A Letter to Our Community
by Kate Rufener, Board President & John Sweeney, Interim Executive Director
June 25, 2025
Dear West Valley Arts Community,
We're writing to share some important news about our theater family and to celebrate the incredible journey we've been on together.
A New Chapter Begins
Today marks a significant transition for the West Valley Arts Foundation. Jeff Olsen has departed his role as Executive Director, and we're excited to introduce our interim leadership team that will guide us forward:
John Sweeney has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in performing arts management and donor development. Vanessa Olson continues as our beloved Artistic Director, ensuring the creative heart of our theater beats as strongly as ever. And I'll continue serving as your Board President, working alongside this incredible team.
Celebrating Our Journey
It's hard to believe it's only been six months since we became an independent organization! When our community fought to save this theater, you entrusted us with something precious – your vision for what community theater could be. Looking back on these months, we're overwhelmed by what we've accomplished together.
From our award-winning performances to our packed Theater360 summer camps, from sold-out shows to the daily magic that happens on our stage – you've proven that this theater isn't just a building, it's the beating heart of our arts community.
The Show Goes On
If you're wondering about our current programming – don't worry! Alice By Heart continues its run with performances proceeding exactly as scheduled. Our Theater360 summer camps are nearly full (we do have a few spots left if you know any young performers looking for an amazing experience!). And our planning for the upcoming season is moving forward with all the excitement and ambition you've come to expect from us.
Looking Ahead
This transition comes at a time when we're stronger than ever. We're already in conversations with several exceptional candidates for our permanent Executive Director position – leaders who share our passion for community theater and understand the special magic we've created here.
What excites us most is the foundation we've built together. When people ask us what makes West Valley special, we tell them it's simple: it's a theater that exists because a community refused to let it die. That spirit – your spirit – continues to drive everything we do.
Thank You
To our audiences who fill our seats, our volunteers who give their time, our donors who believe in our mission, our artists who pour their hearts onto our stage, and our community partners who've stood with us from the beginning – thank you. Your investment in this theater has created something truly beautiful.
We can't wait to share what comes next. This is just the beginning of our story, and we're writing it together.
With love and gratitude,
Kate Rufener
Board President
West Valley Arts Foundation
John Sweeney
Interim Executive Director
West Valley Arts Foundation
Have questions? Want to chat? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at kate.rufener@wvcarts.org or give us a call at (801) 836-5283.
