Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Artistic Director Steven Woolf, who has led the theatre since 1986, has announced plans to retire after a 30-year run. He will exit his role following the conclusion of The Rep’s 50th anniversary season in 2018-2019.

The Rep is planning to have Woolf’s successor named within a year. Woolf plans to remain involved with the theatre, and will take on the title of “artistic director emeritus.”

Woolf began his association with The Rep in 1981, directing a production of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre, an auspiciously titled first production. Leading up to his appointment as artistic director, Woolf served as The Rep’s managing director, production manager, and interim artistic director at various points.

“It’s not often you get to live your dream, but I’ve been able to do just that at The Rep,” Woolf said in a statement. “My life’s work has been about the theatre, and making it all come together has been a grand experience. Our theatre has had major successes and some bumps in the road. But through it all, I’ve had fun – it’s too hard a gig not to have fun. I am wildly proud to have been a part of the collective effort that has built our institution into a community leader.”

During his tenure at The Rep, Woolf has produced more than 300 plays, and directed 43 productions thus far. Since 2006, The Rep has won a combined 100 Kevin Kline and St. Louis Theater Circle Awards. The St. Louis Arts and Education Council recently honored Woolf with a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award.

Watch a pop-up performance from The Rep's Sunday in the Park With George.