Centerstage Theatre Artistic Director Alan Bryce will retire from the Federal Way theater company effective June 30. He joined Centerstage in 2003 and has led the company through many changes and considerable growth. During his tenure, Centerstage developed a reputation for excellence and has won many awards.

“It’s not that I’ve run out of steam,” Bryce said in a press release. “I want to spend more time writing while I still have the energy to do so. But more importantly, I will have been at Centerstage for 15 years. Artistic leadership needs to be refreshed periodically, and it just feels like the right time to hand over the reins of this terrific organization to a fresh, new mind. Working at Centerstage, with the fabulous, committed people here, has been a joy for each one of my 15 years here.”

Centerstage is currently in the process of appointing an interim artistic director, who will serve for a year, while a national search is conducted to hire a permanent replacement. Bryce, meanwhile, will still appear in this year’s “panto” and will direct one of the shows in the 2017-18 season.

There are two more chances to enjoy Bryce’s writing at Centerstage. On April 28, Centrestage presents “Eve’s Chain,” a murder mystery event and fundraiser at the Twin Lakes Country Club in Federal Way. Then, on May 13, for four weeks, Centrestage is presenting “Cardinal Sins,” a musical and love story, set in 13th century England.

An event to honor Bryce and his service to Centerstage and the Federal Way community is being planned.

Centerstage is Federal Way’s resident theater company. It was founded in 1977, and for the past 14 years has produced shows at the Knutzen Family Theatre.