FCHS Drama Department Director Adam Hofer accompanied his cast and crew for his 30th and final show as they took the stage and performed the spring musical, the Sound of Music, April 14-16.

“I could not have asked for anything better as a final show, and this will be one that will rank in the top of my memories for years to come," Hofer said. "I am so thankful to have been able to spend 15 years building a program here at FCHS that puts kids in leadership positions that challenge them and refine them as young adults. I ask them to be vulnerable and share parts of themselves as they adapt to different roles, and these students show up every time. Thank you to all of my current and former students for sharing your time with me!”

Hofer began his career at FCHS in 2008 as an English teacher and the drama department director and has treasured every moment. But, the preparation for each show is months taking Hofer from his family for a lengthy stretch of time. So, as his family grows, Hofer announced he was ready for a break, and the spring musical would be his last show as director. 

“I have two young girls, Maggie and Annie, who I want to spend more time with," Hofer explained. "I hope that this move is only a hiatus from directing until my girls are older, and I hope they will find a love for the theater one day that will help bring me back.”

Hofer shared that the students and their enthusiasm have brought him back year after year. 

“Working on these shows the past 15 years has been a passion project," said Hofer. "From fall plays to murder mystery dinner theaters to spring plays and musicals, I've witnessed tremendous talent grace our stage each and every year. I've watched as timid teenagers transform into star performers. It has been one of the great joys of my career to get to work through this artistic channel.”

Likewise, the students shared Mr. Hofer has brought them back to the theatre year after year with his unwavering belief in them and their abilities.

“I've known Mr. Hofer since 8th grade," said FCHS senior Carly Bergin, who played Sister Berthe in the musical. "I've been in his homeroom class my whole high school year. He's one of the people that you can go and talk to and just rant about your problems. He always tries to make people smile even though he may be super stressed about something.”

Senior Jacoba Hensley, who played Sister Margaretta, also shared Mr. Hofer's impact on her.

"Mr. Hofer has been such an incredible influence inmy life." Hensley continued, "He is such an amazing teacher, director, and person. He truly cares about us as students. Plus, he is incredibly hardworking. Even when I was completely exhausted from everything, he was super positive.”

Superintendent Tammy Chavis shared how much Mr. Hofer will be missed in the director role.

“Mr. Hofer is a ROCK STAR," Chavis said. "The quality of theatrical productions at Franklin County High School has been phenomenal over the last 15 years. This past musical, The Sound of Music, was spectacular. Mr. Hofer has set the bar extremely high. I applaud his dedication and commitment. Mr. Hofer will be missed!”

Hofer will continue his role as an English teacher at FCHS, and music will remain a passion.

"I can't help but to consider what blessings music has brought to my life through the years, and it seems even sweeter this year as we bring this show to life," Hofer said in his director note in the musical's program. "I listen to my young daughter, Maggie, singing "Do-Re-Mi" around our house the last few weeks in awe of how her young brain has absorbed these songs. Music is truly transcendent. I see this in my daughter, and I see it in these students. The impact of musical theater is life-changing and creates those core memories that we reflect on for years. I look at the signatures of past cast members on the back of our set and am in awe of the time I got to spend with each of them." 

Hofer shared how grateful he is for the support during his time as director.

“I am so thankful to work with an amazing collaborative team. Robert, Candice, Danielle, Katrina, and Karla—I cannot thank each of you enough. You have challenged me to be a better director, co-worker, and friend!”

At this time, no one has volunteered to take on the director role for next year. Still, Hofer is hopeful someone will, and the drama department will continue to grow.

"I would hate to see the position go unfilled because the drama program provides a space for students to feel welcomed and comfortable and is a place for them to showcase their creativity. Not only is it a place where the students can show their creativity, but it allowed me to have an outlet for my personal creative interests. Designing and planning a show was a lot of fun for me as I got to examine how I could make it my own within the bounds of the script. Taking on the role of director has a lot of time commitments, but it was time well spent working with great students. A new director can bring their own identity to this program and have a lasting impact by teaching young adults. The new director also doesn't need to have a lot of experience with theater, just the joy and interest in making theater available to students." 

Hofer hopes someday his path will lead him back to theatre.

“I hope one day to see my two girls on a stage just like this one. But for now, it must be Auf Wiedersehen (until we meet again).”