Ovation!, a musical theater powerhouse on Bainbridge Island, is losing one of its key players.

Todd Hulet, Ovation!’s performing arts director of music and education, will be leaving the shores of Bainbridge Island and moving to New York in September.

“As opportunities aligned for my next big step it is with bittersweet excitement as I move on to the next phase of my career,” Hulet said in a letter to supporters of Ovation! this week.

“My Ovation! family will stay close with me throughout my life,” he said. “Thank you for your support, trust, and belief in me. Let’s move forward with this season with momentum and drive to take the Ovation! Performing Arts Academy to new and exciting places in the future.”

Hulet’s final work with Ovation! will be with its Glee Camp in August. Before then, he will be involved with the group’s spring choir concert and Glee Jr.’s spring concert in May.

He will also be involved with the Crescendo’s spring concert and Ovation!’s productions of “RENT” and “Les Miserables.”

Ovation! has already begun the search for Hulet’s replacement. It seeks a musician and teacher who can work with Ovation!’s choir groups.

The organization hopes to hire a new director before Hulet leaves, providing ample time for the two to work side-by-side and make a smooth transition.