hmmmm, Interesting email circulating about a little coup at the Rep. :scratch:
To the patrons, donors, sponsors, and the entire Seaside Repertory Theatre community,
On Friday, February 12, three members of the Rep?s Executive Committee, (SoWal.com edit:it is no secret who volunteers for the Rep, but publishing names in a mass email or on this forum serves little purpose other than harm) entered my office and informed me that the board had voted to remove me from my position as Executive Director of the Rep. They refused to give me any reason, saying only that the board felt it was ?in the best interest? of the company. They produced a letter of resignation and asked me to sign it. I refused. In the days since, I have been given no information whatsoever from any of the current board members, including my long-time friend and ?co-founder? of the Rep, Jennifer Steele-Saunders. On the advice of counsel, I delivered my resignation letter this afternoon.
I founded the Rep when I was 23 years old, and have spent the last ten years building it into at worst, a reputable, well-respected professional theatre company. The Rep has brought joy, tears, and laughter to hundreds of thousands of people in our nine seasons, and for that reason alone, I do not regret one bead of sweat that I have given to this theatre However, I do owe an apology to the thousands of people that have contributed in some small way to my vision of this theatre. Whether you donated your time, money, or expertise, you believed and trusted in the mission and the trajectory of this organization. However, as Founder and Executive Director, it was my responsibility to not only to manage the theatre company and the talented professionals under my charge, but also to ensure that the Rep had a responsible governing body, as well as organizing documents that would prevent a takeover by a group of people whose lifetime contributions to the Rep are miniscule, at best. Clearly, I have failed in that regard, and for that I truly am sorry.
The last three years has been difficult for many non-profits. Professional theatre companies with much longer, storied histories than this one have been collapsing all across the country in the wake of the devastating recession. However, the Rep is fiscally stable (if not completely healthy), and is emerging from three months of near-record generosity thanks to the support of Robert and Daryl Davis, many of the Seaside Homeowners, and the countless loyal members and patrons of the Rep. What breaks my heart even more than the loss of the theatre company that I have worked so hard to build, is the fact that I will not be given the opportunity to deliver the product in which so many of you have so recently invested.
Clearly, I cannot support the decisions that this board has made. And only because I have been given no information regarding the direction in which they intend to steer the Rep, I feel I must publish my disapproval. I had planned our most ambitious season to date in celebration of our tenth anniversary, and once that plan was in place and communicated, I was removed. So, I have no idea what is next for the Rep, nor why I was terminated. I hope you will sympathize with my decision to put the ordeal behind me, and allow me focus on what lies ahead for my family. This communication will be my final one on this matter. I have nothing to be ashamed of, I have nothing to hide, and I have absolutely nothing for which I feel I need to answer. I do not claim to have been the perfect arts executive, but I feel very confident that I made the most of the resources at my disposal, and I have pursued the theatre?s mission with an ethical, professional, and artistic standard of which I remain most proud.
It has an incredible honor it has been to entertain and enlighten you over the last ten years. It hasn?t always been easy, but I have risen each day profoundly grateful for the opportunity to do this work, in this place, and for you.
Sincerely,
Craige Hoover
Replies
29
Beach Fanatic
I received this e-mail this afternoon and am waiting for some information from the Seaside Rep to inform us of the decision and how they will proceed. Craige Hoover made an amazing contribution to our community with the Rep theater, and I wish him well with whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue next.
I hope there is a way the community can be patient in waiting for word from the Rep.
I hope there is a way the community can be patient in waiting for word from the Rep.
Beach Comber
Such a bummer to hear. Great job Craig on everything you did!......Let me know if you would ever like to duplicate your success here in Fort Walton we would love to have your talent here!
pipergaffrey@cox.net
pipergaffrey@cox.net
Beach Fanatic
Thank you ssb for posting such a riveting letter. It's been quite a while since we've volunteered. So I really have never known how things are run, nor can I judge, but I think it's good for the community to be made aware of what's happening. I think it took a lot of guts for you to post this.
If this is what's to be then I am glad to have this opportunity to thank Craige Hoover for his hard work, inspiration, love of what he created and for sharing his passion, which has given so much to our community, our children and so many others involved. Doors that are closed usually lead to windows of opportunity. May you fly through the windows that are opened to you and I hope you will share with us so we can learn from your great experience.
I wish all involved the very best on what looks to possibly be two or more factions, which is not always fair, but certainly not unusual. Karma has her way of taking care of all things worthy and all things false. So with the ball in the Seaside Rep's court I expect we will all feel better hearing something from them soon.
Peace to you all.
If this is what's to be then I am glad to have this opportunity to thank Craige Hoover for his hard work, inspiration, love of what he created and for sharing his passion, which has given so much to our community, our children and so many others involved. Doors that are closed usually lead to windows of opportunity. May you fly through the windows that are opened to you and I hope you will share with us so we can learn from your great experience.
I wish all involved the very best on what looks to possibly be two or more factions, which is not always fair, but certainly not unusual. Karma has her way of taking care of all things worthy and all things false. So with the ball in the Seaside Rep's court I expect we will all feel better hearing something from them soon.
Peace to you all.
Admin
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Craige will find another venture to love and nourish. The Rep will continue to grow and entertain. All parties love our community and the arts. The board is full of good, hardworking folks and I trust has the best intentions. Growth and change is not always easy.
All the world's a stage.
Craige will find another venture to love and nourish. The Rep will continue to grow and entertain. All parties love our community and the arts. The board is full of good, hardworking folks and I trust has the best intentions. Growth and change is not always easy.
All the world's a stage.
Beach Fanatic
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Craige will find another venture to love and nourish. The Rep will continue to grow and entertain. All parties love our community and the arts. The board is full of good, hardworking folks and I trust has the best intentions. Growth and change is not always easy.
All the world's a stage.
In other words, move along people, nothing to see here.
Admin
In other words, move along people, nothing to see here.
True dat.
I will add that Craige probably doesn't want the email posted here, or won't in hindsight (my guess). I'm also guessing this thread will vanish.
There are always two sides, and unfortunately when attorneys get involved the first thing they tell their clients on both sides is to "shut it".
Beach Lover
I thought this thread had disappeared last night!
But, Craige must have wanted people to know or he wouldn't have sent this to the people he did. You're right about the attorneys though. WHEW!!
But, Craige must have wanted people to know or he wouldn't have sent this to the people he did. You're right about the attorneys though. WHEW!!
SoWal Expert
The email and its tone were quite surprising. If that is what he sends out as a mass email to strangers, can't imagine how he talks to people.
Beach Fanatic
The email and its tone were quite surprising. If that is what he sends out as a mass email to strangers, can't imagine how he talks to people.
Sounds like you've never met him, so perhaps those who have can answer. He has a lot of admirers, and has been here for a long time, I'm sure there's a reason for the respect others have for him.
SoWal Expert
I have met him - hence my surprise to receive such a bilious email.
Beach Fanatic
I have met him - hence my surprise to receive such a bilious email.
It's a bilious episode in his life, it sounds like. I think we're all capable of bitterness.
Skunky
It's a bilious episode in his life, it sounds like. I think we're all capable of bitterness.
Exactly the reason I think it is taking advantage of Craige to post an email he composed and fired-off without the clearest of thought process and will most likely regret in the future.
MERMAID-You are correct, I don't want to bump the thread up, so I will edit based on your comments. I guess I am simply lobbying that the thread be removed. It serves no purpose but to distract from the Rep. Matters between all the involved parties will be resolved as they should be, behind closed doors. Frankly, I am way more concerned about the product on the stage than anything else, and scandalizing an internal matter, one that plays out hundreds of times, quietly, on a daily basis throughout our country, compromises the efforts of the people who continue to work and finance selflessly for the theatre. With that said, I will now bump a bunch of threads above this one and try to kill it myself!
Edited
picky
Exactly the reason I think it is taking advantage of Craige to post an email he composed and fired-off without the clearest of thought process and will most likely regret in the future.
If you feel that way, why are you adding to the post count? Kurt has indicated his preference that this thread sink into oblivion. (and as long as I'm posting I'm of the opinion that adults have the wherewithal to find the "delete" button...it's unfortunate that Craige didn't use it.
)
Beach Comber
curious indeed, that this isn't being discussed here...since some (most? all?) of the parties involved are also active posters here on SoWal.com
SoWal Expert
IMO it isn't being discussed because anyone who actually knows anything (beyond the mass emails) is probably not allowed to post for legal reasons.
SoWal InsiderAuthor
;-)
SoWal Expert
Doubtful - based on what I am hearing, Craig sent every single person I know that email so there will be many people wanting to know the details behind it. 
Edited
Beach Fanatic
It is probably best for everyone concerned and especially all the posters on this forum to put this event behind us. The main objective now is for everyone who loves the REP to support it and to show up and see the wonderful performances. The REP will live and prosper, you can be sure of that !! It is unfortunate that this did not remain a private matter but as the bible says, this too shall pass.
Beach Comber
Why would it be in someone's best interest who is not affiliated with the parties involved to put this event behind them? (I'm not being sarcastic or antagonistic, I'm seriously asking.) I have no affiliation at all with Seaside Rep or anyone involved in this story, which is why I am all the more curious about the whole situation.
Part of being a supporter of an organization is to responsibly ask the right questions ~ who they are and what they do, their long and short term goals, what progress has been done toward those goals, if they are trustworthy in their decision making, etc.
Asking questions, ESPECIALLY in relation to an organization that relies tremendously on volunteers and donations, regardless of their (in this case stellar) reputation is our civic duty.
Part of being a supporter of an organization is to responsibly ask the right questions ~ who they are and what they do, their long and short term goals, what progress has been done toward those goals, if they are trustworthy in their decision making, etc.
Asking questions, ESPECIALLY in relation to an organization that relies tremendously on volunteers and donations, regardless of their (in this case stellar) reputation is our civic duty.
Beach Fanatic
Why would it be in someone's best interest who is not affiliated with the parties involved to put this event behind them? (I'm not being sarcastic or antagonistic, I'm seriously asking.) I have no affiliation at all with Seaside Rep or anyone involved in this story, which is why I am all the more curious about the whole situation.
Part of being a supporter of an organization is to responsibly ask the right questions ~ who they are and what they do, their long and short term goals, what progress has been done toward those goals, if they are trustworthy in their decision making, etc.
Asking questions, ESPECIALLY in relation to an organization that relies tremendously on volunteers and donations, regardless of their (in this case stellar) reputation is our civic duty.
If YOU are not affiliated or a supporter of the REP or do not know anyone of the players involved then why would you care ?? Simply for the gossip ?? My affiliation with the REP is as a patron and a supporter and I do not care about the back stage reasons. It is NOT our business or as you say our civic duty especially if you are not a supporter or part of the REP. The REP has a very competent, reputable, and well respected board of trustees. It is the Board's responsibility to manage and monitor the REP's activities. If it was their judgement that a change was needed I will honor and respect their decision ; That should be all that needs to be said.
Beach Comber
I meant I am not affiliated with the "scuttlebutt" as it was referred to, not that we don't support the Rep. I was saying that to clarify I wasn't taking sides or trying to stir up trouble for one side or the other. Should have been more clear on that.
Honestly, when I read the letter the first thought I had was "I need to check this out on SoWal...they always have the REAL information there". Not at all out of gossip or rumors. Because I thought everyone has always been very honest and genuine and forthright here. I don't post often but always come here for the truth of what is going on in SoWal (without the media slant or rumor mongers).
Honestly, when I read the letter the first thought I had was "I need to check this out on SoWal...they always have the REAL information there". Not at all out of gossip or rumors. Because I thought everyone has always been very honest and genuine and forthright here. I don't post often but always come here for the truth of what is going on in SoWal (without the media slant or rumor mongers).
Beach Fanatic
I think the fact that no one knows the reasons speaks volumes for the integrity of the board. Of course they can't explain themselves to the community at large...they would be violating both the law and the rules of basic professionalism if they did so.
The article is the Sun on the subject--
Board of directors pushes out Seaside Rep's Hoover (with LETTERS) | seaside, theatre, letters - Local News - WaltonSun.com names the board and even names the businesses of some members in an article that basically calls them out to explain themselves. It's appalling.
The article is the Sun on the subject--
Board of directors pushes out Seaside Rep's Hoover (with LETTERS) | seaside, theatre, letters - Local News - WaltonSun.com names the board and even names the businesses of some members in an article that basically calls them out to explain themselves. It's appalling.
Beach Fanatic
When Seaside evicted the congregation from their church, it was freely discussed here, with no "move along, now" comments.
Why is the rep board so sacred that they don't have to explain their decisions? The Seaside board that managed the chapel wasn't given a pass.
Why is the rep board so sacred that they don't have to explain their decisions? The Seaside board that managed the chapel wasn't given a pass.
Skunky
When Seaside evicted the congregation from their church, it was freely discussed here, with no "move along, now" comments.
Why is the rep board so sacred that they don't have to explain their decisions? The Seaside board that managed the chapel wasn't given a pass.
If you were fired would you want the authority that fired you to release a list of 'reasons we let Here4Good go' for public consumption? Do you think that one of the board members going on the record with such matters is a help or hinderance in the long run for Craige? If you google 'Craige Hoover Seaside' right now the first several hits that come up involve this whole mess. Considering that potential employers use the internet to do a bit of digging on their impending hires, I would propose that all of Craige's 'friends' who are trying to fuel a campaign to 'get answers' are screwing him in the long run. The Board is going to take the high road and let this issue die, as it should.
What will not die is our gem of a theater. I for one am really looking forward to the Intern shows and the upcoming Patsy Cline play, as well as all the entertainment for years to come!
Beach Comber
[FONT="]I disagree with 30A Skunkape. Craige knows exactly how this area works and how quickly quiet rumors fly around. Before you know it everyone is discussing a little silent secret and shooting you odd looks, but not addressing the situation to your face. No instead everyone just gossips about the person and passes around just one side of the story. He embraced what everyone was already going to know and has decided to go ahead and given his side of the story.
I for one am glad that for once unlike everything that is almost inappropriately discus on the forum about people's businesses, personal lives, and of course any amount of gossip possible, that finally someone posted something that is not a **** rumor.
If you have an opinion fine, but don't tell people what they can discus and not discus. If this subject is to touchy for you then don't reply to it.
It's very simple.[/FONT]
I for one am glad that for once unlike everything that is almost inappropriately discus on the forum about people's businesses, personal lives, and of course any amount of gossip possible, that finally someone posted something that is not a **** rumor.
If you have an opinion fine, but don't tell people what they can discus and not discus. If this subject is to touchy for you then don't reply to it.
It's very simple.[/FONT]
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