Board & Staff

Lebanon Opera House Board of Directors

Lebanon Opera House Staff

Joe Clifford, Executive Director (He/Him)

“Part conductor, part frontman, completely focused on the future of Lebanon Opera House.”

Joe has been with LOH since 2017

“Cultural matchmaker” is one of the best descriptions of Joe’s work as an arts presenter. A thoughtful and intentional leader, Joe does more than just put shows on a stage – he helps connect audiences with artists, broadens the cultural literacy of his community, and guides a passionate staff with a strong vision for the future of the arts in the Upper Valley.

One of Joe’s favorite shows since joining LOH was John 5 and the Creatures in 2019!

About Joe:
Named “Innovator of the Year” in 2023 by the Upper Valley Business Alliance, Joe Clifford is an arts administration leader with more than 23 years of nonprofit and arts presenting experience. He joined Lebanon Opera House as Executive Director in 2017. Learn more about Joe

Kristen Coats, Community Engagement Associate (She/Her)

“The glue that binds LOH to the community, connecting with a growing group of social-profit partners.”

Kristen has been with LOH since 2023

With a background in community health work, Kristen is helping to expand our efforts as more than a performing arts center but as a vital community resource. Kristen is developing our Social-Profit Partner Program, a network of community partners who’s value is far more than monetary, and engage with individuals and communities in the process of outreach and expansion in the performing arts.

About Kristen:
Kristen has been involved with Lebanon Opera House (LOH) since 2005 as a patron and volunteer. In January of 2023, she joined LOH’s staff as the Development Associate. Kristen has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years, ranging from print media management to population health. Learn more about Kristen

Brian Cook, Operations Manager (He/Him)

“The operations guy quietly helping everyone raise their game.”

Brian has been with LOH since 2022

Brian keeps the wheels turning, supporting the day to day work of LOH. More than that, Brian helps coordinate and engage with our Community Arts Partners and rental artists in an effort to support local and regional art of all levels on our stage.

About Brian:
Brian joined Lebanon Opera House as Operations Manager in January 2022. He has over ten years of experience in nonprofit leadership positions, most recently having served as Executive Director of Revels North from 2018-2021. Learn more about Brian

Lauren “Duff” Cummings, Stage Manager

“The stage manager who can fix anything and knows everyone.”

Duff has been with LOH over 50 years

Having devoted a significant period of his life to LOH, Duff helps to make every performance shine on our stage and embodies the fact that no performance is ‘small’, treating all shows with the utmost respect and professionalism that they deserve. From school performances to internationally touring artist, Duff helps everyone shine on our stage.

About Duff:
In 1969 while a student in technical theater production at Dartmouth, Duff and a group of classmates were asked by their Professor to join Ralph Bowie and the late Jack O’Connell in bringing the Opera House “out of mothballs” after six years of sitting unused. Learn more about Duff

Joel Giguere, Facilities Manager/Technical Director (He/Him)

“The wizard behind the curtain, making the back of the house hum.”

Joel has been with LOH since 2017

Making LOH a feel like home to every artist who walks through our doors, Joel helps create ensure that our hospitality is in top form. From favorite snacks to a tightly run crew, Joel’s knowledge, technical expertise, and diligence for artist needs makes every performers stay memorable. With experience as an educator, technical director, production manager, stage manager, and lighting designer, Joel knows how to get it done – and get it done right.

About Joel:
Joel spent his formative years in the bean fields of Bad Axe, Michigan where his parents instilled in him an early love of the performing arts and adventures in the great outdoors. His family later moved to Flint and then metro Detroit where he caught the theater bug and never stopped. Learn more about Joel

Laura Jean Gilloux, Events Manager (She/Her)

“A ray of positivity who makes everyone’s day a little brighter.”

LJ has been with LOH since 2021

You can tell that LJ is a people person from the way she immediately ‘clicks’ with folks. With an intense understanding of our patrons’ needs, and a passion for diversity and inclusion, LJ leads the Front of House team to ensure that everyone feels welcome in our spaces. She also coordinates volunteer engagement with a program of over 100 people from across the Upper Valley.

About LJ:
Laura Jean’s professional background is in providing strategic event planning support for annual giving and capital campaign efforts in higher education. She was an integral part of the planning team that launched Dartmouth College’s $3 billion Call to Lead Campaign, Dartmouth’s largest fundraising effort to date. Learn more about LJ

Joy Kosta, Box Office Associate (She/Her)

“Part of the box office team, making sure that tickets get sold and customers stay happy.”

Joy has been with LOH since 2024

With a life-long love of the arts, Joy has taken to her role as Box Office Associate like a fish to water. She’ll be the face you see on show nights helping patrons navigate ticket purchasing and location.

About Joy:
Joy is a passionate patron of the arts and recently endeavored to learn all things in the front of the house, beginning with the Box Office. She also manages the Box Office and House for Shaker Bridge Theatre. Learn more about Joy

Maureen Krauland, Development Relations Manager (She/Her)

“The development pro who’s bringing the area’s businesses to the party.”

Maureen has been with LOH since 2021

Someone who showcases dedication and diligence in everything she does, Maureen has thoughtfully cultivated relationshipships with over 100 businesses in support of the arts from across the Upper Valley region and beyond. Maureen helps craft the narrative around the impact that the local economy and the arts have on each other.

About Maureen:
Maureen has called the Upper Valley home for the past 15 years, and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the vitality of the community through work at Lebanon Opera House. Learn more about Maureen

Linda Lewis, Development Associate (She/Her)

“The donor relations specialist who celebrates our community’s tremendous generosity.”

Linda has been with LOH since 2023

About Linda:
A Massachusetts native, Linda has been an enthusiastic member of the Upper Valley community for twenty-plus years. Linda’s professional background includes the visual arts, graphic design, event planning and event production. Learn more about Linda

Lucas Mendelsohn, Communications and Technology Coordinator (He/Him)

“The marketing coordinator who’s bound and determined to make the Upper Valley a more inclusive place.”

Lucas has been with LOH since 2022

Lucas’ passion lies in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging work. Upon entering LOH, Lucas helped launch LOH’s Pride Celebration that tripled in size in one year and brought over 30 organizations across the region to provide resources to a vital segment of our community.

Hailing from the Upper Valley, Lucas graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Keene State College (KSC Class of ’21). Having joined the LOH team shortly after graduating, Lucas has loved learning and engaging with the community he grew up with. Learn more about Lucas

Sage Weber-Shirk, Assistant Technical Director (They/Them)

“Our resident technical wizard, who helps out Joel with all things back-of-house.”

Sage has been with LOH since 2024

About Sage:
Sage has been backstage since third grade and has no intention of stopping. They received their BA in Theatre Arts from Earlham College, where they spent their student years as a production manager, lighting designer, and conference organizer. Learn more about Sage

Box Office Associates

Lydia Elias, Box Office Associate & House Manager (She/They)

“Always ready to jump in and help out on show nights on all of your Box Office needs.”

Lydia has been with LOH since 2024

Lydia grew up in Media, PA, just a block from her local theater, where they developed a passion for the arts. Due to always preferring to watch plays over performing in them, Lydia found ways to contribute to the theatre, first by helping out with set design in high school and later by attending many local plays to show support. Joining LOH has helped her to keep the long tradition of being involved in the theatre and the arts while continuing to not be on stage.

In her spare time, Lydia volunteers at the Main Street Museum in White River Junction, VT and Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock, VT. Learn more about Lydia

Ashley Mello, Box Office Associate (She/Her)

“A welcoming presence in our lobby during regular box office hours.”

Ashley has been with LOH since 2024

Ashley is a passionate performer who has been on stage for nearly the last eighteen years. With a background in Early Childhood Education, she spent the last decade teaching classrooms of toddlers and incorporating her love of dramatic arts into their curriculum.

When not at LOH, Ashley spends her time performing in local community productions, choreographing, playing music with friends, and working with local Youth Theater programs. Learn more about Ashley

Rachael Thomeer, Box Office Associate (She/Her)

“A warm and helpful presence on show nights in the Box Office.”

Rachael has been with LOH since 2024

Rachael has enjoyed attending performances at LOH since moving to the Upper Valley. She was thrilled to join the evening box office team to assist guests at performances!

During the day, Rachael works in research at Dartmouth College. She spends her free time pursuing her creative hobbies, planning events, and volunteering. Learn more about Rachael

House Managers

• Michael Bellefeuille (He/Him)
• Eleanor Keats (She/Her)
• Christine Kidd (She/Her)