Board & Staff

Lebanon Opera House Board of Directors

Lebanon Opera House Staff

Joe Clifford, Executive Director & Cultural Matchmaker (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 as an arts presenter. Thoughtful and intentional, Joe does more than just put shows on a stage, but helps connect audiences with artists, expand the minds of his community, and guide a passionate staff with a strong vision of the future.

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, Development 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.

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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 support local and regional art of all levels on our stage.

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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

Molly Elsasser, Patron Services & Events Manager (She/Her)

“She expertly runs the front-of-house while also overseeing volunteers.”

Molly has been with LOH since 2022

With overwhelming kindness and enthusiasm, Molly coordinates volunteer engagement with a program of over 100 people from across the Upper Valley. Whether you’re an LOH regular or it’s your first time joining us, from purchasing a ticket to leaving a show, Molly help’s make your experience one-of-a-kind.

Molly’s favorite moment since joining LOH was sharing 3 days of music from Kyshona to Price with her awesome volunteer team during Nexus ’23!

About Molly:
Molly Elsasser is an Upper Valley native who has always been involved in Theater. She went to Wittenberg University in Ohio and graduated with a BA in English Literature, Philosophy and Theater. Learn more about Molly

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

Joel has been with LOH since ????

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.

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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, Development Manager (She/Her)

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 donors as more than their money, and a passion for diversity and inclusion, LJ manages to foster a successful development program managing year round fundraising. LJ is helping develop an understanding of what being in our inner circle provides to our community and how each donation creates waves in giving back and supporting the arts.

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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)

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)

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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)

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About Linda: Learn more about Linda

Lucas Mendelsohn, Communications and Engagement 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 in February ’22, 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)

Sage has been with LOH since 2024

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About Sage:
Learn more about Sage

House Managers

• Michael Bellefieuille (He/Him)
• Lydia Elias (She/Her)
• Eleanor Keats (She/Her)
• Christine Kidd (She/Her)