Opera House Players Welcomes
New Executive Director
David McCarthy
PRESS RELEASE
MONDAY DECEMBER 16, 2024
[Enfield, CT - Dec. 16, 2024] The Opera House Players (OHP), a cornerstone of the region’s arts community, is thrilled to announce the appointment of David McCarthy as its new Executive Director.
“The Governance Committee vetted some extremely talented individuals and conducted interviews over the past couple of months,” states President Maya Nicole Matthews. “David stood out among the applicants due to his track record for organizational support and expansion.”
A native Nutmegger and dynamic leader with a passion for the arts, McCarthy brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to the nonprofit organization as it continues its legacy of delivering exceptional musical theater and transitions into its next phase of growth. With boundless enthusiasm, expertise, and a passion for the arts, he aims to deepen community connections and inspire a shared love for community theater.
“Community theater is exciting,” he exclaimed. “I’m honored to join such a beloved institution and look forward to collaborating with the talented Board, team of artists, volunteers, and supporters,” McCarthy said. “Together, we’ll continue to build a vibrant and inclusive arts community.”
New to the Enfield area, David is a compassionate and expressive storyteller himself, through photography, film, poetry, and paint. He is excited to strengthen OHP’s connections with the community and lead the nonprofit through its next chapter.
“Listening is key," he said. "I'm new to the community and excited to connect with folks, listen to their perspectives, strengthen existing ties and build new, strong and meaningful relationships,” he added.
David McCarthy is well-known for his nonprofit leadership, dedication to fostering creative collaboration and engaging diverse audiences. With a background in strategic communication, fundraising and development, and community organizing, McCarthy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enriching communities through the arts. David earned his Master of Environmental Management Degree from the Yale School of the Environment. His graduate work concentrated on forestry, natural resource management, climate change adaptation, and policy, as well as the practice of values-based communication and resilience.
“We are excited to see where David takes the position,” Matthews says. “After our initial onboarding phase, the sky is really the limit in regard to committee evolution, events, and program expansion.”
As Executive Director, McCarthy will oversee the organization’s strategic initiatives, fundraising and development, and community outreach. He aims to expand the Opera House Players’ reach, create meaningful partnerships, and bring fresh perspectives to its acclaimed reputation and performances.
Opera House Players will be inviting the public to meet David McCarthy at a Sunday performance of A Chorus Line at the Enfield Annex, 124 North Maple St.
