The Black Repertory Theatre050

The Black Repertory Theatre - or The Black Rep, as it's better known - is the nation's largest professional African American theater company. It was established in 1976 by Ron Himes, then a student at Washington University in St. Louis, as the Phoenix Theatre Troupe.

Today, the company produces quality professional dramas, comedies, and musicals, primarily written by playwrights who are African American and/or from developing countries. The Rep performs its plays at the Grandel Theatre.

The Rep offers a six-week Summer Performing Arts Program for kids ages eight to 17. The program provides instruction in acting, movement, voice, writing, and creative costume crafts. Students also prepare for and perform in a special production for their families at the end of the session.