For 20 years, Troy Siebels has led The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory to be a major cultural destination, bringing high-caliber productions on par with those in Boston and other bigger cities.
The theater draws around 200,000 visitors each year, providing an economic bump to area businesses. The Hanover’s outreach programs benefit more than 18,000 young people annually, including from Worcester’s under-resourced communities.
Since 2004, Siebels has seen the project through its formation, infancy, and transformation to the centerpiece of the city’s Theatre District.
The former movie theater underwent a nearly $32-million restoration and opened in 2008 as a 2,300-seat state-of-the-art performing arts center. The Hanover purchased a neighboring building in 2014 and began offering classes in dance and acting. In 2020, it launched the THT Rep, presenting its first full season in 2023 at the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center.
Last year, the Hanover saw $9 million in ticket sales and other event income and more than $12 million in total revenue, according to the organization’s year in review report to the community.
In the summer, the Francis R. Carroll Plaza in Federal Square opened outside the venue, including a performance stage for public events and performances and a public art installation of stainless steel, LED lights, and a misting feature called “Calliope” by artist Ross Miller. Programming on the plaza began last summer and will grow this year with more free performances, with Siebels leading this latest arts and culture offering in downtown Worcester.
“The new plaza gives us the opportunity to better serve our community with a greater diversity of performers,” Siebels said.
