PITTSBURGH: City Theatre Company has announced that artistic director Tracy Brigden will step down at the end of the 2016-17 season. The board will launch a search for a new artistic director to succeed Brigden, who led the company for 16 seasons.

“Tracy is an exceptional artist,” said board president Beth Newbold in a statement. “Her passion and energy brought exciting new and contemporary plays to life for our audiences.”

During her tenure, the theatre produced more than 25 world premieres and established the Momentum Festival. Her directing credits at City Theatre Company include the world premiere of Some Brighter Distance, Hand to God, the world premiere of Hope and Gravity, and the American premiere of The Monster in the Hall, among others.

“The 2016-17 season was one of City Theatre’s best ever, with two hit shows that extended, one world premiere production that is moving to Off Broadway, and a myriad of accolades and glowing reviews,” said Brigden in a statement. “It is on this high note of triumph and after 16 years as the artistic leader of City Theatre that I believe it is an opportune and ideal time for me to move on. I am so proud of all that the staff, board, artists, and I have accomplished during my tenure, and wish the company all the best in their next chapter.”