During the 2026/27 season, in collaboration with Claremont Savings Bank, Northern Stage will bring more than 1,000 students from across the region into the theatre to experience a professional live performance. We are already seeing the power of this partnership in action: just this fall we had 451 students from 12 schools attend performances of John Proctor is the Villain.

Claremont Savings Bank has long demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Last year, the bank underwrote our Student Matinee program so that we could offer subsidized tickets to local schools at a rate of $20 per ticket. This year, they’ve expanded their support to ensure that students from designated partner high schools receive tickets completely free of charge.

“As a mutual bank, our strength comes directly from the communities we serve. Supporting the student matinee series is more than a sponsorship—it’s an investment in imagination, confidence, and possibility for every young person who walks through those doors,” states David Finnerty, President & CEO of Claremont Savings Bank. “Mutual banks were built to make a difference locally, and partnerships like this allow us to help create experiences that inspire families today and strengthen our community for years to come.”

This season, Northern Stage is proud to work with students and educators at Stevens High School, Hartford High School, Lebanon High School, White River Valley School, and Mascoma Valley Regional High School. In addition to attending live performances, students will benefit from a pre-show school visit from a Northern Stage teaching artist, study guides and talkbacks with artists.

“We are grateful to our partners at Claremont Savings Bank for their generous investment in Northern Stage, and in particular for ensuring that thousands of students will be able to attend performances at the theater this year,” said Carol Dunne, Producing Artistic Director, and Jason Smoller, Managing Director.

In addition to sponsoring the Student Matinees, Claremont Savings Bank served as the financing partner for Northern Stage’s housing development, completed in 2025. “The bank has been an invaluable partner in our development of housing and truly embodies the spirit of community banking,” says Carol.