Kellie Thibodeau | Chair
Elissa Boisvert, Esq. | Vice Chair
Ken Rapp | Treasurer
Tracy V. Wells | Clerk
Abigail M. Childs, MD
Curtis A. Feldman
William M. Finn
Ivan R. Green, MD
Steven G. Joseph
John Lauring
Helder Machado
Sathi Mitra
Marc D. Montalvo
Jason D. Muise
Kimberly A. Rozak, Esq.
Alan Seiffert
Sanjay Shah, MD
Michael D. Sleeper
Dr. Charles Steinberg
Kimberly Stone, Esq.
JT Tanacea
Sandy Tassi
Rachel K. Tosches
Ancy Verdier, DMD
Friends and supporters,
It has been less than a year since I began my role as president & CEO of The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and yet already I am filled with excitement for the organization’s new vision and the possibilities ahead of us.
We are entering a remarkable new chapter that builds on our long-standing reputation for excellence in the performing arts while embracing channels for new growth and evolution.
At the same time, I must be candid about the challenges we faced in the last fiscal year. Though far in the rearview mirror for many, the pandemic made waves throughout our industry that even now have not stilled. Increased competition, reductions in government funding, and ongoing economic uncertainty have compounded these challenges, and our organization has been left with a budget deficit. Knowing that The Hanover Theatre is nearing its twentieth anniversary, it has become clear that this moment calls for a refreshed approach to our mission.
Throughout all of this, we remain resilient. By prioritizing programming, we continue to strengthen our cherished community partnerships and embrace innovative approaches to the performing arts. We are confident we will not only survive, but thrive.
The theatre has always been a home for all members of our community, and we are committed to building on this foundational tenet with programs that reflect the diversity of interests, ages, and backgrounds in Worcester and beyond. Similarly, our education programs will be refreshed to ensure broader access, empowering the next generation of artists, leaders, and theatregoers.
Our vision is to be a dynamic arts organization prioritizing excellence, community, and inclusivity.
Last fiscal year we began to put this vision into action. We implemented significant security upgrades, launched a new dance series, and expanded our offerings at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory and through THT Rep, our resident theatre company. These changes, along with a refocused and realigned administration, are early steps in positioning the organization for long-term success and relevance.
Finally, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters. Your participation, advocacy, and philanthropy are vital to the life of our theatre. Together, we begin on a path that I am confident will lead to a secure and inspiring future. I am energized by the journey ahead and look forward to sharing it with all of you.
With gratitude and optimism,
Alan Seiffert President and CEO
Combined statement of activities for the year ending June 30, 2025
Donations of $100,000 and above
City of Worcester
The Fletcher Foundation
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Massachusetts Cultural Council
C. Jean & Myles McDonough Charitable Foundation
Donations of $50,000 to $99,999
Ellis Cappy Bateman Charitable Trust
The Ruth H. and Warren A. Ellsworth Foundation
The Hanover Insurance
Group Foundation
Arthur M. & Martha R. Pappas Foundation
Donations of $10,000 to $49,999
Fehsenfeld Riley Foundation
The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation
The Albert J. Gifford Charitable Trust
Hermann Foundation
Hoche-Scofield Foundation
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
The Schwartz Charitable Foundation
Worcester Educational Development Foundation
Jeanne Y. Curtis Foundation
Donations up to $9,999
Anonymous
Beagary Charitable Trust
The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation
DCU for Kids
Henderson Foundation
Laphen Family Foundations Fund
Morgan Stanley Foundation
Rockwell Foundation
The Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation
The Richard & Barbara Whitcomb Foundation
The White Companies Charitable Trust
Worcester Arts Council
Worcester Women for Good Wyman-Gordon Foundation
Donations of $10,000 and above
Abbvie
Assumption University
Bank of America
Berkshire Bank
Chacharone Properties
Country Bank
Polar Beverages
The TJX Companies, Inc.
Worcester Business Development Corporation
Donations of $5,000 to $9,999
bankHometown
Bollus Lynch
Fallon Health
Wayne Canty, Heat Trace Products, LLC
Mighty Oaks Montessori School
National Grid
Precision Sensing Devices
Rockland Trust Bank
UMass Memorial Health Care
Worcester State University
Donations of $2,500 to $4,999
Adept Educational Institute Inc.
Archstone Financial
Avidia Bank
R.E. Bidinger, DDS & J.M. Stiles, DMD
Boston Independence Group
Central One Federal Credit Union
Community Neuroscience Services
Cornerstone Bank
Gardner Outlet Furniture
IC Federal Credit Union
The Little Gym of West Boylston
LocaliQ
Middleboro Auto Discount
MIRICK
Omni Services
Oriol Health Care
Joanne Prizio, Regatta Deli
Pro-Tech Pest Control
Rand-Whitney Container LLC
Santander Bank
Savers Bank
Struck Catering
UMass Chan Medical School
UniBank
Webster Five
Worcester Fitness
Donations of $1,500 to $2,499
A. Arsenault & Sons, Inc.
AllCom Credit Union
Art Inspires Me
Atlas Distributing
Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Charlton Optical
Ford’s Hometown Services, Pest & Lawn Professionals
Illusions Hair Design
Intel Foundation
LPSC Financial
MB Lounge
Premier Optical
Robin Rhodes, NitroFreeze
Cryogenic Services
Seaman Engineering Corporation
Donations of $750 to $1,499
BJA Magnetics
Davis Publications
Hot Power Yoga Center
Sullivan, Garrity, & Donnelly Insurance
Donations of $375 to $749
Bartholomew & Company, Inc.
Bay State Savings Bank
Donations of $200 to $374
Downtown Worcester BID
Wings Over Worcester
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
Abbvie
American Tower
Bank of America Foundation
Edward Jones
FM Global
The Hanover Insurance Group
Hewlett Packard
Enterprise Foundation
Intel Foundation
Morgan Stanley Foundation
National Grid
NVIDIA
Optum
Takeda Pharmaceutical America
The White Companies Charitable Trust
Viasat
Donations of $2,500 to $4,999
Barry & Jean Alman
Paul & Jane Baker
Richard & Jane Callahan
Henry & Pamela Camosse
Alexander & Cheryl Chan
Dr. Abigail Childs & Timothy Tetreault
Mary Frances & John Coakley
James & Nancy Coghlin
Mary & Hannah Cooper
Richard & Ann Marie Cravedi
William & Suzanne Finn
Warner S. & Mary F. Fletcher
Don & Peg Harbert
Dr. John & Mrs. Nicole Hardin
Donna & Andrew Hebb
Charles Henneberry, Sr.
Hope & Jeff Hersh
Dr. Jonathan & Sharon Kleefield
Ken & Karen Rapp
The Shanklin Family
Veronica & Howard Wiseman
Donations of $5,000 to $9,999
Janet Barlow
John Doubleday & Cindy Powers
Fred & Patty Eppinger
Gwyn & Linda Fisher
Allen Fletcher & Dolly Vazquez
Richard & Janice Helle
Steve & Lee Joseph
Nancy Prior
Marc & Miriam Rogers-Montalvo
Cliff & Susan Rucker
Michael & Carol Sleeper
Carolyn & John Stimpson
Ralph & Jeanine Swick
Kellie Thibodeau & Peter Senghas
Michael & Andrea Urban
Kim & Adrian VanderSpek
David Williams’ Estate
David & Kathie Huhtala
Ian & Maureen Johnson
The Kauffman Family
Judith Ann & Edward J. Keegan, III
Sharon & Allen Krause
John & Susan LoVerso
Robert & Myra McAnulty
Anne & James Michelson
Richard & Patricia Morin
Vincent & Denise Osterman
Stephen & Cynthia Pitcher
Ellen & John Savickas
Kimberly Stone & Patrick Jones
Dr. Ancy & Katherine Verdier
Todd H. Wetzel
Margaret Wong
Donations of $1,500 to $2,499
Mary & Carl Aframe
Dr. Sondra Albano & Dr. Alex Rosiewicz
Cliff & Mary Ellen Anderson
Derrick & Kimberly Anderson
Janet Andreson & Brian Dealy
Christina Andrianopoulos
& George Cancelmo
Brent & Katrinka Arthaud
David & Linda Ayers
Badrick Family
Kristin & Joe Bafaro
Pat & Mandy Baliva
Laurian Banciulescu & Matthew Kamins
Jack & Susan Bassick
Dr. Steven J. Beckman & Family
The Belsito Family
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Bender
Rosamond “Binky” Bennett
Iris Berdrow
Maureen Binienda
Bryan & Jacqueline Blomgren
Betty & Bob Blute
Mary Blute
Maurice & Pamela Boisvert
Daeg & Debra Brenner
Kelton & Kathy Burbank
Stephen & Rosanna Burke
Virginia & Kevin Byrne
Susan & Bill Cammuso
Orland Campbell & Flossy Calderon
Matthew & Kathleen Canfield
Jeffrey & Ginni Cardoso
Thomas & Candy Cashman
Karen & Kathryn Cavan
Carol & David Chester
Vinny & Brenda Cloutier
Michael Cortner
Ken Crater & Peg Ferraro
Jill & Paul Dagilis
Debra D’Agostino
April Davis
James & Tracie Decker
Paul & Sandra Demoga
Joseph & Linda Depasquale
Ann Desmarais & Paul S. Kennedy
Thomas & Lisa Devine
Robert & Cindy DiGirolamo
Janine & John Diliberto
John DiPasquale
Maureen & Richard Dodakian
Donald & Melanie Donegan
Steven & Peggy Dorval
Susan Druker & Tom Baker
LisaAnn Dukaten
Alexander & Grace Elton
Richard & Deborah Emmons
John & Diane Engle
Joey & Mike Engling
Jeanne & John Esler
Andrea Falcione & John Phillips
David Faneuf & Todd Barker
Annette & Sarah Farley
Michael Fauvel & Diane
Longobardi Fauvel
Thomas & Audrey Fearing
Andrew & Robin Feldman
Curtis & Amy Feldman
Dr. Marianne Felice
Ann Marie Foley
The 1926 Legacy Society, named to commemorate the opening of the historic Poli Palace Theatre, is a group of devoted supporters who have included The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory (THT) in their estate plans. 1926 Legacy Society members ensure that the theatre will continue to fulfill its cultural mission for generations to come.
To be included in the 1926 Legacy Society simply inform us of your intention to include THT as part of your estate plan, whether by will, trust or life income arrangement. If you have already included us in your estate plans, please let us know.
“We want to play a role in keeping this awesome cultural institution sustained well into the future. By joining the 1926 Legacy Society, we can collectively support this magnificent Worcester jewel.”
Barry & Jean Alman
Cliff & Mary Ellen Anderson
Maurice & Pamela Boisvert
Drs. Ivan & Noreen Green
Dr. Marianne Felice
Bruce Hager
Don & Peg Harbert
Kallin & Linda Johnson
Steve & Lee Joseph
Paul Jourcin*
Michael & Audrey Marcy
Robert & Myra McAnulty
Margaret Naylor & Robert Condon
Donald & Polly Phipps
Ken & Karen Rapp
Ruth R. Rubin
Dale Stafford
Rachel & Louis Tosches
David Williams*
* In memoriam
Pam Johnson
Carl & Ann P. Kaliszewski
Diane Karalekas, MD & Dean
Alexandrou
Dr. W. David Kelly & Paula A. Viau
Kim & Sean Keogh
Jim & Jane Kimbrough
Henley & Greg Konar
Helen P. Koskinas
Harry P. & Sharon Kotseas
Suzanne & Kevin Kozak
Charlie & Carolyn Kretz
Katie Krock & Kevin Parvin
Debra, Dennis & Heather Lamarche
Henry & Holly LaMountain
James & Anne Lang
Susan & Andrew Langlois
John & Kathy Lauring
Richard & Tracey Lavey
Dan Foley & Annie Kelly
Ray & Katie Forslund
Sheryl Fox
Jeffrey Fuller & Paula Cullinane
Mark & Jan Fuller
Debbie & Robert Gale
Lee & Dina Gaudette
Adam Gaval
William & Patricia Giannopoulos
Theresa Goguen
Kimberly Goldman-Depietri
Gabriele Goszcz
Marty Green & Maura Mahoney
Honorable Mel L. Greenberg, Retd. & Joyce M. Greenberg
The Grenon Family
Audrey & Bobby Griffis
Dr. Abraham & Linda Haddad
Maryanne & Paul Hammond
Barbara Hanc
Maureen Hardy
John & Melissa Harris
Steve Harvey
Bob & Lynn Hennigan
Christine & Bill Herbert
Paula Hero
Attys. Maria B. Hickey & Frank S. Puccio, Jr.
John & Michele Hicks
The Horeanopoulos Family
Leigh Catherine Hudson
Robert & Kathryn Hunter
Mark Hutchison & Ruth Langlais
William & Patricia Iandoli
Dr. Richard Irwin
Kallin & Linda Johnson
Nel & Paul Lazour
Susan & Richard Leahy
Barbara Lee
Luke Lewkowicz
Bruce & Andrea Little
Beth LoConto
Carole Lyman
Helder & Maggie Machado
Edward & Margaret Madaus
Michael Madulka
Melissa & Daniel Mahr
Judith Malley
Dan & Anna Marcoux
Michael & Audrey Marcy
Matthew Martin
Patricia McAllister & Gail Vaillette
Lori McCassie
Lisa & Neil McDonough
Bill & Laureen McGuirk
Ward & Carolynn McLaughlin
Jack & Kathy McNamara
Laura Milner & Jarman Joerres
Dave & Anna Moses
Jason & Alissa Muise
Erin & James Mulcahy
Pamela & David Murray
Margaret Naylor & Robert Condon
Lisa & Nick Nevin
Matthew Newell
Ken & Erin Nosek
James D. O’Brien, Jr., Esq.
Matthew Olds & Michael Berthiaume
Michael Pagano
Harry & Wendy Pape
Larry Pape
Donald & Susan Pegg
Art Pelletier
David & Marlene Persky
Joe & Stacy Plunkett
Jane Pond & Thomas Lowe
Paula & Dennis Pope
Sue Popinchalk & Monica Wang
Deborah A. Puleo
Anne Marie Rafferty
Thomas & Morgan Rafferty
Cybill Reese
Debra L. & Arthur J. Remillard, III
Henry Ritter & Mark Bilotta
Linda Rosenlund
Thomas & Patricia Ryan
Beth Sannella
Ellen Santimaw & Sarah Kac
Livy & Rachel Scanlon
Louis Schoolcraft II
Scumaci Family
Patricia Segerson
Dr. Sanjay & Neela Shah
Karon & Kellie Shea
William & Carol Shemeth
Edward & Resa Sherr
Victor & Carolyn Somma
Dale Stafford
Dr. Daniel & Deborah Steigman
Mark Steina
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Steinberg
Carolyn & Howard Stempler
Ann & Thomas Sullivan
John & Lynn Sullivan
Tim & Linda Sullivan
Lisa K. Swanson
Michael & Jennifer Tarka
Zenon & Marilyn Tencza
Sheila & George Tetler
Francis J. & Karen Tighe
Rachel & Louis Tosches
John & Catherine Ushinski
Charlie & Jody Valade
Virginia Vaughan
Anthony Vigliotti
Laura Wachs
Ron & Marsha Wagner
William & Deborah Wall
Linda & Stephen Walsh
Patty & Daniel Walton
Edwin & Zachary Ward
Tracy V. & James Wells
Mary Ellen Wessell
Charles & Marjorie Wilson
Sharon Woodbury
Susan & David Woodbury
Wendy Ziesemann & Karen Freker
We fondly remember the following individuals for their generosity and commitment as members of the Hanover Theatre family:
Phyllis Buck (passed March 24, 2025) volunteered with the theatre from 2016 until her passing in March of 2025. Phyllis was kind to everyone she met and an unfailingly positive member of the team. We are deeply grateful for the many years that she spent with us at the theatre. She is deeply missed.
Joyce Cariglia (passed November 18, 2024) was an early supporter of the theatre. She and her lifelong partner, David Williams, were enthusiastic and informed patrons of the arts. Joyce’s caring and engaging personality is warmly remembered.
Frank R. Carroll (passed October 29, 2024) will be long remembered and cherished as a very special friend of The Hanover Theatre and the Worcester community. He was among the theatre’s founding board members, and our organization would not be here without his support and leadership. A dedicated advocate of the theatre from its inception, his contributions in the early days helped build a strong foundation for our future success. We look forward to continuing his legacy with robust and accessible programming on the plaza which bears his name.
Mark Farley (passed December 25, 2024) was an early leadership donor of the theatre, becoming a Franklin Square Society member in 2012 with his wife, Annette. Mark and Annette shared the joy of the performing arts with their family and friends, especially their daughter, Sarah. Mark’s warm and friendly smile is fondly remembered.
Jean O’Halloran (passed June 17, 2025) was a cherished member of the theatre’s box office team from 2015 to 2023. Her dedication to the theatre and her service to patrons had a lasting impact on our organization. Jean’s friendly disposition and delightful sense of humor were a special gift to all who knew her.
Elizabeth (Liz) Pape (passed May 5, 2025) attended performances with her family, especially her grandchildren. She and her husband, Larry, were new members of the Franklin Square Society but longtime Broadway subscribers and supporters of the theatre.
Anonymous
Norman Bitsoli
Patricia Bruno
Richard & Avery Chase
Carole A. Cronin
Beth & Paul Duquette
Lynne Haddad & Betty Edwards
Monica Elefterion
& Mark Wagner, Ph.D.
Amy Elmore
Deborah & Daniel Fins
Michael Foley
Carl & Susan Foley
Robert Frankel & Ann McCauley
Russell Hammond
Ken Hirschkind
Priscilla Kerr
Richard & Mary Ellen Letarte
Ann Lewis
Sathi Mitra
Dr. Linda Oubre
Lynette Paczkowski
Kathy & Dick Perry
Kimberly & Scott Samson
J. Ann Verhage
Linda Wasbes
Donations of $375 to $749
Matthew & Susan Allen
Mildred & David Anderson
Anonymous
Maria & Joe Barry
Gail & Don Bellefleur
Paul Black
Larry Brazell
Alan Brooks
Dr. David C. Brown
Anthony & Christine Long
Fran & Susan Madigan
Kelly Magowan
Douglas & Dianne May
Paul McCrohon
Sarah Menard
Kevin & Kate Mercadante
Christine & John Meuse
Carol Mushnick
John D. & Kim Petrin
Cheryl Rauh
Denise Roane
Alonzo Ross
Howard Rubin
Ruth R. Rubin
Eric Saczawa
Maria Schantz
Doug & Mary Sevon
Gregory J. Shannon
Larry Silverman
Roxanne & Nicholas Smyrnios
David Snook & Raluca Luster
Sue Starlin
Randall Steere
Mark & Darlene Stoever
Marshall Tate & Judy Rothbard Tate
The Myshrall Family
Karen & Ken Whitcomb
Dr. George & Lynn Wood
Phillip & Patricia Woodman
Jeremy Zglobicki
Walter Zydlewski
Donations of $200 to $374
Lisa Albano-Selzo
Caroline & Eric Alper
Alexandra Andrews
Linda & Michael Antonucci
Janice Babbitt
Esther Bachrach
James Bagaglio
Daryl Baker
Rainie & Scott Barton
Kathleen Bateman
Virginia Bates
Norman Beisaw
Paul & Shari Belanger
John Biddle
Edie Blackney
Steve & Karen Boliver
Beth Bombard
Elaine & Jerry Bouchard
Gayle Bowe
Carolyn, Tim & Samantha Brady
Francis & Pat Brissette
Kesha Brouillet
Matthew & Linda Brown
Barbara Burke
William Burke
Peter Cardoza
Dr. Karen Caspersen
Jane Champagne
Jeanne Chase
Robert & Gloria Ciaffone
Andrea Clardy
Mary Clark
Diane Cline
Mary Clow
Jenna Coccimiglio
Catherine Colinvaux & Phillip Zamore
Raymond Colon
John Colonna-Romano
Marilyn Coltey
Charlotte Connor
Patricia Couhig
Shirleen Cox
Paul Crimlisk & Cheryl Shushan
Kathryn Crockett
Jonah & Ronna Cuker
Sharon & Angelo Dagnello
Kerry & Cheryl Daigle
Margery Dearborn
Jeanne & Kevin Depasse
Lori Dery
Sharon DiNardo
Susan Direda
The Downs Family
Kathy Dulude
Paul Eager
Mary Easter & Michael Sammarco
Joyce Ford
Lynn & John Foreman
Celeste Frappier
Harriet Fresolo
Simon Fricker
Bonnie Gagliardi
Frances Gallo
Michele Giangrande
James Goulet
Donald & Elaine Grady
Joseph Gregus
Gary & Karen Guglielmello
Bruce Hager
Lara Helwig
Laurel Hemmer
William Hoffner
Richard Holland
Barbara Hollister
Charles Howe
Ted & Kathleen Hudson
Jayne Hughes
Thomas Hultzman
Lillian Irwin
Michael & Jennifer Ivascyn-Dowdle
David Jaffe
Harry & Jean Johnson
Margaret Mary Johnson
Gayle & Barry Joseph
Christina Manos & Ross Clark
Elaine A. Martel, Esq.
Kathleen & John McClintock
Marie McKeon
Carrie McLoughlin
Christopher & Jayne Mehne
Joseph Mewhiney
Gary Michael
Marjorie Michalski
Mark & Celeste Mischenko Sr.
Diane Monaco
John & Dorine Mortimer
Scott Moss & Shelley Chapman-Moss
Tom & Vanda Mullins
Peter & Ellen Mundy
Dr. Joseph D. Musto
Charles & Christine Newfell
Sharon Nist & Kurt Parliment
Julie Norberg
Scott Norrie
Stephen Norton
Gerald Nugent & Cathy Burke
Paul Outerson
Kurt & Sharon Parent
Holly & Ray Pavlak
Raymond & Sheila Pavlik
David & Linda Pearlstein
James Pease & Janice Hitzhusen
Jennifer Perkins
Martha & David Petrovick
Susan Pett
Donald & Polly Phipps
Robert & Nancy Phipps
Ginny Picking
Jeffrey Pond
Zenie Popkin
Robert Primmer
Rob & Sue Protano
Lisa & David Rakouskas
Ed Rank
Harold Read
Sean & Michelle Reidy
John & Diane Reil
Mary Jane Rogalski
Ed & Tina Romeo
Suzanne Rood
Eric Rosenquist
Anne-Marie & Paul Routhier
Judith Russell
Kurt Schuetz
Carol Seager
Nancy & Harry Sechman
Mary C. Shea
Mark & Debra Shear
Cara & Kenneth Simpson
Andrea Singer
Louise Sisley
Colleen Spelman & Melissa Dowling
Jay & Nancy Spitulnik
Mary K. Stanley
Beth Stark
Karen Steiger
Kathleen, Kenneth & Trey Stinton
Eric & Christine Sweeney
Nancy & Janina Swiacki
Julianne Tamasy
John Tanacea
James & Paula Tashjian
Tracey Tranen
Mark Underkofler
Catherine Underwood
Susan Upham
Judith Uthoff
Ronald & Angela Valinski
Anthony Vaver
Kristina Vickstrom
Terry & Steve Waite
Laurie & David Whitney
Dr. Faren Williams
Wade Wormann
Karen Yeowell & Mark O’Connell
Judy & Michael Zalansky
Performances & public events at The Hanover Theatre
Performances & public events at The Jean McDonough Arts Center
Total attendance (estimated) = 10,419
Total attendance = 118,908 25
Public performances & events on Francis R. Carroll Plaza
3,220
Total public performance tickets
“Fiscal year 2024-2025 affirmed THT Rep’s steadfast commitment to stage timeless classics, bold experiments, and contemporary stories that speak to the urgency of our world. We live in uncertain and polarized times, yet when we gather in the dark, side by side, we experience something rare: collective attention. Whether through laughter, tension, or revelation, theatre requires us to lean forward together. Thank you for being part of this ongoing work.”
Artistic Director Livy Scanlon
1,394
Total student matinee tickets
64
Actors, directors, designers & crew members
18 Actors’ Equity Association actors and stage managers
6 Worc at Play Actors
Last fiscal year, THT Rep staged The Crucible by Arthur Miller, featuring an all-female cast, the 4th Annual Edgar Allan Poe Double Header, and William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. With strong attendance at both public performances and student matinees, we met our goal of averaging over 100 patrons per curtain. Meanwhile, artistic director Livy Scanlon strengthened THT Rep’s reach and reputation with a four-week professional development experience at Prague Shakespeare Company, where she served as a director, actor, and teaching artist at their annual Summer Intensive.
“Much Ado About Nothing is entertaining as all hell and an absolute delight. From beginning to end, the play is wonderfully acted, impeccably paced, and seamlessly directed.”
Craig
S. Semon, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Jean McDonough Arts Center
Last fiscal year, in collaboration with the Barr Foundation and the McDonough Family Foundation, we began the transition from operators of the JMAC to owners. This process has allowed the JMAC to both strengthen its independence as a blossoming downtown gallery and performance space while reinforcing its mission to present a wide range of arts, culture, and community events.
Through a transformative three-year grant of $1.5M, the McDonough Family Foundation’s renewed commitment has positioned the JMAC for a new era of stability, innovation, and growth.
Xiang Li
by the Numbers
10,559 Attendees
The Barr Foundation’s commitment supports the JMAC Access Grants program, which provides artists and cultural organizations with funding to bring their work to Central Massachusetts audiences.
This year’s program, administered alongside the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, awarded six projects with Access Grants.
Access Grant Recipients
• Karen Kempskie-Aquino’s A Cultural Mosaic in America Created Through Middle Eastern Music and Dance
• Xiang Li’s Watercolor Multi-Sensory Chinese Empress Art and Culture Experience (pictured in upper right corner)
• The Poet’s Cauldron Presents World-Renowned Poet Ursula Rucker
• Worcester Hip Hop Congress’ Words You Can See Vol. 5: Director’s Edition
• Rare Rebel Gallery’s Story Showcase and Exhibit
• Bodies Moving’s MILK Gallery Exhibit and Live Performance
126 Public engagements in the PopUp
66
Public engagements in the BrickBox Theater
By the Numbers
774
Students enrolled in classes and summer programs 752
Students of all ages participated in 29 unique performances
“The conservatory continues to cultivate individual attention, ignite creativity, and inspire confidence through arts education. Every year, our students share how the exceptional training they receive at the conservatory has impacted their lives. For some, it means having a ballet teacher take the time to correct their form and ensure proper technique. For others, it’s discovering a new outlet for creativity in their sketch comedy class. Another student might find confidence during a private voice lesson and finally nail a song they have been rehearsing for weeks.
Creating a safe space for all students across all disciplines is central to what we do. This inclusive environment makes room for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to discover a love of the performing arts and the confidence to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
$739,048
Collected tuition for classes, private lessons, and summer programs
$100,000
This year, we had 1,144 registrations, surpassing all previous records. The total of all tuition-based classes was $597,000, and we awarded $100,000 in scholarships to ensure that our programs remain accessible and inclusive.”
Vice President Sharon Hart
Performance opportunities abound at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory! Last fiscal year, 752 students shared their unique gifts with over 16,000 audience members. Highlights included:
• Free performances of Charlotte’s Web by our Youth Acting Company
• A free performance of The Stories of Hansel & Gretel and Peter & the Wolf featuring our Youth Ballet Company
• Spring Reflection, the culmination of 32 weeks of work from all our dance students, featuring 164 students aged 3-18.
• The WYSH (Worcester Youth Speak Honestly) Project performed three public shows in the BrickBox, then toured to four Worcester High Schools.
• Debut performances from our Adult Improv Performance and Sketch Comedy classes, who took the stage in multiple venues.
Our annual production of The Nutcracker was a record-breaker, drawing over 8,000 audience members and generating over $384,000 in sales. We had fantastic performances from 120 cast members and were proud to welcome three THTC alumni and one former faculty member to dance various roles in the show!
Performance is an integral part of performing arts education, and our summer programs give students the opportunity to put all of their learning to work through staged performances. Our children’s program (for rising 1st–4th graders) spent one week creating an original show. Based on the theme “Across the USA” the performance incorporated hit songs from musical theatre and the radio. The pre-teen musical theatre program spent 3 weeks rehearsing Legally Blonde, Jr.
We had two 3-week sessions of our Teen Youth Summer Program, where students spent mornings in the studio learning about musical theatre disciplines and afternoons rehearsing Legally Blonde. Our Youth Summer Programs, including Dance Intensive Week, engaged a total of 203 students in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Bartholomew & Company, a provider of financial services in Worcester, celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2024 and marked the occasion with a contribution to establish the Bartholomew Family Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance for students who would otherwise be unable to participate in training in theatre, dance, music, and technical theatre & design. Tom and his wife, Lynora, are longtime Franklin Square Society members and active subscribers. Tom served on the theatre’s board of directors from 2019 to 2023, and he and his family continue to be incredibly valued supporters of the theatre.
21,547
Students attended a matinee
2,200
Worcester high school students attended the Adopt-A-School performance of Come From Away
1,500+
Students participated in on-site workshops
Engaging with our community is paramount to our mission here at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory. We design programs that honor the diversity of Worcester and its surrounding towns, ensuring access for those who may face barriers to participation. Each year, our community engagement programs reach thousands of community members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
In fiscal year 2024-2025, 21,547 students attended a student matinee at The Hanover Theatre or the BrickBox. Across both venues, we offered 16 unique matinee experiences.
As part of the LEAP program, 10th graders from Worcester Public Schools attended a performance of Black Angels Over Tuskegee, while 11th graders attended the Edgar Allan Poe Double Header Performances included talk-backs where students asked thoughtful and engaging questions that deepened their connection to the material.
We served over 1,500 students in on-site workshops. These workshops focused education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), introducing many students to arts-integrated learning for the first time. One STEAM participant remarked “I like how both of the workshops connected to real world scenarios to allow students to see the outcomes. The ability to build something allowed the students to be learning while playing.” Students ranged in age from pre-school to high school.
Thanks to a generous donation from the TJX Companies, we were able to offer three free family shows. These included an outdoor production of Charlotte’s Web on the Bank of America Stage on the plaza, The Stories of Hansel & Gretel and Peter & the Wolf, and Black Angels Over Tuskegee.
We were thrilled to welcome 2,200 students from Burncoat Arts Magnet and South High Community School to the theatre for Adopt-A-School 2025. Students worked to incorporate themes from the Broadway tour of Come From Away. For some students, this was their first time seeing a Broadway show—and their first time at The Hanover Theatre!
Seven Worcester Public High School students developed an original piece of theatre through the WYSH (Worcester Youth Speak Honestly) Program 2024. More than 100 hours went into creating the show, which included classical singing, monologues, scenes, dance, and more. The group toured the show to five Worcester high schools and performed for 620 of their peers. Three of the seven participants were returning students, continuing their creative growth through the program.
Our Downtown Dance program completed a very successful second year, enrolling 21 new students and welcoming back 13 returning students from the previous year. The program continues to grow as a cornerstone of our accessible community dance offerings.
For the past 9 years, we have offered a creative movement class for adults with Intellectual or
Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) from the Seven Hills Aspire! Program. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, last year we launched Move With Me, a similar program for young people who are part of the Shrewsbury RISE Program. Both of these classes use adapted dance curriculum for the participants’ unique abilities. These classes give students a chance to enhance gross motor development, encourage physical movement, foster uninhibited self-expression and create social connection amongst the group.
The Bank of America Stage on the Francis R. Carroll Plaza allows us to program free events for those who live and work right here in our own neighborhood. It helps us extend the theatre’s vitality outdoors and reach a broader audience than those who buy a ticket to sit in a seat inside. We aim to make sure programming in the plaza is every bit as diverse as our city.
Along with other Worcester-based organizations, we participated in 508 Day on May 8, 2025. To celebrate the community that inspires us every day, we offered $5.08 tickets to the “Safety Last!” silent film accompanied by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. This introduced 65 local residents to our theatre through a special performance with our celebrated Mighty Wurlitzer.
246 Volunteers in FY25
22,820
Total hours volunteered
$958,440
Value of hours volunteered*
192,574
Total hours since 2008
*Value of volunteer hours in Massachusetts for calendar year 2024: $42 per hour (Based on data gathered by Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland)
Volunteers are our brightest stars, and we are deeply grateful for all that they do. Our extraordinary and dedicated volunteers play a unique role as ambassadors, supporters, historians, and tireless workers on behalf of The Hanover Theatre. They also enjoy a vibrant social community, with a dedicated committee that organizes monthly gatherings and activities throughout the Worcester area.
If you love interacting with our patrons and the infectious energy of show night at the theatre, we’d love to have you join us. We welcome new volunteers every fall. Learn more and apply online at TheHanoverTheatre.org/volunteer.
Volunteers listed on the following page have volunteered at least once between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Hours listed represent the total number they have volunteered since 2008.
Susan “Suzie” Wood, our Volunteer of the Year, has been volunteering with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory since 2016. Since joining the team, she has volunteered for a total of 1,577 hours. That’s enough time to watch “The Wizard of Oz” from start to finish more than 920 times, and still have time for a quick intermission!
Suzie can usually be found working in the Franklin Square Society areas, warmly welcoming our patrons. “Volunteering at The Hanover Theatre has become my passion and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she shared
Thank you, Suzie, for being such a fantastic volunteer, and congratulations for earning the H. Carter Hunt Volunteer of the Year in recognition of all of your hard work during the 2024-2025 season.
“For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming audiences, sharing in their excitement, and witnessing the joy that live theatre brings to our community. Being named Volunteer of the Year is truly an honor, but the real reward is knowing I’ve helped make someone’s night at the theatre a little brighter.”
- Susan “Suzie” Wood
3,500+ hours
Mildred Anderson*
Rose Turner*
2,500+ hours
Janet Krause*
Lisa Murrman
Dick Perry*
Joyce Power
1,500+hours
Dick Adams*
Linda Adams*
Charlene Baron*
Patricia Belsito
Elizabeth Casello*
Angela Casey
Karen Cavan
Janice Conrad
Margot Crawford
Patti Cummings
Eileen Desautels
Irene Dube
Sue Foley
Cathy Gleason
Maureen Hardy
Cathleen Holmberg
Nan Johnson
Frances Langille
Beth LoConto
Denise McGrath
Renee Peace
Paula Police
Helen Quist
Judith Reilly
John Riccio*
Barbara Roach Kyes
Helen Stockdale
Marshall Tate*
Allyn Taylor
Victor Tolis
Raymond Tremblay
Timothy Veilleux
Susan Wood
1,000+ hours
Patricia Ascione
Jane Benoit
Joanne Bernier
Maureen Binienda
David Brough
Ann Cappabianca
Maria Carmel
Gurucharri
Kathryn Close
Linda Dattis
Sharon DeBonis
Mary Doane
Mary Ellen Moore
David Faneuf*
Joan Foley
Donna Harrington
Sally Hodgerney
John Ladroga
Sara Lohnes
Barbara Luby
Mary Malone
Mary Marcinkus
Margaret Naylor
Michael Oates
Lucinda Oates
Darlene Orrell
Helen Panagiotopoulos
Elizabeth Plante
Anne Reynolds
Judith Rothbard Tate
William Sarkisian
Meridith Singleton
Dale Stafford
Sandra Theros
Wendy Thomas
Deborah Tyborowski
Nancy White
750+ hours
Phyllis Buck+
Michael Comer
Laura Coughlin
Jim Crowley
Diane Engle
John Engle
Elizabeth Foley
Deborah Gradowski
Donald Harbert
Robert Harrington
Diane Hoff
Debra Korman
Sara Kreisel
Lori Lauria
Kathi Lewando
Dorothy Lucier
Sharon MacDonald
Mary Pierangeli
Marguerite Rooney
Joyce St. Germain
Mary Teixeira
Cecelia Thurber
500+ hours
Susan Berry
Linda Boll
David Boucher
Laurie Boucher
John Caron
Jane Champagne
Irene Chiarvalloti
Eileen Contois
Dolores Farrell
Vicki Freilich
Greg Gentile
Abby Holmes
Patricia Kennedy
Marilyn Leary
Tim Lee
Luann Loughlin
Rosemary McCarthy
David McRae
James Messier
Anne Morris
Patrick Morris
David Murray
Nancy Neuwirth
Bruce Neuwirth
Gerard Piscitelli
Deborah Richards
Andrea Sheridan
Ann Sullivan
Lorraine Taylor
Ann Verhage
Laura Wachs
Barbara West
Michael Wilder
Joanne Wilder
250+ hours
Edmund Adamiak
Diane Adamowicz
Pamela Ashmankas
Patricia Carignan
Robert Condon
Patricia Dawson
Eileen Dawson
Stephanie Dieterle
Daniel Donovan
Debra Donovan
Nancy Duprey
Charlie Engdahl
Sheila Garvey
Cindy Hanslik
Patty Harkins
John Harrington
Carol Harwood
Cynthia Hennessey
James Heywood
Helene Holmes
Amy Kolb
Michael Kozminski
Debi Lang
Heather Levin
Richard Lisi
Annette Lisi
Irene Logan
Elaine Martel
Bob McAnulty
Myra McAnulty
Annette Mysliwiec
Lisa Normandin
Margaret Pappas
Jennifer Perkins
Phyllis Piscitelli
Maria Piscitelli-Durant
Darrell Potosnak
Carol Robison
Suzanne Saven
Mary Sevon
Brigitte Sterf
Ann Sweetman
Kenneth Takvorian
Karen Terranova
Eileen Terrill
Pauline Tranter
Nancy Wilby
Amy Woodsmall
Under 250 hours
Barry Alman
Dorothy Arakelian
Shonee Austriaco
Virginia BeaudinMeade
Maria Bella
Gail Bergeron
Lisa Berthoud
Beth Borchelt
Sherri Brousseau
Andrea Carlson
Patricia Clark
Alison Cohen
Justin Conlon
Joyce Cote
Janet Cowan
Diane Cowes
Daniel Creeron
Barbara Crowley
Beth Dion
Peter Ebersold
by UnityMike
Laurie Filreis
John Foreman
Lynn Foreman
Jeanne Gohary
Marlene Goodale
Kathleen Gordon
Mark Hannum
Nancy Hart
Kathleen Horahan
Debra Hosley
Julianne Jarry
Maureen Jones
Bonnie Kelly
Richard Kelly
Patricia Kowalchek
Tanya LeBlanc
Raymond Legacy
Annette Lemerise
Ann Marie Leger
Edward McCune
Cynder Mesrobian
Debra Monahan
Lori Morway
William Nay
Suzanne Pahr
Constantine Papanastassiou
Peggy Papanastassiou
Dana Pellegrino
Maggie Perreault
Susan Perschbacher
Deb Powers
Janet Rabidou
Sonia Radzik
Cheryl Renaud
Caroline Robertson
Susan Rousakos
Patricia Ryan
Joyce Sillup
Susan Small
David Smith
Karen Terenzini
Judith Thompson
Yury Vashugin
Sandra Velazquez
Karen Walsh Fortin
Ewa Warzywoda
Kathryn Whitenack
*Previous H. Carter Hunt Volunteer of the Year recipient
+Remembered with gratitude
The Hanover Theatre’s 35-rank Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is one of Worcester’s cultural treasures, a living reminder of the luxurious vaudeville theatres of the late 19th century. Donald Phipps painstakingly assembled the organ using components of twenty vintage theatre organs no longer in use.
With its variety of pipes, sleigh bells, and even castanets that can mimic the clip-clop of horses’ hooves, the Mighty Wurlitzer allows a single organist to evoke and even exceed the sounds of an entire symphony orchestra. As the only instrument of its kind in New England, it stands proudly alongside installations such as the famous organ at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Dr. Jonathan Kleefield
Resident Organist
Donald Phipps
Donor and Technical Consultant
Bruce Hager
Curator
Jon Anderson
Assistant Curator
• 877.571.7469
Ralph Swick
Assistant Curator
Dr. Jonathan & Sharon Kleefield make a pledge of $100,000 to support the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ
Last February, Dr. Jonathan and Sharon Kleefield made a generous gift of $100,000 to the Donald Phipps Organ Fund, supporting the ongoing maintenance and programming of the theatre’s treasured Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
As our resident organist since 2021, Dr. Kleefield presents four concerts each season and performs pre-show music, sharing the Wurlitzer’s rich variety of sounds with audiences across Worcester. Deeply knowledgeable about the history and intricacies of the organ, Dr. Kleefield shares that expertise generously with audiences, who are sure to come away from each performance having learned something new.
“It has been one of my greatest honors to play the fantastic Wurlitzer organ in your magnificent facility,” said Dr. Kleefield. “I hope this contribution will ensure the proper maintenance of this very treasured instrument.”
The Kleefield’s gift honors Donald Phipps, the builder of the organ, whose countless hours of dedicated work, along with his team of volunteers, made its installation in 2008 possible. Jonathan and Sharon Kleefield’s generous gift ensures the Mighty Wurlitzer will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
“We are deeply grateful to Jonathan and Sharon for their generosity and for recognizing the significance of preserving this cultural treasure for current and future generations”, said Alan Seiffert, President & CEO of The Hanover Theatre
“This is one of about 30 large, symphonic-scale organs that are left. Not only are we lucky enough to have this instrument, but we’re also really lucky to be in a theatre whose acoustics support it.”
In September 2024, WGBH’s “The Culture Show” featured the Mighty Wurlitzer in a special segment celebrating hidden cultural treasures. The piece highlighted how our meticulously restored 2,495-pipe organ brings silent films, concerts, and events to life, calling it “the king of instruments” and “pure, unadulterated fun.” The story also shined a light on the volunteers and experts who help maintain this rare gem, preserving its powerful sound for generations to come. You can listen to or read the segment at TheHanoverTheatre.org/Wurlitzer.
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. The organization also operates the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) and provides free public programming for the Francis R. Carroll Plaza and the outdoor Bank of America Stage, located directly in front of The Hanover Theatre. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
©2025 The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All rights reserved.