220. Mark and Sally Dietlein — 40 Years of Magic, Drama, and Stunning Performances at Hale Centre Theatre

Season 7 Episode 21: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Mark Dietlein, president, CEO, and co-founder, and Sally Dietlein, artistic director, executive producer, and co-founder of Hale Centre Theatre.  Mark and Sally Dietlein share their journey of building a thriving theater company in Utah. They discuss how their shared background in performing arts at BYU led them to join forces with Mark's grandparents, Ruth and Nathan Hale, to establish the theater in 1985. Over nearly 40 years, Hale Centre Theatre has experienced significant growth, expanding from its initial small venue to its current world-class facility in Sandy, Utah, which boasts unique and advanced stage technology. They emphasize Utah's strong work ethic and community support for the arts as key factors in their success. The duo highlights their commitment to providing high-quality theatrical experiences, including an extensive education program and outreach initiatives like "Story Weavers" that bring theater to underserved communities. They explain their meticulous show production process, the significant investment in each production, and their focus on delivering "emotional baths" to their audiences.