Troy Siebels stepping down as CEO of Hanover Theatre

Photo | WBJ File Troy Siebels, president & CEO of The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts, in Worcester

Write a Comment

By Eric Casey

After spending 20 years realizing the dream of transforming The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts from a basic concept into the focal point of the Central Massachusetts arts and cultural landscape, Troy Siebels is stepping down as president and CEO of the Worcester Center for Performing Arts, the nonprofit that owns and operates the 2,300-seat venue.

Siebels has informed the WCPA board of directors he is seeking to transition to a new role where he will focus on booking performances at the venue and the Francis R. Carroll Plaza in Federal Square, according to a press release issued by the nonprofit on Wednesday.

Siebels, a member of the 2024 WBJ Power 100, has led the theater since 2004, four years before the Hanover opened in 2008. His time leading WCPA saw the organization form the Hanover Theatre Repertory and launch the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center.

Siebels will continue in the role until WCPA finds a successor. The nonprofit has engaged Boston-based Arts Consulting Group to help find his replacement.

“I’m so proud of The Hanover Theatre and its countless contributions to our city and region. Today, it is a vibrant center of culture, education and community. I’m equally excited about the potential that lies ahead,” Siebels said in the press release. “After 20 years, I believe this is the right time for me to step into a different role.”

The Hanover saw $9 million in ticket sales and other event income and more than $12 million in total revenue in 2023, according to the organization’s year in review report to the community. The venue drew 180,000 patrons in 2023, making it the 10th most popular tourist attraction in Central Massachusetts, according to data provided to the WBJ Research Department.

“Troy’s care and commitment for The Hanover Theatre and his impact on the broader Worcester community is so evident,” Kellie Thibodeau, board chair of WCPA, said in the press release. “Troy is humble, inspired and focused on making a meaningful difference in this community. We respect Troy’s decision and are looking forward to seeing his continued contributions as he focuses on bringing the best possible programming to Worcester for our diverse audiences.”