Identifying a need and understanding what it will take to fill it has been the essence of The Black Rep’s staying power and lasting impact on the St. Louis community.
Founded 45 years ago by Ron Himes, who, at the time, was a student at Washington University in St. Louis, The Black Rep has grown to become one of the largest, nonprofit professional African American theatre companies in the country and the largest African American performing arts organization in Missouri.
In addition to presenting award-winning productions, The Black Rep has created programs that offer opportunities, representation, and other resources to support students and theatre professionals of color.
“One of the things Ron always talks about is that we have the most diverse audience in the St. Louis community,” said The Black Rep’s Brian McKinley. “It’s something to be really proud of. I’ve often heard about Black theatre companies that have come and gone, and we’re still going strong.”
McKinley believes The Black Rep’s success through the years is due to its ability to evolve with the times.
“It stems from why Ron started the company – the need for Black student artists to receive opportunities,” McKinley said. “In order to keep going forward and sustain yourself, you have to adapt to the constantly changing situation in the community – that’s one of our pillars. It’s something that came out of the Black arts movements in the 1970s. They weren’t finding opportunities, so they started their own company. The core of the company was to change with the times, it’s been the driving force behind The Black Rep. Recently, we did that with the pandemic and found other ways to produce and show our work.”
McKinley, whose range of duties at The Black Rep include assisting Himes, the company’s founder and producing director, as well as supervise the Professional Fellowships intern program, among others, is himself a product of the organization’s educational and community outreach: He began as an acting intern and now oversees the program. He also is an actor and has appeared in a number of Black Rep plays, including this season’s production of “Sweat,” directed by Himes.
The Black Rep also offers Touring Shows, which bring theatre to schools and communities across the St. Louis area; the Performing Arts Workshop provides students and teachers with workshops conducted by professional guests artists; the Summer Performing Arts program grew out of a need to engage students beyond the classroom and offer them opportunities for artistic expression; and Teen Tech Training is for those interested in a behind-the-scenes career in theatre.
“The programs work because we see how many kids keep coming back to the programs year after year,” McKinley said. “Last year, Summer Performing Arts had a 100% return, everyone came back.”
Even after they complete a program, students know they can turn to The Black Rep for further guidance and professional expertise.
“A lot of times, kids ask for assistance with applications and auditions,” McKinley said. “This past summer, I assisted one of our students, LaRiel, to get into the Grand Center Arts Academy. After one of our performances, her mom told me she’s loving it there and said that a lot of the things her class is learning are things she learned in camp. This is why the programs (and The Black Rep) thrive – because of what they are and what they provide to the community.”
In celebration of its milestone anniversary, The Black Rep hosts its 45th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the 560 Music Center (560 Trinity Ave. in University City). An award presentation and a live performance by the Grammy Award-winning Fisk Jubilee Singers are among the evening’s highlights. Proceeds support The Black Rep’s community and education programs.
Visit The Black Rep’s official 45th Anniversary Gala page for ticket information.
MISSION: To provide platforms for theatre, dance and other creative expressions from the African American perspective that heighten the social and cultural awareness of its audiences.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Upcoming productions for The Black Rep’s 45th season include “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” (Jan. 12 to 30), “Fireflies” (Feb. 9 to 27), “Behind the Street” (March 16 to April 3), and “Jitney” (May 11 to 29). Ticket sales cover just 30% of The Black Rep’s annual operating expenses, and it relies on support from the community to sustain its programs. To purchase tickets or for more information on other ways to support The Black Rep, call (314) 534-3810 or visit theblackrep.org.
My first time on the website, and I must say I love it! Keep up the good work it is going to pay off!