Dear HITS,,

I am reaching out today with a bittersweet update on behalf of HITS. It is with grateful hearts and endless support that I inform you that Adam Wagner and Rae Dobrovolsky, (more notably known as “Mr. Adam and Ms. Rae”), will be stepping down from their roles at HITS to pursue exciting life opportunities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am pleased to assure you on behalf of the search committee, along with Adam and Rae and our dedicated staff, that during this transition our services to the HITS community will continue seamlessly.

ADAM’S IMPACT AT HITS

Adam’s accomplishments and accolades over the last seven years at HITS are countless. Serving first as Artistic Director (February 2018) and then moving into the role of Executive Director (November 2020) he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to further the mission of HITS Theatre. In his first year of leadership, he secured over $175k in grant funding and directed and produced the former annual Miller Outdoor Theatre Musical coming in under budget making this endeavor profitable for the first time in thirty-two years.

In 2020, along with his team, he managed, pivoted, and sustained the organization throughout the coronavirus pandemic…full stop.

From within the walls of HITS he has engaged in a deep-dive clean-up of our organization's accounting, transitioning to current grant tracking and restricted fund-tracking standards. He initiated and oversaw the restructuring of the company and developed a new leadership structure creating pathways to career advancement for staff members which has resulted in doubling the size of our staff and delivering increases to staff wages and benefits. Adam and Rae collaborated in leading the ‘Brick by Brick’ Campaign to renovate the patio, classroom, and lobby. He has worked alongside the Board to reshape board culture and strengthen engagement.

‘HITS Goes Green’ was inspired by Adam’s care for the environment resulting in the implementation of eco-friendly practices throughout HITS that have now become standard protocol. Perhaps his greatest passion and what has had the greatest reach and impact is Adam’s complete overhaul and development of our Scholarship Program which has grown from $8k to $45k annually during his tenure. What’s more, the program has recently been upgraded and received the title of the Dana Lewis Scholarship Fund. This will ensure that providing an arts education to any and all remains a priority at HITS.

While overseeing and engaging in all of these advancements, I would be remiss not to mention the heart of the matter, which is that throughout it all, Adam always saw that the growth of our student artists came first, furthering our mission by offering his own giftedness as a performer and director in productions such as She Loves Me, Les Miserables, and most recently, A New Brain. Anyone who has witnessed Adam’s creative vision and execution in action can attest to the full spectrum of his talent. Whether it has been facing bleak times in a shutdown when we had no students or audiences in the building, or innovating and implementing advancements for the betterment of the organization, Adam's work leaves a legacy that HITS will stand on forever.

RAE’S IMPACT AT HITS

Rae’s time at HITS, also seven years, has proven to be a time of deep growth and expansion as there truly is not one facet of HITS that she has not had a positive impact on. Originally onboarded as office manager/bookkeeper in 2018, Rae quickly excelled and also stepped into stage management with K-6 productions where she established herself as a beloved leader for our students. Successfully transitioning into the position of Business Manager in 2020 also included absorbing the roles in marketing and as a graphic designer.

Rae’s stewardship in the ‘Brick by Brick’ Campaign resulted in the surpassing of financial targets and paved the way for her future fundraising successes in her role as Director of Advancement. During her tenure in this role, she has revamped the fundraising calendar and sponsorship program, ignited brand impact through creative marketing prowess, spearheaded eco-friendly practices, and perhaps most notably has led the team to increase individual giving by 66% in one year alone through the establishment of our scholarship fund.

A gifted performer herself, Rae has not only gracefully performed alongside HITS students she has pursued her own career masterfully. Rae has been a beloved member of the HITS community at large- a pioneer of all she pursues and a connector of people everywhere she goes. I know you will join me in congratulating Rae as she embraces her new role as Advancement Services Manager with the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).

AND CHANCHO…

And now to Chancho- beloved furry friend, cast mate, and gentle companion of all students, patrons, and staff at HITS- also the third in the triple threat that is Adam, Rae, and Chancho. He has always provided a warm welcome at the lobby door, a safe harbor for students who might have pre-show jitters or nervous audition energy. He has been a calming presence in our space as well as a star on our stage many times. He has been consistent in reminding us to pause and enjoy a nap when needed. We will miss his contribution to HITS and look forward to learning of his next great adventures.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

There are no words to accurately express our gratitude to Adam and Rae. They have worked hard and with passion, innovation, and commitment. They depart from HITS having fortified the mission and operation therein. We will miss them deeply and send them with all of the best wishes in their endeavors.

If you feel compelled to honor the transformational work of Adam and Rae at this time, they have requested that a donation be made to the Dana Lewis Scholarship Fund which furthers our commitment to ensure that a HITS education is made possible for “all students, regardless of financial means…”.

Looking ahead, we’re grateful that Adam and Rae have committed to working with the search committee and staff as we navigate the transitions ahead.

I thank you for your continued support of HITS Theatre.

Best Always,

Katie Rushing

Board President

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