Pioneer Theatre Company's Charles Morey announces his retirement

After a 28-year run, Charles Morey, artistic director of Pioneer Theatre Company, announced his retirement Wednesday. He will retire at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

"Twenty-eight years is a long time to run a theater," Morey said in a phone interview after a board meeting. "In artistic theater life, that's like Galapagos tortoise years. There are very few who have made 28 years."

At retirement, Morey will have been at the helm for the majority of the theater's 50-year history, and will be the longest tenured sitting artistic director in any major American regional theater.

"A lot of running a theater is about having an ongoing dialogue with your community. And our community has been very supportive," he said.

"I've also had a terrific staff and a lot of resources and we've always been able to grow and change and evolve. The theater is in great shape financially and artistically and I'm at a point in my life where I'm focusing more and more on writing and directing."

Morey has produced close to 200 productions, commissioned more than a half-dozen new plays and produced 12 world premieres and the Utah premieres of dozens more. He has written nine plays, all of which premiered at PTC and most of which went on to productions at major professional theaters across the country.

During Morey's tenure, the theater has grown its operating budget from $1.2 million to $4.9 million while eliminating its long-term debt.

Still, with so much success, Morey is humble when asked about his proudest achievement. "Oh, I don't know, I think I'll leave that to other people to describe. But it's been a very difficult decision. It's something I've been mulling over for quite some time. But ultimately, it feels right. As you approach 65, and I'll turn 65 in June of 2012, you start to think, 'OK, where is the end date?' And this seemed to be about right. I wanted to give the board 18 months notice because it can take a long time and we want to make it as effortless as possible."

Morey, who jokes that he "doesn't have any hobbies," thanks patrons "for a great run" and will enjoy retirement in Salt Lake City as well as New York City.

"I like to work, so that's what I'll continue to do."

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com