Northern Stage Adds Three New Members to Its Board of Directors

Northern Stage has elected three new board members. Shoshana Belisle, David Finnerty, and Holly Kania have joined the theater's 19-member Board of Directors effective May 28, 2026. 

Shoshana Belisle

is an enthusiastic advocate for widespread arts education. Her children have performed in numerous productions at Northern Stage. She is a psychotherapist for Counseling Associates in downtown Hanover and holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA), New York University (MSW), Columbia University Teachers College (MA), and Saybrook University (PhD). An avid holistic health advocate, she is also a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and an advanced yoga instructor. A love for the arts permeates her extracurricular activities and philanthropic interests.

David Finnerty

 is the President & CEO of Claremont Savings Bank. A lifelong supporter of the arts, David's connection to theatre began when his parents brought him to see Les Misérables—an experience that sparked an enduring appreciation for live performance and the role the arts play in shaping community identity. He believes theatre strengthens communities by fostering connection, expanding perspective, growing vibrant local economies, and creating shared experiences that bring people together. A retired U.S. Marine and Army National Guard veteran, David brings a deep sense of service, integrity, and stewardship to every leadership role. He is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen communities and is honored to contribute his experience in governance, strategy, and organizational leadership in service to the arts.

Holly Kania

Three things light up Holly Kania's spirit: a great story, inspirational teaching, and embodied arts––theater, dance, music. Since arriving in the Upper Valley in 2020, she's been wowed by the quality of programming at Northern Stage. Holly began her professional work in communications at Chicago ad agency Leo Burnett, where her clients included United Airlines and Keebler Foods (elves!). While raising a family, she transitioned to freelance work, building a successful practice in communications strategy and content development. Also an educator, Holly taught writing and theater at the high school level, improv to summer campers and corporate trainees, and youth choir.  She holds degrees from Princeton (B.A.), Trinity College Dublin (H.Dip), and Harvard (Ed.M). A lifelong performer, Holly trained in improv at Second City's Player's Workshop in Chicago, and once earned a single Equity point in summer stock theater! She performs with Boston-area vocal ensemble “Broadband,” with whom she has sung the national anthem at Fenway Park and the TD Garden. In retirement, Holly continues teaching Nia technique (holistic dance), writes, studies contemplative mysticism, and volunteers at the Hartford Center for Restorative Justice.

Northern Stage recently announced its 26/27 Main Stage Season, which opens with the Broadway smash hit John Proctor is the Villain, and continues with a dazzling new production of Disney's Frozen, the world premiere of The Getaway Driver, the haunting Irish play The Weir and Shakespeare's timeless Much Ado About Nothing.