2025 Goals:

• Further the organization’s commitment to increasing access to the performing arts for youth and individuals across the region through the Palace Youth Theatre (PYT) and Palace Academy.
• Raise funds for the Palace Youth Theatre Campaign to grow scholarship and financial aid fund, make necessary facility improvements and reduce annual overhead costs at Forever Emma Studios, the home of PYT.
• Continue to deliver on the growing cultural and entertainment needs of the community while providing educational opportunities for people of all ages and operating in a fiscally responsible manner.

Fundraising Events:

• Award-Winning Kitchen Tour (June) – attendees from across the region explore some of the finest kitchens in Southern New Hampshire. Funds raised support ongoing programming and community offerings at the Palace Theatres.
• Forever Emma Golf Tournament (September) – held in honor of one of the Palace’s most memorable young performers, Emma Bechert. Funds raised from the annual event are used to provide scholarships to high school seniors who are graduating from Palace Youth Theatre (PYT).
• Night of 1000 Stars – an evening of youth theater performances that includes a silent, online auction and is held to raise funds for scholarships, financial assistance and programming.
• Sponsorship of professional series shows; presenting and tribute shows; Palace Youth Theatre programming; community festivals and other events produced and managed by the organization.
• Various donor receptions community-based fundraisers and theater-run programs.

Giving Opportunities:

The Palace Theatres welcome and appreciate financial and in-kind support at any time during the year. Gifts and sponsorship support allow us to continue providing top-notch professional entertainment and opportunities for youth to learn about the fundamentals of live art and performing.

Memberships are also essential to maintaining what the theaters offer to the community. All memberships, at any level of commitment, include benefits like discounts, behind-the-scenes access, advance notice of shows, free tickets and more.

Volunteer Opportunities:

The Palace Theatres are always in need of customer service-oriented volunteer ushers. These individuals are critical to the Palace Theatres and serve as a friendly face greeting and seating patrons.

Business and community leaders and arts supporters are also invited to serve as members of our Community Advisory Board. This important group meets quarterly and is responsible for helping to promote the activities of the theaters in the community. The board also helps the organization grow its supporter base and build relationships with individuals and corporate partners.

Board Officers   /   Board Members

Atty. David Eby
Chair
Devine Millimet

Roland A. Martin II
Vice Chair
Cornerstone PDC, LLC

Mark LaPrade
Treasurer
BerryDunn

Doug Blais, Ph.D.
Secretary
Southern New Hampshire University

Robert Baines
Former Mayor of Manchester

Ernesto Burden
Yankee Publishing, Inc., NH Group

Ron Covey, Jr.
Retired, St. Mary’s Bank

Sylvio L. Dupuis. O.D.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Donna Gamache
Retired, Eversource Energy

Beth Houlis
Comcast

Ed Ithier
Southern New Hampshire University

John MacNeil
Moody Street Pictures

Camille Madden
HarborOne Mortgage

Sharron McCarthy
Girls Inc.

Jason McKinney
John Hancock Investments

Lucia A. Merritt
CPA (Retired)

Dr. Holly Mintz
Elliot Hospital

Norri Oberlander
North End Properties

Atty. Jennifer Parent
McLane Middleton Professional Assoc.

Michael Perrella
Bellwether Community Credit Union

Mike Reed
Stebbins Commercial Properties

Seth Wall
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Charitable Giving Guide

This profile is part of NH Business Review’s 2025 Charitable Giving Guide.

To learn more about the Charitable Giving Guide and other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, please visit www.nhbr.com/CGG.