Assumption Partnership with The Hanover Expands Students’ Access to Performing Arts Courses

Through a new, first-of-its-kind partnership with The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Assumption students now have access to a wider range of academic opportunities in the performing arts.  Under this new agreement, Assumption students may enroll in courses offered by the Conservatory that will count toward their undergraduate degree progress.  

“As an institution committed to the  liberal arts, we are pleased to offer this new opportunity to our students which reflects Assumption’s dedication to forming the whole person,” said Assumption President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. “We are proud of this new partnership that provides students interested in theater and music a rich array of courses that will enhance and complement the education they are receiving at Assumption. This partnership demonstrates the importance and the value that we place on the performing arts as an integral component of our education.”  

The Hanover Theatre Conservatory classes available to Assumption students include instruction in subjects such as acting, dance, music, and technical theatre and design. Assumption students will be able to take two Conservatory courses per semester, which will count toward their undergraduate degree progress as an independent study or special topics course. The opportunity is open to all Assumption students, regardless of major or minor. 

“We are thrilled that our students will be able to take such a wide range of classes in the performing arts and study with professionals who are active in their respective fields,” said Toby Norris, Ph.D., professor of art history and chair of the Department of Art & Music. “The new agreement expands students’ opportunities well beyond what we are able to offer on campus and enhances our already strong relationship with The Hanover Theatre.”

This new agreement is part of the institution’s ongoing support of The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. Each holiday, Assumption sponsors the annual A Christmas Carol production and for several years, the institution staged its annual spring musical at The Hanover Theatre prior to the construction of the Jeanne Y. Curtis Performance Hall on its campus.  

“Assumption has been a great partner to the Theatre since we opened in 2008,” said Troy Siebels, president and CEO of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand that partnership to include our Conservatory, which has grown quickly to become an integral part of the Theatre.”

Through the Department of Art & Music, Assumption students have myriad opportunities to display their talents. From performances on campus in the state-of-the-art Curtis Performance Hall, to exhibitions and internships in the community, such as ArtsWorcester’s city center gallery and the Worcester Art Museum, students are able to nurture and explore their creativity outside of the classroom. This partnership will provide students with a rich opportunity to develop their musical and theatrical skills.