Dawn Helsing Wolters to step down at the Rep

Can’t say I saw this coming. I received this press release via email at 4:30 this afternoon (Tuesday, 11/13). Passing it along verbatim:

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater today announced that Dawn Helsing Wolters is leaving her position as Managing Director of the company at the end of the current season to pursue other opportunities. The Rep’s Board of Trustees is beginning a national search for her replacement.

“My four seasons with The Rep have provided me with rewarding challenges and opportunities, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure,” Helsing Wolters said. “After much consideration, however, I have decided it is time for me to find new professional challenges and let someone else take The Rep to its next stage of growth and development. I want to thank the board and staff for their hard work and commitment to The Rep, and I am confident the company has even more success in its future.”

Board President Judy Hansen said, “Dawn Helsing Wolters has led The Rep through a period of positive change and solid growth, and we appreciate her many contributions to the organization. We are grateful that she has agreed to assist with this leadership transition, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors after she leaves The Rep at the end of the season.”

Helsing Wolters came to the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 2009. Artistic Director Mark Clements, who joined The Rep a year later, praised her commitment to the company. “Dawn has worked tirelessly for The Rep, and for that I am most grateful,” he said.

Hansen said The Rep is in a good position to attract well-qualified candidates for the Managing Director job.  The Board hopes to have a new Managing Director in place by summer and anticipates a smooth transition, she said.

“We have a strong artistic vision that is helping the company gain national notice,” she said. “Additionally, we have a solid combination of art, artistic associates, talented staff, loyal season-ticketholders, committed donors and steadfast community supporters that have made us one of the leading regional theater companies in the country. This is an exciting time for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. There are very good things in store, and we appreciate everything Dawn has done to get us to this point.”