Virginia Stage’s Kandis Hyde Selected for National Arts Leadership Program

We’re excited to share some good news from behind the scenes at Virginia Stage Company: Director of Development Kandis Hyde has been selected to join the 2026–27 cohort of Milwaukee Rep University, a national leadership development program bringing together arts and cultural leaders from across the country.

Kandis is one of 30 leaders selected for this year’s program, representing more than 20 organizations. Her fellow participants come from institutions including Alliance Theatre, American Conservatory Theater, Cleveland Play House, Shaw Festival, Signature Theatre, Milwaukee Art Museum and others.

And while we’re certainly proud to see Kandis and Virginia Stage represented nationally, we’re even more excited about what she’ll bring home to Hampton Roads.

Milwaukee Rep University is a year-long program exploring some of the biggest questions facing arts organizations today: How do we build stronger organizations? How do we reach new audiences? How do we adapt when the world around us changes? And how can new ideas and technologies help us better serve our communities?

From September through June, Kandis will take part in monthly sessions focused on leadership, organizational culture, financial sustainability, audience development, community impact, innovation, emerging technology and more.

For Virginia Stage, that means having one of our own at the table with arts leaders from around the country, exchanging ideas, learning what’s working in other communities and bringing those conversations back to the Wells Theatre.

Kandis has nearly two decades of experience in arts administration and leads all facets of fundraising at Virginia Stage. Her work helps make possible what audiences see onstage as well as the education, community engagement and accessibility programs that extend Virginia Stage’s impact beyond the stage.

We’re thrilled to see Kandis recognized as part of this national cohort and even more thrilled to see where the experience takes her, and Virginia Stage, next.

Congratulations, Kandis!