All Ages Engage in the Arts Adopt-A-School Program Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was the Broadway production selected for our third annual Adopt-A-School program with South High Community School in Worcester. The entire school of 1300 students participated in an intensive curriculum-based program that centered on the themes of this Broadway show which culminated in a unique theatre experience at the theatre. Once again poems, artwork and projects created in all subjects adorned the walls of the theatre lobby during the show held in early November. The Adopt-A-School program has proven to be a highly effective vehicle for motivating students and facilitating the learning process. Access to the Arts Fund As the new performing arts conservatory aims to broaden and expand patron engagement, the theatre is proud to continue offering a wide range of Access to the Arts outreach initiatives. The following programs touch the lives of countless individuals of many ages and backgrounds. (See donor list on page 14.) • Expansion of Youth Summer Programs to serve ages 6-18 • Continuation of the Goddard Scholars Program at Sullivan Middle School • Over 5000 students throughout central New England experience matinees of A Christmas Carol each year • Collaboration with Autism Speaks broke new ground to offer our first sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol. • The WPI Orchestra and Youth Ballet of Worcester present a youth-focused interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Larry Thomas Bell’s Hansel and Gretel • Worcester Technical High School’s Motivational Speakers Program • The Hanover Theatre college internship program • Continuation of partnership with Audio Journal to provide access to the blind or visually impaired at select shows • American Sign Language interpretation available at Sunday evening performances for all Broadway shows & A Christmas Carol • Partnership with Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE) • 1500 complimentary tickets distributed annually to the community for A Christmas Carol through the United Way of Central Massachusetts
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! cast talk back with students from South High Community School. Photo: Andrea Seward.
New Wurlitzer Tours The theatre has already been offeing monthly Founders’ Tours as well as Historical and Architectural Tours. This year we added, The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Tours which are conducted by Donald Phipps, founder and curator of this special instrument, and his talented team. The organ tour includes a complete behind-the-scenes look at one of New England’s largest theatre pipe organs and a private performance by theatre organist, Len Beyersdorfer. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and Conservatory • 2016 Report to the Community • 8
