A quiet announcement about a key staff change at the top and a large deficit marked the holiday newsletter that went out this week from the Yard, the Chilmark summer performing arts colony founded by the late Patricia Nanon.

The letter reported that effective Nov. 29 Wendy Taucher was no longer artistic and executive director. “We all admire Wendy’s artistic vision and quest for excellence, and are confident you join us in wishing her well,” the letter said. It went on to report that Alison Manning has been named general manager and will continue in her role as development director as well. An interim artistic direction team has been named, “to ensure that the momentum of the past few years will be maintained. They are working throughout the year to help continue our in-the-school programming, prepare for the 2011 performance season, link to local Island artistic endeavors, and secure an excellent children’s program for next summer,” the letter said.

It continued: “The fall was also a time of financial reckoning. Frankly, the last two seasons left the Yard with a large deficit of $230,000, the scope of which was unknown to the board until recently.” A fund-raising campaign has been launched with a goal of raising $100,000 by the end of February. “The board has stepped up and doubled (and in some instances tripled) their gifts this year,” the letter said. “Work of the caliber seen at the Yard is not cheap. Your continued and increased support is vital to helping us get back on the right foot, and ensure that this never happens again. Your thoughts, feedback and support are all welcome at this time.”