The Hanover Theatre Gears Up for its Next Act with Major Leadership Strategy

Downtown Worcester’s cultural anchor is strengthening its foundation. The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts announced a sweep of key leadership appointments today, signaling a robust new chapter for the organization as it moves into 2026.

The announcement covers four strategic moves across artistic programming, education, HR, and marketing—a mix of internal promotions and high-profile external hires designed to bolster the theatre's impact in Central Massachusetts.

"These appointments and promotions reflect the incredible talent, leadership, and passion that drive The Hanover Theatre forward," said Alan Seiffert, President & CEO. "Their collective vision will help us expand our artistic reach, strengthen our educational programs, and continue delivering exceptional experiences."

Here is a look at the new leadership landscape at The Hanover:

Focusing on the Art: Livy Scanlon

Livy Scanlon is stepping into an expanded role as Artistic Director of The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep).
With THT Rep entering a pivotal fifth year, Scanlon is moving away from the day-to-day management of the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC)—which will now be absorbed into the Theatre’s general operations—to focus entirely on creative vision. Following the critical success of productions like Doubt: A Parable, Scanlon will focus on curating programming and strengthening educational partnerships with the Conservatory.

Elevating Education: Sharon Hart

On the education front, Sharon Hart has been promoted to Vice President, Conservatory & Education.
Hart has been a driving force behind the Conservatory's recent surge in engagement. Under her interim guidance, the Conservatory achieved record-breaking revenues and deepened relationships with local families. A highlight of her recent tenure includes casting nearly 150 local youth in the upcoming production of The Nutcracker, cementing the theatre's commitment to community involvement.

A Homecoming in HR: Patrice Beckford

In a significant win for local talent retention, Worcester native Patrice Beckford is returning home to serve as the Senior Director of People and Culture.
Beckford brings over a decade of experience from New York, where she led HR leadership roles during periods of high growth. Her focus will be on talent development, succession planning, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring the internal culture of the theatre matches its external prestige.

Marketing Muscle: Andrew Darcey

Rounding out the leadership team is Andrew Darcey, appointed as the new Head of Marketing & Communications.

Darcey arrives with a heavyweight resume, joining The Hanover from Broadway In Boston. With previous experience overseeing advertising for the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles (Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum) and serving on The Broadway League’s Road Marketing Committee, Darcey brings national-level arts marketing expertise to Worcester to drive subscription and ticket sales.

What this means for Worcester:
Since opening in 2008, The Hanover Theatre has attracted over two million guests and served as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. These appointments suggest a strategy focused not just on maintaining that status, but on aggressively expanding the theatre's footprint in both professional education and world-class programming.

For upcoming performance schedules, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org.