Hale Centre

In 1934, Nathan and Ruth Hale were asked by their church leader to put on a play. They found one that had a $25 royalty but $25 was more money than was in the church activity budget for an entire year. "Write one," they were told. They did and launched a life-time of entertaining millions and a legacy that lives on.

In the early 30's the Hales traveled with their 'acting troupe' to theatres all around Utah. They wrote more and performed more. In 1944 their adventures took them and their children to Southern California so that Nate could get in the movies. Finally, they decided to start a theatre of their own in Glendale, California in a little house that seated 99. They arranged the seats around the room—and voila—their signature theater-in-the-round began. The theatre sold-out regulary so they brought on help—their oldest daugther Sandra and her husban Allan Dietlein became business partners. They build a new theatre of 220 seats. Both theatre sold-out. They built a third theatre of 440 seats. Still operating today, The Glendale Centre Theatre is an icon.

In their 70's and after authoring more than 80 plays and musicals—many published—Nathan and Ruth thought it time to retire. They moved back to Utah, recovered on a couch and braided a rug. They found retirement makes you sick. What to do? Start a new theatre in Utah.