Troy Siebels has been part of the fabric of Worcester’s arts scene since he took over leadership of Hanover Theatre 18 years ago.
Siebels faced his biggest hurdle when the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns led to show cancellations and public apprehension to attend events. The 2,300-seated theater stayed afloat with $3.8 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, a $1-million grant from The C. Jean and Myles McDonough Charitable Foundation in Worcester, and public donations.
During the pandemic, Siebels focused his energy on keeping his staff employed despite the doors being closed. Rather than being disconnected from the community, Siebels puts theater right in the heart of the city such as when he allocated $250,000 to bring a free production of “Julius Caesar” to the Worcester Common for the public to enjoy.
Beyond the theater, Siebels’ influence is seen throughout the business community, including through his work with Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, Discover Central Mass, Worcester Homecoming, and the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Siebels believes in a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work mentality, and he wants theater to be accessible and enjoyed by all.
What sets the Central Mass. business community apart from the rest of the world? We are more collaborative than anywhere I’ve ever worked. We are better able to put the notion of competition aside and work together to move forward projects that benefit the city and region as a whole.
Acting the part: I grew up painfully shy. I love to speak in public now, but it’s something I’ve only grown into over the last 10 years.
