Staff Highlight: Denise Humphrey

By CTFG

As we continue our special series, at the Center of UVI, this month we visit the junction where world-class arts and UVI intersect – the Reichhold Center for the Arts.   A field of flamboyants and yellow cedar gives way to a baobab, kenip, and neem-lined pathway that opens up to reveal a stunning amphitheatre nestled in a lush, green hillside. There, inside, we pull back the curtain, turn on the spotlight, and bring to the centre stage the brains behind the backdrop, Ms. Denise Humphrey.

Who is Denise Humphrey?

I like to think of myself as a quiet, behind‑the‑scenes worker bee, someone who enjoys making sure everything comes together smoothly, even if no one ever sees the work happening. I’m a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where I studied Drama (yes, literally), with a focus on stage management as well as scenic and lighting design. Those years taught me how powerful storytelling can be when every detail is thoughtfully considered. Along the way, I also had the opportunity to serve as a high school teacher at Charlotte Amalie High School, where I shared my love for theatre, creativity, and discipline with students and learned just as much from them in return.

When did you discover your love for the Humanities?

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. In high school, my art teacher introduced me to an after‑school program at the Fort Christian Museum called the School of Visual Arts and Careers, and that experience truly changed everything for me. It was inspiring, eye‑opening, and incredibly influential at such a formative time in my life. I was fortunate to learn from amazing teachers—Princess Cureton, Phebe Schwartz, Edney Freeman, Karen Samuel, and Karen Bertrand—who not only gave me a strong artistic foundation but also genuinely believed in my capabilities. Through that experience, I realized I didn’t want a typical job stuck behind a desk in a cubicle. I wanted a career that allowed me to be creative, work with my hands, and bring ideas to life.

What made you decide to make the arts your career path?

My experience began at UVI with the little theatre. I was bored in my dorm one Saturday and a friend said that the little theatre needed volunteers for an upcoming show and that I should sign up. From then I was bitten by the bug. At the time I was leaning towards computer science because I wanted to be a computer animator, my first love. Back then, you had to create the programming to do computer animation.  UVI did not have a computer science program as yet.  I had to leave the island to pursue this career.  When I transferred to Wisconsin, I learned that you can get all sorts of careers in the theatre field.  I was able to leverage my computer skills with my artistic skills and found a niche on the tech side of the performance field.

As a student of theatre, what were some of the most unexpected, but life-changing skills you acquired?

Two of the most life‑changing skills I gained were learning how to pivot and how to solve problems—and I learned both right here at UVI. As a student, the UVI Little Theatre took one of David Edgecombe’s plays on a whirlwind tour of four islands in five days, just a couple of years after Hurricane Hugo. It was intense. We’d catch a 6 a.m. flight, land, go straight to the venue, assess the space, figure out what was needed, scrounge up materials, build the set, perform the show, strike everything, and then jump on another plane the next morning.

It was grueling—the hardest I’ve ever worked—and at times incredibly frustrating, chaotic, and exhausting. But I loved every moment of it. Walking into an unfamiliar space, not knowing what to expect, and then pulling together a full, quality production in less than twelve hours taught me just how adaptable and resourceful I could be. That experience shaped the way I approach challenges to this day.

What is the Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) and how does it support UVI’s mission to ‘empower the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and the world?’

When you talk about the Reichhold Center for the Arts, you really have to start with the man behind the gift. Henry Reichhold is one of the reasons the University of the Virgin Islands exists as it does today, and why we are home to a performing arts center that is truly a one‑of‑a‑kind architectural gem. He recognized the importance of investing in people and believed deeply in empowering the Virgin Islands community through education, healthcare, and the arts.

At Reichhold, we do more than present world‑renowned and award‑winning artists—we also cultivate and uplift homegrown talent. Local legends such as R‑City, Pressure, Pumpa, and Rashawn Ross have all benefited from curated programs like Starfest and our Artist‑in‑Residence initiatives, experiences that helped influence and shape their creative journeys. Through the Reichhold Center Repertory Company, we’ve brought recognition to emerging Caribbean playwrights and actors, while also providing a platform for gifted dancers, choreographers, directors, stage technicians, and visual artists.

Whether through Starfest talent productions, the Playing Ring Series celebrating Virgin Islands culture and pride, season shows and special events, artist residencies, gallery exhibitions, the African Art Exhibit, RCA Sessions, or our Youth Moviemaking Workshop, Reichhold has consistently created opportunities for our people to imagine, explore, and produce exceptional art. Our stage has long been revered as a testament to achievement, and there is truly no comparison to the experience of witnessing or being part of something created there.

Throughout its existence the RCA has been home to some unforgettable performances and productions, can you tell us more about some of them and what is coming in the near future?

Over the years, the Reichhold Center has been fortunate to host some truly incredible performances by artists from across the world. From our opening season featuring Ray Charles to unforgettable appearances by Natalie Cole, Celia Cruz, Alvin Ailey, Michael Bolton, Brandy, Shaggy, Kirk Franklin, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Samuels, Common—the list really is extraordinary. And it hasn’t just been what we’ve presented ourselves; we’ve also collaborated with amazing promoters who brought equally memorable performances to our stage, including artists like Fantasia.

I’ve always had a special fondness for dance. When I was studying, I discovered how detailed and immersive lighting design for dance can be. Your design becomes an essential part of the storytelling, helping to convey the emotion and movement unfolding on stage. Producing what we often call “road shows,” where artists are flown in, is exciting but extremely taxing. In just three days, we’re building a stage, hosting a student residency, rehearsing, and then presenting the performance. It’s intense work.

Local productions, though, are where creativity really shines. Shows like Starfest and the Playing Ring Series allowed us to go all out with design—hidden trap doors, revolving stages, innovative effects that pushed our team to think differently. At one point, we even had a talking, animated head serve as a host! Those productions were bold, imaginative, and deeply rooted in our culture.

The hurricanes of 2017 were devastating, and unfortunately, we lost the Reichhold Center facility. But what we didn’t lose was our mission. In the aftermath, we became strong advocates for the arts. We hosted the first USVI Alliance for Response Forum, bringing together emergency agencies, artists, and arts organizations to discuss inclusion of the arts in territorial emergency planning. We helped rebuild auditoriums and performance spaces and partnered with the Kennedy Center on Arts Across America, a project highlighting artists from across the United States and its territories. That work inspired us to launch RCA Sessions, an online series supporting local artists who lost income during the pandemic.

Today, with a very small but dedicated team, the Reichhold Center operates out of the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, producing events like RCA Sessions on the Floor, the Blue Horizon Concert, and our Youth Moviemaking Workshop. As for a reopening date for the Reichhold Center itself—I’ve learned not to say one out loud. Every time I’ve done that in the past, it hasn’t come to fruition, so patience really is key. In the meantime, we’re focused on presenting even greater shows at the Sports and Fitness Center and continuing to provide the high‑quality experiences the Reichhold is known for, wherever we are.

If you could curate your dream 2026-2027 RCA Schedule lineup, what are five acts/productions/workshops/films it would be comprised of?

If we’re talking about being back home at the Reichhold Center, the very first show would be gospel. I want that building properly blessed before another major storm comes again—call it credulous, I don’t care. The arts are full of rituals and superstitions, and I believe in honoring them.

From there, my dream season would be a true reflection of who we are. There would absolutely be a couple of top-tier artists, something rooted in our region like Caribbean or reggae music, and a strong return of Playing Ring and In De Yard activities that center Virgin Islands culture and storytelling. I’d love to see a collaboration with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra paired with some of the Virgin Islands’ most talented vocalists, alongside a major concert featuring the Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra.

Dance would be essential, as would theatre—Oliver Samuels and Company, a full musical, maybe even a circus. I’d want a film premiere, RCA Sessions presented on the Grand Stage, and to culminate the season with a massive outdoor concert on the Reichhold grounds featuring top‑name artists. A celebration in every sense of the word.

At the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, the vision shifts but the energy stays high. I’d love to bring in two large‑scale concerts, present three RCA Sessions on the Floor spotlighting our incredible local artists, host two children’s shows, and curate a film series at John Brewer’s Bay. Wherever we are, the goal remains the same—to create unforgettable experiences and keep the arts alive and thriving in our community.

If you could curate your dream 2026-2027 RCA Schedule lineup, what are five acts/productions/workshops/films it would be comprised of?

If we’re talking about being back home at the Reichhold Center, the very first show would be gospel. I want that building properly blessed before another major storm comes again—call it credulous, I don’t care. The arts are full of rituals and superstitions, and I believe in honoring them.

From there, my dream season would be a true reflection of who we are. There would absolutely be a couple of top-tier artists, something rooted in our region like Caribbean or reggae music, and a strong return of Playing Ring and In De Yard activities that center Virgin Islands culture and storytelling. I’d love to see a collaboration with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra paired with some of the Virgin Islands’ most talented vocalists, alongside a major concert featuring the Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra.

Dance would be essential, as would theatre—Oliver Samuels and Company, a full musical, maybe even a circus. I’d want a film premiere, RCA Sessions presented on the Grand Stage, and to culminate the season with a massive outdoor concert on the Reichhold grounds featuring top‑name artists. A celebration in every sense of the word.

At the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, the vision shifts but the energy stays high. I’d love to bring in two large‑scale concerts, present three RCA Sessions on the Floor spotlighting our incredible local artists, host two children’s shows, and curate a film series at John Brewer’s Bay. Wherever we are, the goal remains the same—to create unforgettable experiences and keep the arts alive and thriving in our community.

What is your favourite production that you have been a part of?

I’ve been fortunate to work on so many incredible performances, but if I had to choose just one, working with Celia Cruz would be at the very top of my list. She was an artist I grew up listening to and one of my father’s absolute favorites. Being in her presence—watching her grace, strength, wisdom, and the respect she commanded—was truly unforgettable.

What made that experience even more special was that it was the very first show my father ever attended after I started working at the Reichhold Center. Seeing that performance helped him finally understand what I did for a living, and sharing that moment with him made it even more meaningful. It’s a memory I’ll always treasure.

If you could liken yourself to one Caribbean rhythm/musical genre & one Caribbean dance-style what would they be and why?

Ritmo Kombina best describes me. My family is from all over the Caribbean, and growing up surrounded by that mix of cultures, rhythms, and traditions shaped who I am. Being exposed to both the diversity and the deep similarities across the region taught me to appreciate how different influences can come together to create something rich, layered, and powerful. In the same way, my work blends disciplines, perspectives, and communities—always moving in rhythm, always connected.

As for dance, I’d say quadrille—though I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a very good dancer. I appreciate its structure, precision, and sense of order, but I also love that it leaves room for personality and a lighter, playful side to shine through. That combination feels very much like me.

Can you tell is more about how interested persons can support the Center’s work?

Restoring the Reichhold Center for the Arts is a major undertaking, and we truly need the support of our community and partners to make it happen. Significant funding is required to repair and fully restore the facility so it can once again serve as a cultural home for the Virgin Islands and the region.

Those interested in supporting this work can make a donation by contacting UVI’s Institutional Advancement Office and reaching out to either Vice President Ivo Philbert or Caroline Simon at (340) 693‑1040. You may also contact me directly at (340) 693‑1552 to learn more about ways to give and how your support can make a meaningful impact. Every contribution—large or small—helps bring us one step closer to reopening the Reichhold Center and continuing its legacy of excellence in the arts.

How can interested acts contact the Reichhold Center for the Arts?

We are always excited to connect with great talent, especially artists interested in collaborating with us through our RCA Sessions series and other programming. Artists and creatives who would like to work with the Reichhold Center are encouraged to reach out to me directly. I can be contacted by phone at (340) 693‑1552 or by email at dhumphr@uvi.edu. We’re always open to new ideas, fresh voices, and meaningful collaborations.

You have studied at several institutions across the nation, UVI included, what is one piece of wisdom you have acquired from each one along the way?

I’ve learned that university is really a place of growth—not just academically, but personally and professionally as well. My biggest piece of advice is to take full advantage of everything your institution has to offer. At UVI especially, there are so many opportunities beyond the classroom—from studying abroad and a multitude of scholarships, to getting scuba certified, working with incredible companies through the RT Park, and finding meaningful ways to affect change on campus and in the community. All of those experiences help shape you, build confidence, and prepare you to step into leadership in ways you may not expect at the time.

Define Success

Success, to me, is knowing that the work you’ve dedicated your life to truly matters. I’ve worked at the Reichhold Center for the Arts for 32 years, starting as a student intern and growing into the position I hold today. Over those years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact the Reichhold has had on this community.

Even now, without a physical space, not a day goes by that someone doesn’t stop me to ask, “When is Reichhold coming back?” That question alone speaks volumes. It tells me how deeply this Center is missed, valued, and loved. Knowing that I’ve contributed to something that holds such meaning for this community—that people still believe in it and long for its return—that is success to me.

Looking five years into the future, what are your hopes for the Reichhold Center for the Arts and the wider University as a whole?

My hope, quite simply, is for the Reichhold Center to be open again. The University suffered tremendous losses during the hurricanes of 2017—not only losing the Reichhold Center, but also the UVI Little Theatre and many other important buildings. At times, it almost felt as though the hurricanes didn’t like the arts at all, as so many arts organizations and creative spaces across the territory were lost.

Five years from now, I want to see the Reichhold Center restored as a thriving arts facility and cultural hub—one that can once again welcome events of all sizes, from intimate community programs to large‑scale international performances. I hope it stands as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and renewal for both the University and the wider community, reminding us that the arts are not optional, but essential to who we are and how we heal, connect, and move forward together.

Why does what you do matter?

Because it’s human nature. We all need joy. We all need moments where we can breathe, connect, and feel something beyond the weight of everyday life. What we do matters because we make people happy. We create experiences.

I want our people to have the kind of experience they deserve—a place they can go where they can leave their worries at the front gate and, for just a few hours, escape into whatever story, music, movement, or emotion is unfolding on stage. 

Just as important, I want it to be a space where our local talent feel free to express themselves, experiment, take risks, and build their art. 

The freedom to create and that space to disconnect, reflect, laugh, cry, and be inspired is powerful. Being able to help create both for our community is why this work matters so deeply to me.

What advice would you give to someone is passionate about theatre and the arts who is interested in charting a career path in those interests?

First and foremost—be patient. This is a field where growth takes time. Volunteer whenever you can to get your foot in the door, and focus on building a résumé of experience, not just education. Learn as much as you can across different areas to make yourself more marketable and valuable. Keep an open mind, don’t hide your creativity, and don’t be afraid to be bold and step up when the moment calls for it.

This is one field where you are truly recognized for your talents, so let them shine. Show up, stay curious, and trust that the work you put in will open doors.

Where can we follow your work?

You can keep up with everything happening at the Reichhold Center for the Arts by visiting our website at www.uvi.edu/reichhold. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we share updates on upcoming events, and programs.