Market House Theatre has named Benjamin S. Grimes as the new Managing Artistic Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on his leadership appointment. He will begin his tenure on July 1, 2025.
Founded in 1963, Market House Theatre (MHT) is a cornerstone of the arts community in Paducah, Kentucky. Housed in the beautifully restored Market House building in the heart of the historic downtown district, MHT was established by a group of passionate individuals committed to bringing live performance to the region. Since its inaugural production, The Male Animal, MHT has grown into a dynamic cultural institution, enriching the region through high-quality theatrical productions, arts education, and community outreach.
Grimes joins MHT following a nationally recognized career that blends both the performing arts and public service. A graduate of The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University with a BFA in Acting, Grimes began his career performing in regional theatres across the country, including New York City. After more than a decade in the spotlight, he made a life-changing decision to join the U.S. Army in 2006, where he served as an Airborne Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was deployed to Baghdad in 2006 and again in 2017.
Following his final deployment, Grimes rediscovered theatre as a path to healing and reconnection. He pursued a Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, focusing on theatre as a tool for social impact. His innovative work in this area led him to found Riverside Actors Theatre, a company dedicated to addressing trauma and elevating the voices of veterans and at-risk communities through performance and storytelling.
Grimes has held both artistic and administrative leadership positions with theatre companies in Chicago, New York, and Little Rock. His work as a director and actor has garnered accolades from Broadway World and the Arkansas Times. A sought-after teacher and facilitator, Grimes is known for his commitment to fostering creative, inclusive communities. In 2023, he was honored as an inaugural Catalyze Fellowship awardee by the Mid-America Arts Alliance and Windgate Foundation, recognizing his leadership and vision in the arts.
“I am deeply honored to join Market House Theatre and to call Paducah my family’s new home,” said Grimes. “At a time when many theatres face challenges, Market House is thriving, thanks to its incredible artists, staff, and the unwavering support of this community. I look forward to leading this dedicated team as we continue to create powerful, community-centered stories that inspire, challenge, and bring people together.”
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.