The decision came after a closed-door meeting of the board, which then posted a statement saying it had implemented a "management transition plan to ensure uninterrupted operations, protect the theater's physical and digital assets, and maintain strong oversight during this transition."
Adair, who wrote that he was told the board wanted to move in a different direction, went on to call his time leading the historic theater "one of the greatest honors of my career, building a place rooted in love, inclusion, and equity for our whole community."
Adair recently appeared on WUKY's podcast Open Studio, and touted the theatre's long and influential history along with its more recent successes.
"Our foot traffic has increased an amazing amount. The amount of shows we have has increased. We are getting a lot of love and support from this community. We do everything for the people," he said. "And all you can do is see it for yourself. And I think that the space that we have allows people to just come in there and live a little."
Despite his departure from the Lyric, Adair says he's staying in Lexington and turning his attention to the Male Mentoring Institute, which works to "empower and inspire young males to develop leadership skills through educational activities, civic engagement, and character development."
As for the lineup of events already scheduled at the Lyric, the board says that will not change.