schools Only (made possible by our generous sponsors) • $5 Per Student, Per Performance • $7 Per Student, Per Performance • $10 Per Student, Per Performance For more information, contact: Kelly Rourke, conservatory business strategist at kelly@thehanovertheatre.org or 508.471.1765. page 26

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Edgar Allan Poe Double Header Available through June 30, 2021

Geared toward grades 6-8, Edgar Allan Poe Double Header features two of Poe’s most famous stories presented by THT Repertory.

The Monster Who Ate My Peas Available through June 30, 2021

This funny and poignant musical for grades pre-K-2 tells the story of a young boy who doesn’t want to eat his peas.

Presented by Arts Power.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker Available through December 31, 2020

Presented by NJPAC, The Hip Hop Nutcracker sets Tchaikovsky's timeless music to contempoary dance spectacle, perfect for all grades.

A Christmas Carol Reimagined Available through December 31, 2020

Presented by THT Repertory, this virtual student matinee is geared towards grades 6-8.

Chicken Dance the Musical Available through June 30, 2021

Based on the multi awardwinning book, Chicken Dance the Musical is geared toward grades pre-K-2. Presented by Arts Power.

From The Mixed Up Files Of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Available through June 30, 2021

Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a collector of fine art, facts, figures and secrets. This virtual student matinee is geared toward grades 3-6. Presented

by Arts Power.

Anne of Green Gables Available through June 30, 2021

Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novels, the virtual student matinee is geared toward grades 3-6. Presented by Arts Power.

The Stories of Peter and the Wolf & Hansel and Gretel Available May 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021

The Hanover Theatre Conservatory’s Youth Ballet bring classic fairy tales to life in this virtual student matinee for grades pre-K-2.

Thurgood Available May 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021

Presented by THT Repertory, this intimate one-man show about the first AfricanAmerican to sit on the Supreme Court is geared toward grades 9-12.

Julius Caesar Available May 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021

THT Repertory and The Hanover Theatre Conservatory’s Youth Acting Company reimagine William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar in this virtual student matinee geared toward grades 9-12.

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Special Holiday Edition 2020

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Bringing the Performing Arts to Students Wherever They Are

A pre-COVID student matinee audience at the theatre in 2019. Now students can enjoy from the comfort of their home and teachers can access additional resources from our education department.

The Virtual Student Matinee Series will include 10 performances that will be available throughout the course of the school year. Of those performances, the most highly anticipated is the theatre’s own production of A Christmas Carol Reimagined, presented under the theatre’s new umbrella for performances created in Worcester, THT Repertory.

A Christmas Carol Reimagined is a reinterpreted, filmed version of the theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol that has delighted audiences for the last 12 years. In a typical year, about 6,500 students from around New England would attend a daytime student matinee performance

of the production. This year, they will still have the opportunity to do so in a virtual format crafted specifically for schools, with a running time of 1:04.

Charles Dickens is a suggested author in the Massachusetts English Language Arts and Literacy curriculum frameworks for grades 5–8, making the theatre’s annual production a staple for many middle school teachers who read the story with their classes each year. Dickens is also listed among suggested 19th century authors in the curriculum frameworks for grades 9–12.

Partnership with Worcester Public Schools Continues The virtual student matinee performance of A Christmas Carol Reimagined, sponsored by UniBank, will now be made available to all 25,000 students in the Worcester Public School (WPS) system thanks to a generous gift from The Hanover Insurance Group. The Hanover Insurance Group will not only provide access to WPS students, but also to their families, as the production will be available for students to watch at home, at their own convenience.

In addition to the recording of the show, students and teachers will receive access to exclusive content, including interviews with the cast, a study guide, behind the scenes information about the production and more. “Offering this additional content to students and teachers will enhance their experience with this virtual production by providing them with the tools to engage with the material both before and after watching the film,” says Meghan Montaner, director of education for the theatre and conservatory. page 28

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COMPASSION IN ACTION Turn your passions into a philanthropic plan.

A legacy gift to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation is a simple yet significant way to make a lasting impact on our community.

To learn more about the power of community philanthropy, contact us at 508-755-0980 or visit www.greaterworcester.org.

A Special Thank You to Our Partners

Left to right, Steve Gagliastro, Taavon Gamble, Michael O. Afriyie and Annie Kerins share a thankful wave. Michael Gerulaitis Photography.

No one could have ever imagined that our 20192020 Broadway season would have been cut abruptly short leaving shows cancelled, the curtain closed and Broadway programs not printed.

We would like to take this opportunity to give our Broadway program advertisers the recognition they missed out on at the end of last season and to show our appreciation to each and every one of them.

While you may not be flipping through a program that includes their beautiful advertisements at this moment, we urge you to click on the links below to visit their amazing websites and see all their offerings: All Points Limousine Arts Worcester Bancroft School Bartholomew & Co. Beechwood Hotel Bonardi’s Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community Charlton Furniture Deadhorse Hill Restaurant & Café page 30

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Fletcher Tilton Flying Rhino French Boutique Florist Greater Worcester Community Foundation Hebert Berg Florist, Inc. Hilton Garden Inn Julio’s Liquors Lee Joseph/Coldwell Banker Lundgren Honda Niche Hospitality Group PENTA Communications Pepper’s Artful Events Premier Optical/Arinella-Williams, LLC Risk Management Sachs Jewelers Salmon Health & Retirement Southgate at Shrewsbury Struck Catering The Hanover Insurance Group UMass Memorial Health Care Worcester Art Museum WBDC Worcester Fitness Worcester State University

…And to all of our many partners throughout the community!

get take out from any of them when they need it most.

It is because of the support of over 100 businesses and organizations throughout Central Massachusetts that partner with us that we have been able to bring fantastic shows and talent to The Hanover Theatre year after year.

Even more unbelievable is that because of their commitment to support the performing arts in our community, we continue to be able to share new creative initiatives and programs with audiences and artists of all ages during these difficult times.

If you are looking for accommodations, transportation or formalwear, no need to look farther than our hospitality partners.

You can reach out to them at TheHanoverTheatre.org/ hospitality-partners.

For this we are truly humbled and grateful and ask that you support these businesses for their continued success.

And of course, we’d like to thank our corporate partners and sponsors for all they do and for shifting gears so quickly to support us. For a complete listing, please go to TheHanoverTheatre. org/corporate-sponsors.

Over 25 local restaurants participate in our Gourmet Partner Program and have provided our patrons special offers since our grand opening in 2008. To see the complete listing, please visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/gourmet-partners. Make time if you can, especially now, to enjoy a meal or

Also, please contact one of our many retail, lifestyle and service promotional partners and let them know that you not only appreciate their support of our theatre and the arts, but that you also appreciate them. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/ promotional-partner.

All of us at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts thank our partners for their support. We are proud to continue our work together!

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Your Contributions Make the Difference “This program has really been a lifeline for me during Coronavirus ... it has really been the light in the dark.”

–Mairead conservatory student

Do you know about The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s Access to the Arts (ATTA) Fund, which provides vital support for our mission-driven education and outreach programs?

These enrichment opportunities have had lasting impacts on thousands of young people over the years. Your support has made our work possible!

The period of uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light not only on the value of performing arts education, but on its resiliency. Over the last eight months, we have reinvented our education and outreach programs in order to continue to provide accessible arts education experiences for both our conservatory students and the thousands of public school students we serve.

At this very moment, we are working to provide high quality arts education programs by meeting the increased demand for conservatory scholarships, curating a virtual student matinee series for area schools and providing free, ondemand arts education classes for underserved youth in our community.

The economic impact of this pandemic has caused many schools and families to sacrifice their involvement in arts programs. We know the arts are a powerful source of healing in these times of high stress and anxiety. Please help us to reach all those who are in need of that healing.

GIVING TO THE ARTS MATTERS. page 32

Your contributions make the performing arts accessible to all!

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DONATE ONLINE TheHanoverTheatre.org/access2

Win Tickets to See Sarah Brightman Sarah Brightman’s live performance at The Hanover Theatre may be delayed until December 2021, but check out our contest on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win the following prize package and get in the spirit now!

Sarah Brightman Prize Package: • Pair of tickets to Sarah Brightman: HYMN In Concert at The Hanover Theatre currently scheduled for December 1, 2021 • Live stream ticket to watch A Christmas Symphony show on December 20th • HYMN Program • HYMN CD • A Christmas Symphony Program Follow all our social media channels for news that will keep you up to date and take you Behind the Scenes with the theatre and conservatory.

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