Ron Himes, founder and producing director of The Black Rep, issued a public call last year for a “drum major” to sustain what is widely recognized as the nation’s premier African-American theater troupe.
“Looks like we found him,” Himes said.
Himes meant David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology. WWT and Centene both have announced gifts of $100,000 to The Black Rep to produce its 37th Season.
“This support, led by David Steward, and this level of corporate commitment gives us the stimulus we need to begin our turnaround plan,” Himes said.
The turnaround begins 2-5 p.m. this Saturday, November 16 when The Black Rep will host an open house at its new theater in the Emerson Performance Center at Harris-Stowe State University.
“People can come see our new theater and buy season tickets and see a few excerpts from our season,” Himes said.
The Black Rep is still finalizing programming for its 37th season, which will include three productions at the Emerson Performance Center and one performance at The Missouri History Museum.
The company will produce Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration, The Meeting and The Trials of Brother Jero at Harris-Stowe and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf at the History Museum.
Himes said the Black Rep also has “an ongoing conversation” with Washington University, led by Executive Vice Chancellor Hank Webber, to address “many of The Black Rep’s auxiliary space issues.”
“We are deepening and formalizing the relationship between The Black Rep and Washington University,” Himes said. “These talks have curricular implications and ultimately residency possibilities.”
As for this season, Himes will direct Black Nativity, with Kyle Kelley serving as musical director and Heather Beal as choreographer. The cast for Black Nativity includes Leslie Johnson, Jermaine Smith, Herman Gordon, Jennifer Kelley, Roz White and Evann Debose.
Looking beyond this season, though the Black Rep and Harris-Stowe might look like a perfect fit to some, Himes is sure the arrangement is temporary.
“What we have now is a one-year commitment, and certainly I hope things will work out this year and we will be able to stay there until we know where will be our permanent home,” Himes said.
That “permanent home,” Himes said, is “maybe three years away.” Making a plan for those three years is his task now.
“We have begun the process of developing a three-year strategic plan,” he said. “We are looking forward to stabilizing the company by strengthening our administrative function and broadening our audience and donor base.”
Not that he hasn’t considered alternatives, but Himes intends for that “permanent home” to be somewhere in St. Louis. Over years, he has had conversations with possible partners in Kansas City about finding a second home for the company there and moving Black Rep productions from St. Louis to Kansas City on a regular basis.
As the Black Rep found itself homeless in its home city, Himes considered relocating the company to the western side of the state. He also looked into options for his freelance career, possibly leaving the Black Rep behind and striking out on his own.
But he decided to stay with the company he founded and its home city.
“This city is home,” Himes said. “We have invested 36 years into this city. With the right base of support and infrastructure, we could be here another 36 years.”
Those interested in working with the Black Rep should email ameerh@theblackrep.org.
