As The Black Rep nears its 50th anniversary, Himes continues to mold its legacy, with a particular emphasis on building opportunities and telling bold stories. Since founding the platform in 1976, Himes has produced and directed hundreds of plays. Still, he suggests the industry must continue to rethink access: “Improving representation on- and backstage in the theater industry, and fostering community culture of support and mentorship,” should be important objectives for theater stakeholders, he says.
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2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The talented young people that we see each year, from the youngest participants in our summer arts camp through our post-graduates enrolled in our AmeriCorps Community Arts Fellowship.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Creating a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources for Black students and professionals in the theater, improving representation on and back-stage in the theater industry, and fostering community culture of support and mentorship.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The constant challenge: communicating the value of the arts—theatre arts in particular—in building social and cultural awareness.
MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I have been lucky to have a variety of supporters on the board over the past 48 years.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Woodie King, Jr has been a constant resource for me as I was learning to produce theatre.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Don’t make the same mistakes twice, and don’t spend money you don’t have.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Donald Suggs and Adrian Bracy
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Born and raised in St. Louis’ West End, I attended Soldan High School.
What was your childhood aspiration? I wanted to be an OB/GYN.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I delivered newspapers. I learned to delegate work and to manage money.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? BS from Washington University and honorary doctorates from Washington University and the University of Missouri.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Teaching African-American history.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Fraser’s—the Chicken Piccata.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? A performance at Carnegie Hall
What’s your hobby/passion? Golf and gardening
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I didn’t attend my prom because I was too shy to ask a date.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Madman Across the Water
