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HATTILOO BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STAFF Faith Morris - CHAIRWOMAN CEO/Chief Strategist, CultureLift Inc. Cynthia Collins - SECRETARY Managing Director of Litigation, FedEx Vernon Stafford - TREASURER CEO, LeviaTrust Consulting LLC

Ekundayo Bandele, Founder & CEO P.A. Bomani, House Manager Debra Brandon, Events & Communications Manager Amari Harris, Customer Service Personnel Nate Herrington, Marketing Coordinator Kynndal Oliver, Guest Service Coordinator Patricia Smith, Production Manager Rosanna Smith, Office Manager Jarrod Walker, Theatre Manager Najwa Watson, Patron Engagement Manager Felicia Wheeler, Patron Engagement Coordinator

MEMBERS

ABOUT HATTILOO

Ladrica Menson-Furr, Assistant Dean & Associate Professor of English, University of Memphis Carolyn Bishop, President, CBB and Associate Michael Campanaro, Vice President, Information Technology, AutoZone Tabrina Davis, Vice President/CCO, Communications and Branding Jocelyn Henderson, Attorney Cardell Orrin, Executive Director, Stand for Children Amy Simpson, Chief Communications Leader, International Paper Linda Smith, Community Volunteer

Hattiloo Theatre is a 501(c)3 mission non-profit organization. Its mission is "to develop a Black theatre that is accessible to, relevant to, and reflective of a multicultural community." It produces shows that depict Black life and that transcend their entertainment value by giving audiences an authentic, cultural experience. As the largest Black theatre in the Mid-South and one of a few free-standing Black theatres in the country, Hattiloo is a hub for national Black theatre training and convening, and our youth programs share this focus.

EKUNDAYO BANDELE Founder/CEO

Directed & Developed by LAWRENCE BLACKWELL EMMA CRYSTAL Choreographer

ASHLEY K. DAVIS Music Director

KARLON DOCKERY Asst. Audio Engineer

MELODY DOUGLAS Costume Designer

TIENA GLENN Asst. Costume Designer

CEDRIC KEEL Asst. Music Director

LADRICA MENSON-FURR Pre-Show Planner

MELANIE MULDER Prop Master

DEJA PATTON Asst. Stage Manager

MAYA GERI ROBINSON Asst. Director

BRIAN RUGGABER Set Designer

JARROD WALKER Production Manager

PATRICA SMITH Asst. Production Manager

CYD TRICE FALLON WILLIAMS Stage Manager & Light Designer Sound + Projection Designer

HOUSE NOTES

If you exit the theatre during the show, you may not be able to return to your seat. Cameras and recording equipment are strictly forbidden in the theatre. Patrons with cell phones or any electronic device that makes noise are requested to either turn off the device or check it with the house manager prior to the curtain.

SYNOPSIS

From Footlights to Spotlights: Black Theatre’s Path is a twoact theatrical experience directed and developed by Lawrence Blackwell. Act I honors the landmark moments and artists who shaped Black theatre, while Act II celebrates the visionary artists creating its future, including voices with deep Memphis roots. Together, the acts honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward what’s next.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

LAWRENCE BLACKWELL

Lawrence Blackwell is an actor, director and professor of African American theatre. Lawrence has created, directed, and performed pieces that explore American, African American and Latino American culture. As a professor of theatre, he has worked at Colombia College Chicago, The University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Southwest Community College, and LeMoyne-Owen College. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and serves on the Memphis/Shelby County Film Commission.

Support Hattiloo Theatre As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nearly 40% of our work is powered by donors like you. Your tax-deductible gift fuels worldclass theatre, education, and community programs. Help us create unforgettable art by giving today! Visit Hattiloo.org

SEASON

GENERAL SUBSCRIPTION

FLEX SUBSCRIPTION

$200

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SIMONE

SIMPLY

$250

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CAST BIOS MARCUS C. ALLEN is a Memphis-born actor whose passion for storytelling has taken him from the stage to television and film. A longtime member of the Memphis theatre community, Allen has been honing his craft with Hattiloo Theatre since 2017, appearing in productions MARCUS C. ALLEN including Aida, Raisin, and Ruined. His Hattiloo journey Ensemble has allowed him to portray a range of complex characters while continuing to grow as a performer. Beyond the stage, Allen has built an impressive screen résumé. He portrayed legendary Memphis photographer and civil rights documentarian Ernest Withers in the ABC miniseries Women of the Movement, bringing one of Memphis’ most significant historical figures to life. His additional television credits include Sun Records, This Is Us, Power, and Bluff City Law. Other theatre credits include Dreamgirls, Down on Beale, Dealing with the Devil, Fame, and Too Heavy for Your Pocket. Allen’s work reflects his commitment to authentic storytelling and his desire to represent Memphis and its rich Black cultural legacy through his art.

ASHUNDRA BERNARD is a Memphis-based singer/actress with deep roots in local and regional theatre. Her credits include Shug Avery, Effie White, Armelia McQueen, and Lady in Green. She serves as a ASHUNDRA BERNARD staff member and field producer with The Healing Stage Ensemble/Pit Singer in Atlanta and is the founder and CEO of Test Anywhere Lab, a mobile healthcare company. Ashundra also sits on the board of the Young Actors Guild. She is thrilled to bring her talents to Footlights this season.

INDIA ANTHONY BRUCE, PhD, is a Memphis-based Director, Choreographer, and Educator with over two decades of experience shaping the next generation of artists. Her favorite stage credits include Timoune in INDIA ANTHONY BRUCE Once On This Island (Poplar Pike Playhouse), as well as Ensemble/Pit Singer Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and multiple roles in Fires in the Mirror (Alabama A&M University). India currently serves as the Artistic Director for King's Kids Entertainment & G.D.I. Productions and International M/V Performing Arts Program and Fine Arts Coordinator for Warriors Sports & Fine Arts Camps. Trained extensively in the Stanislavski and Uta Hagen methods, she holds a Ph.D. in Christian Education from Newburgh Theological Seminary and studied Theater at Alabama A&M University where she was the recipient of the first Theater Performing Arts full scholarships.

LONDON BRUCE Ensemble

LONDON BRUCE is a multifaceted performer and choreographer from Memphis, TN, excelling as an actress, singer, model and all-styles dancer. She is also the proud CEO of her new mobile dance company, The LAB, where she offers dance to her community. A seasoned performer since age five, her Tri-State credits include appearances in “A Christmas Carol” (Theatre Memphis), “Narnia” as Lucy (POTS), “Annie Jr” as Tessie, Fences as Raynelle, Mahalia: Queen of the Gospel as Young Mahalia/ Mildred Falls, and one of the Stepp Sisters in “Dreamgirls” at Hattiloo Theatre. London is thrilled to be a part of her 5th Hattiloo production, sharing the stage with this incredible cast. Enjoy the show!

LEANTHONY DOUGLAS was born and raised in Orange Mound in Memphis, Tennessee. He began learning Memphis Jookin' in third grade at Dunbar Elementary School. Under the guidance of the New Ballet Ensemble & School (NBE), he became skilled in BALLET, Hip Hop, LEANTHONY DOUGLAS Jookin', Modern, Contemporary, West African Dance, and Ensemble/Dance Captain Flamenco. After graduating from Melrose High School in 2017, he started working as a Teaching and Performing Artist at NBE. He has attended summer intensives at the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts (2016), Orsolina 28 Dance Center Monferrato (2018), and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2019). He has performed at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts among others. He also had guested in multiple different cities since 2019. LeAnthony added theatrical performances to his resume having danced in Carmen Jones, Take the Soul Train to Christmas, and Dreamgirls since 2024. He is now a company member at Tennessee Ballet Theater.

SEQUOIA GRAY Ensemble/Pit Singer

TRACY MCGEE Pit Singer

SEQUOIA GRAY is a multi-hyphenate creative with a deep passion for The Performing Arts. She can be found working on any television, film, or stage set as part of the cast or crew! Sequoia most recently completed a show run of Dreamgirls at Hattiloo Theater. With great hope and belief, Sequoia looks forward to continuing her work in Memphis and expanding nationally and abroad. DR. TRACY MCGEE, a Mississippi Delta native, earned her Pharm.D. from Xavier University following her undergraduate studies at Alcorn State. A healthcare leader with 30 years in pharmacy, Tracy is a well-known Memphis vocalist. She is excited to make her Hattiloo Theatre debut, bringing experience from numerous community theatre productions throughout the MidSouth area.

JONATHAN STEWART MOSLEY is a Memphis native whose acting work spans theatre and film. In 2018, he made his stage debut at Hattiloo Theater as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma the Musical”. Since then, he’s been in local productions at Theatre Memphis, Playhouse JONATHAN MOSLEY on the Square, and has even toured regionally. His stage Ensemble credits include Blues for Mister Charlie, Paradise Blue, A Raisin in the Sun, The Meeting, Selma: The Musical, and Union: The Musical. Outside of acting, he enjoys working in the community. He’s thankful for Hattiloo Theatre and this cast and crew.

JAMILLE HUNTER Ensemble/Pit Singer

ANDREA JOHNSON Narrator/Ensemble

JAMILLE “JAM” HUNTER is a jazz and soul singer and independent recording artist. Her band has taken the stage in every venue of the Hattiloo legacy, including Zora’s Lounge, the Chocolate Bar, Black Box, and the Pattiloo. In addition, she has been in the cast of the plays: "Spunk", "The Wiz", "Mahalia", "Jubilee," and the inaugural Hattiloo African cast of "Blues in the Night". She has also performed in the Opera Memphis production of Aida and the Orpheum’s presentation of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah. JAM is a Hattiloo Company Member. Jam, with her band Mood Swing produced three CDs, including, “In the Sun”, “I Am Jam,” and “Sassy’s Return, the SV Project”. She has opened for and/or sung background for John Legend, Melba Moore, Kirk Whalum, and others. She is also a published author with DLG Publishing and released her first novel: “Rapunzel Locks and the Conjure Woman” in 2021. Jamille is thrilled and considers it an honor to be a part of "From Footlights to Spotlights" to celebrate 20 years of the institution that is HATTILOO THEATRE! ANDREA JOHNSON has been in education for 27 years. It has always been a dream of hers to grace the stage with her presence, and this opportunity gives her the chance to make that dream a reality. Andrea considers her voice one of her greatest gifts. She believes it has the power to inspire, calm, and motivate others, much like music. Whether speaking or singing, she has the ability to capture an audience and create a space where others feel seen and heard.

RHONDA WOODFORK JOHNSON is a native Memphian who has been acting for over 15 years. Working as an educator in the city school system is her dedicated career, but acting is her reviving passion. Her past includes The Pulpit Is Not A Playground (DJH Productions), Simply RHONDA WOODFORK Simone, The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, Carmen Jones, and JOHNSON Ensemble most recently Jaja‘s African Hair Braiding as “Bea” (Hattiloo Theatre) which earned her an Ostrander nomination. Rhonda is also a former member of Playback Memphis Ensemble. Her hobbies are singing and modeling. “I am grateful to God and also to Hattiloo Theater for another opportunity to be a part of greatness.“

ROMAN KYLE Ensemble

TIFFANY PINNIX Ensemble/Pit Singer

ROMAN KYLE is a stage and screen actor with a B.F.A. in Theatre & Dance from the University of Memphis. Over the course of his career, he has portrayed a wide range of dynamic and compelling characters, including Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, Avery in The Flick, Crocodile in Sarafina: The Musical, and Stokely Carmichael in All the Way. His recent stage work includes Paw Siden in Black Odyssey, Laertes in Hamlet, and Rico in The Shawshank Redemption. Roman is honored to be part of this production and extends his heartfelt gratitude to the cast, creative team, friends, and family for their unwavering encouragement and support. TIFFANY PINNIX is a graduate of The University of Memphis with a BA in Music Education. This will be her fourth show with Hattiloo Theatre. She was a soprano pit singer in Carmen Jones, an emergency fill in for last year’s a cappella musical Jubilee, on less than 24 hours notice, and pit singer in Dreamgirls. Originally from Burlington, NC, Tiffany is very grateful for every opportunity given to share her gifts with others and thankful to all who have supported her on her journey.

MICAIAH ROKER Ensemble

ASHLEY SADÉ Ensemble

MICAIAH “MICKEY” ROKER is a multidisciplinary performing arts professional, educator, and community arts advocate whose work bridges performance, arts education, and audience engagement. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, Mickey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has built a diverse career spanning performance, arts education, patron services, and theatrical operations. She is so excited to be working with such a talented bunch of performers. She would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to this production. Enjoy! ASHLEY SADÉ is a Houston-born performer, choreographer, and reigning Ms. Black Memphis USA whose work spans theater, film, television, and live entertainment. A graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and Florida State College at Jacksonville, she is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her recent theater credits include Ruffin’s Hairspray (Choreographer), Hattiloo’s Dreamgirls (Joanne/Ensemble/Dance Captain), Take the Soul Train to Christmas (Ensemble), and Succession (Billie), as well as Playhouse on the Square’s Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble) and Chicken and Biscuits (Simone). She is an Ostrander Award winner for Your Arms Too Short to Box With God (Best Ensemble). Additional credits include The O’Kays (Clarissa), The 24 Hour Plays, and Dance Nation (Amina, Best Ensemble). Outside the theater, Ashley is a member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Claw Crew and can be seen on the big and little screen. She is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis, and their two children, Amira Sadé (Singer/Dancer/Actress) and CJ, her future NBA star.

DEVANTE “MONZIE” SCOTT is thrilled to return to Memphis after twelve years away. Before leaving, he last performed with the House of Mtenzi Theatre Troupe. Left to train at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, since then he has worked with names such as Stefanie Batten DEVANTE SCOTT Narrator/Ensemble Bland, Windship Boyd, and others and performed across Eurasia and Central America—dancing in Berlin, singing in Poznań, and flying as an aerialist in Mexico. Today, Devante is ecstatic to return and work once more with this amazing community.

JUSTIN ALLEN TATE Narrator/Ensemble/ Pit Singer

AMARI WYMAN Pit Singer

JUSTIN ALLEN TATE is a Singer/Actor/Dancer from Memphis, Tn. National Broadway Tours : Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Flashdance & Cirque Dreams. Last seen at Hattiloo in DREAMGIRLS ( Marty), Featured Singer for Royal Caribbean International & Holland America Line. Background Vocalist for Blake Shelton, Gene Simmons of KISS, and K. Michelle. Five-Time Ostrander Award Nominee. Graduate of American Musical & Dramatic Academy of New York. Heart Attack & Stroke Survivor. www.justinallentate.com AMARI WYMAN is excited to be apart of yet another Hattiloo production. Amari has been in two productions and has been acting since he was 10. He enjoys acting, singing, and dancing. He sang in the Cordova High School Choir and also performed in Cordova High’s Band.

HATTILOO 20 FOR 20 IS A 20TH ANNIVERSARY GIVING CAMPAIGN. MAKE IT A SUCCESS BY DONATING $20 A MONTH FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. Your support powers what only Hattiloo can do: turn Memphis culture and lived experience into bold Black theatre that strengthens pride and belonging, creates inclusive spaces for all communities to gather, reflect, and connect, while positioning Memphis as a national hub for innovative, culturally-rooted art. Give by November 17, 2026, and receive one ticket to A Holiday Juke Joint (tickets not available to the public) plus an invitation to the Season Wrap Party. This movement doesn’t move without you. Take a step into the future with Hattiloo at www.hattiloo.org or scan the QR code.

DONATE TODAY

CREW BIOS LAWRENCE BLACKWELL is an actor, director, and professor of African American theatre. Lawrence has created, directed, and performed pieces that explore American, African American, and Latino American culture. As a professor of theatre, he has worked at LAWRENCE BLACKWELL Columbia College Chicago, The University of Memphis, Director Rhodes College, Southwest Community College, and LeMoyne-Owen College. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and serves on the Memphis/Shelby County Film Commission.

EMMA CRYSTAL Choreographer

ASHLEY DAVIS Music Director

EMMA CRYSTAL is a choreographer whose work has graced Hattiloo Theatre's stage for years, including Porgy & Bess, The Wiz, Mahalia, The Musical, Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, Jelly's Last Jam, and Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. A former Off-Broadway performer and current member of the Memphis Grizzlies Grannies & Grandpas entertainment team, Emma brings decades of experience in musical theatre, opera, and community theatre to every production she touches. She has choreographed over 50 musical theatre and opera productions across the Mid-South. She is honored to celebrate Hattiloo's 20th Anniversary as choreographer of Footlights to Spotlights. ASHLEY DAVIS is from Memphis, Tennessee. He holds Doctoral, Master’s, & Bachelors degrees in music & a dual Masters degrees in Theology. Currently, Ashley is an Assistant Professor of Music at LeMoyne-Owen College and the president of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. He is the recipient of various awards & honors, including: 50th Anniversary Jubilee Gospel Concert Musical Director for Queen Elizabeth, Composer for the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary, “The Least Among Us," Recipient of an Ostrander Award, & a Broadway World Award.

KARLON DOCKERY Asst. Audio Engineer

MELODY DOUGLAS Costume Designer

MELANIE MULDER Prop Designer

KARLON DOCKERY is an audio engineer and multimedia creative skilled in sound design, film editing, and live production. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Lane College in 2024 and advanced his training through Belmont University’s master’s program, where he is also a member of the Audio Engineering Society. Karlon has engineered live sound for Barefoot Republic, supported production with CoPilot, and worked across camps, performances, studios, and film projects. He is excited to work on From Footlights to Spotlights: Black Theatre’s Path, bringing versatility, precision, and a sharp creative ear to every production. MELODY DOUGLAS is a Costume Designer and Prop Master working with multiple dance, theater, and circus performance artists. She is a versatile designer with a passion for upcycling clothing for unique original styles. Since joining Hattiloo, she’s designed for Once on This Island Jr., Jubilee, Madagascar Jr., Blues in the Night, Soul Train To Christmas, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Melody also served as assistant designer for JaJa’s African Hair Branding, Dreamgirls, and If Scrooge Was a Brother. Her work during the 2025-26 season received 3 Ostrander Award nominations for costume design and props. Melody is a member of the Grizzlies Grannies and Grandpa’s and Grit and Grind Grannies Dance teams. Melody is an experienced background actor in television and film. MELANIE MULDER’s Hattiloo credits include: Madagascar, Father Comes Home From War, The Color Purple, Aida, and In the Heights. Melanie has served as Props Designer on productions for the TN Shakespeare Company (TN), Nashville Shakespeare Festival (TN), Seaside Music Theatre (FL), Vineyard Theatre, Pearl Theatre, New School for Drama and Signature Theatre (NYC), Williamstown Theatre Festival (MA), Lake George Opera (NY), and Northern Stage (VT). She also worked with Propstar (NYC) which designs, makes and finds props for Broadway shows. Melanie is a native Memphian and received her BFA in theatre from The University of Memphis.

DEJA PATTON Asst. Stage Manager

MAYA G. ROBINSON Asst. Director

PATRICIA SMITH Asst. Production Manager

DEJA PATTON is so thankful to be a part of this production! She recently made her theatrical debut in 2024 at Hattiloo Theatre during “A Motown Christmas” as Gladys Knight! Since then, she has performed in 2 shows and served on numerous production teams. In addition to performing in “Dreamgirls” as a Step Sister and Michelle’s understudy, she simultaneously operated as the Hair & Makeup Designer for the show. Now she is thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of Hattiloo Theatre as the Assistant Stage Manager for this wonderful celebration! She would like to give special thanks to the Hattiloo family, Ms. Pat Smith, and especially would like to thank God for ordering her steps to fulfill His purpose! MAYA GERI ROBINSON is a proud native Memphian and has been a member of the Memphis theatre community for over three decades. Maya graduated from Rollins College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Psychology and holds a Master’s in Urban Education. As an actress and director for the stage, Maya has worked on numerous productions for Circuit Playhouse, Inc. and Hattiloo Theatre, one of which was Hattiloo's first-ever production, "Home". Some of her recent director credits include Hattiloo's productions of "School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play", “Take the Soul Train to Christmas”, “Black Odyssey”, co-directed with Ekundayo Bandele, and Season 19’s “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”. Maya has received multiple Ostrander Awards and an Orrin Award for her work. PATRICIA SMITH boasts a remarkable background, having played Judge Dunbar in NBC's Bluff City Law. Her theatrical journey features performances in Ain't Misbehavin' and a role as Assistant Director for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, both in Milan, Italy. Additionally, Patricia directed Hattiloo's Black Nativity in collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. With a wealth of experience in performing, directing, and costuming at Hattiloo Theatre, her most recent projects include directing Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

CYD TRICE Stage Manager & Sound + Projection Designer

FALLON WILLIAMS Lighting Designer

CYD TRICE has been working in theatre productions for over thirty years. Since she first began her career, she has taken on various roles from director, designer, and actor to prop master, videographer, and stage manager. During her undergraduate studies at MIT, Cydnie was a part of Uncle Vanya, La Casa de Bernalda Alba, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ musical Trial By Jury. Since returning to the Mid-South, Cyd has worked on hundreds of shows and films with Theatre Memphis, The Harrell Theatre, Hattiloo Theatre, Cazateatro, Germantown Community Theatre, New Moon Theatre, Stage 88 Productions, Playhouse on the Square, and Opera Memphis. FALLON WILLIAMS is an Artist and Designer. Her recent credits include: FLEX (Penumbra Theatre), Khruangbin's A LA SALA Tour, Take the Soultrain to Christmas (Hattiloo Theatre), BLACKBOX (University Theatre), Janelle Monae's The Age of Pleasure US Tour, and The Color Purple (Hattiloo Theatre). She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts Administration from Howard University and a MFA in Scenic and Lighting Design from California Institute of the Arts. Fallon is a recipient of the 2021 Princess Grace Award Theater Honoraria.

We don’t make the art, but with your contributions, we make art more

This year, we invested $3.4 million in the arts community, including grants to 90 organizations and artists. Since our inception, we have distributed over $100 million to support the operations, programs, and people that make art in and around Memphis. Learn more about our grantees, programs, and opportunities to contribute to ARTSmemphis.

MEET THE HATTILOO STAFF EKUNDAYO BANDELE (Hattiloo Founder & CEO) is the founder and CEO of Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the only freestanding Black repertory theaters in the region. Founded in 2006, Hattiloo produces six to eight plays each season that give artists and audiences the opportunity to experience the ancestral knowledge and indigenous practices of Black people in a Black space. Under Bandele’s leadership, Hattiloo has achieved national recognition for centering Black culture in its programming. The theatre has presented works featuring Harry Lennix (The Blacklist, The Matrix), Charles S. Dutton (Roc), and Debbie Morgan (All My Children). In 2021, it premiered Geoffrey Owens’ one-man show Now I Am Alone, and in 2025 staged a workshop of Broadway playwright Kennon Scott II’s The Genius of Being Stupid. In 2018, Hattiloo was recognized by the August Wilson Society and the Pittsburgh Gazette for completing August Wilson’s full Century Cycle. Bandele’s directing credits include The Bluest Eye by Lydia Diamond, Hurt Village by Katori Hall, and four plays by August Wilson. His acting credits include King Hedley in Wilson’s King Hedley II, Ulysses in Marcus Gardley’s Black Odyssey, and Levi in Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. His original plays include Judas Hands (Karamu House), If Scrooge Was a Brother (Jubilee Theatre), Tumbling Down (MAP Fund Commission), and Take the Soul Train to Christmas (The Ensemble Theatre). Between 2018 and 2020, he staged three international productions in Milan, Italy. He led a 4.3 million dollar capital campaign between 2012 and 2014 to build Hattiloo’s facility and endowment and negotiated long-term one dollar per year leases that expanded its campus, including the Hattiloo Technical Theatre Center. Hattiloo has remained debt free since its founding. In 2021, Bandele founded and led the three-year Black Theatre Managers Fellowship, funded by the Black Seed Fund. In 2023, he established the Hattiloo Institute of Black Theatre Studies at LeMoyne-Owen College, which offers three threecredit courses. Internationally, Bandele taught theatre management in Khartoum, Sudan. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, he studied theatre in Kigali, Rwanda, and Limerick, Ireland, and completed executive training at the University of Maryland’s DeVos Institute, Leadership Memphis, and New Memphis Institute. His board service includes founding board member of the Overton Park Conservancy and the African American Museum of the Performing Arts in Chicago, founding steering committee member of the CRAFT Institute in Boston, former chairman of the Memphis Office of Youth Services, former co-founding chairman of Memphis Brand, and current advisory board member of the Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Epsilon Phi Chapter.

Bandele actively supports artists through sponsorships, painting commissions, and stipends that have resulted in the establishment of new organizations, the creation of new plays and musicals, and the launch of careers in film and technical theatre. In 2024, he launched Bandele Blueprint, a consulting firm that helps arts organizations build revenue, grow audiences, and strengthen cultural authenticity. DEBRA BRANDON (Events & Communications Manager) is a Memphisbased strategist, creative producer, and marketing project manager with a deep appreciation of the arts as a tool for connection, reflection, and cultural preservation. Her background includes digital marketing, event planning, creative direction, and community-centered programming, with a focus on helping meaningful work reach the people it is meant to serve. Known for blending thoughtful strategy with creative care, Debra brings a people-first approach to every project she touches. She is proud to contribute to Hattiloo Theatre's work of uplifting Black stories, artists and audiences in Memphis and beyond. AMARI HARRIS (Guest Service Personnel) is a Memphis native from Bartlett, TN. He has a deep passion for the art of acting, theatre, and film. He has done 2 shows at Hattiloo, his most recent being Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He enjoys photography, music, and writing. He is a proud to be a part of the Hattiloo team, and is excited to continue to support and share this mission with audiences and artists alike! NATE HERRINGTON (Marketing Coordinator) is a Memphis native from Westwood, Memphis, TN. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Christian Brothers University in 2024 and specializes in social media marketing. Outside of his marketing work, Nate is passionate about photography, videography, and all things music. He owns the photography brand Nate Herrington Photography and creates visuals for local artists in the Memphis scene under the brand name Limbø Visuals, collaborating with his collective of visual creators known as 4x Collective. He is proud to be part of the Hattiloo team and looks forward to sharing its mission with audiences both inside and outside the theatre walls.

KYNNDAL OLIVER (Guest Services Coordinator) affectionately refers to her home and native area as "Memphissippi." She was last seen at Hattiloo Theatre as box office support during the production run of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and she enthusiastically promoted the milestone season 20 alongside house manager P.A. Bomani. Kynndal is thrilled to return to coordinate operations within Culture Box while supporting and uplifting artists, patrons, guests, and anyone experiencing Hattiloo. PATRICIA SMITH (Theatre Production Manager) boasts a remarkable background, having played Judge Dunbar in NBC's Bluff City Law. Her theatrical journey features performances in Ain't Misbehavin' and a role as Assistant Director for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, both in Milan, Italy. Additionally, Patricia directed Hattiloo's Black Nativity in collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. With a wealth of experience in performing, directing, and costuming at Hattiloo Theatre, her most recent projects include directing and costuming Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and a supporting role on film, which has not yet been released. ROSANNA SMITH (Office Manager), a Tennessee native from southwest Memphis, is the eldest of nine children born to Rev. J. W. Smith, Sr., and Lillie B. Smith. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. Her career began in 1970 as a Reservationist at American Express, followed by a role as an Office Manager at Murphy Oil Company. Rosanna earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and Data Processing from Memphis School of Commerce in 1973 and worked as an assistant bookkeeper at Goodwill Industries before joining Kroger in 1974. She served as an accounting clerk and office manager at Kroger until her retirement in 2002. After retirement, she worked at Katz Worldwide Logistics and the Shelby County Health Department until late 2013. In her religious community, Rosanna was an Administrative Assistant and Church Clerk at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for 33 years and held various educational roles at Kimbrough Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Lamar, Mississippi. She has received numerous awards and certificates for her contributions to Christian education and community service.

JARROD WALKER (Theatre Manager), an imaginative trailblazer, is fueled by an inherent passion for creativity. Jarrod has immersed himself in event coordination, theater direction, and product launches for over two decades. Whether orchestrating weddings, plays, or other significant life events, his ability to infuse creativity into every project is the driving force behind his success. As an accomplished event professional, administrative assistant, and theater director, he is dedicated to crafting unparalleled experiences for his clients and audiences. From providing essential administrative support to executing productions, he has played a pivotal role in turning clients’ dreams into tangible realities. For Jarrod Walker, the possibilities are boundless when creativity takes center stage, and his journey continues to be a testament to the transformative power of artistic innovation. NAJWA WATSON (Engagement Coordinator), a Memphis native of Jamaican descent, brings over 14 years of administrative expertise to her role at Hattiloo Theatre. Her commitment spans nearly 15 years, reflecting a profound dedication to community and service. Najwa excels in organizing, project support, delivering exceptional customer service, and coordinating special events. Hattiloo is not just her workplace but her second home, where she contributes proudly as a professional, performer, and creative force. With gratitude and honor, she will consistently embody Hattiloo's values through her endeavors. FELICIA WHEELER (Patron Engagement Coordinator), an advocate for the power of creative expression, is a multidisciplinary artist and experienced nonprofit arts professional specializing in development and fundraising strategies. With a foundation in arts administration and education, Felicia brings a deep understanding and passion to both the artistic and operational sides of the creative + cultural sector. In her current work, Felicia focuses on donor cultivation, relationship building, and strategic resource development in order to sustain and grow arts initiatives. Ardent about advancing the arts as a tool for community empowerment, Felicia Wheeler brings both creativity and rigor to every aspect of the work that she engages in and represents.

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LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($50,000+) ArtsMemphis First Horizon Mellon Foundation Shubert Foundation TN Arts Commission

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) AutoZone FedEX Kite Foundation Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau NIKE Thomas R. & Ellen M. Prewitt

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE

Miller Dental Health, Inc National Endowment for the Arts Overton Square, LLC Turley Foundation, Inc. Becky Wilson Jeniam Theatre Endowment Fund

PRODUCER

American Endowment Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Boyland Dr. Jeanne and Frank Jemison, Jr. Dr. Irene Jones Pamela Pitts Bill & Ann Schultz The Hohenberg Foundation The Northcross Family

DIRECTOR

Clinton Woods Evelyn McKinney Jocelyn Henderson Kathy and J.W. Gibson Michael Campanaro Percy & Regina Baker Varnell Fund Zach Galifianakis, in tribute of Mary Frances

DESIGNER

Amy Simpson André & Monica Wharton Bathsheba Sams Carroll & Christine M. Todd Cheryl Browne

Clarence/Harriett Halmon Dr. Antonio D Tillis Dr. Jan Young Elgie L. Barfield Elnora Jones Evelyn McKinney Gene and Carol Katz Fund Jan Young Jennifer Brown Jerome Edwards Kimmie McNeil Vaulx Margot McNeeley Roselle Gause Sandra Reed Sharon Taylor Sekeeta Thomas Sylvia Ford Brown Terri Smith-Anderson Vernon H. Stafford, Jr. William Etnyre

CELEBRITY

AC & Ruby Wharton Bruce Marshall Cardell & Nefertiti Orrin Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Memphis Alumae C Desiree "Faith" Morris Dr. Almella Y Starks-Umoja Jane Lewis Jewish Foundation of Memphis Judith C. Boyd, Ph.d LaDean Stewart Ladrica Menson-Furr Louise Levin Mary Magin Pamela Z. Clary Rosanna Smith Sonia Walker Takeitha Chambers Vanelder Nichols Veda Ajamu Verna Alexander Wendy R. Oliver Willie and Sandra Brooks Woods Sr. & Associates

STAR

Andrienne Elem Angela "Angela Ford" Hayes Ann M. Frogge Anniace Parker Antoinette Lewis Beryl D. Freeman Brenda J. Peters Carla Smith Courtney N. Davis Deidre Malone Dr. Charlotte M Freeman Dr. Jimille Doyle Elise A. Hayes Erica & Felix Griggs Everett & Kourtney Carpenter Felicia Fowler Gale Jones Carson Gilbert A. & Lillian F. Hammond Gustenia Scott Jacqueline Collins Jacquelyn Taylor-Mays Jameice DeCoster-Edmunds Jarrod Walker Jason Noel & Dimika Cavalier Jerrie Y. Watkins Jerry & Deborah Wigginson Jerry Stokes Jessica Reese John & Jacquelyn Dodd Joyce M. Turner Kerri Wilburn Kimberly Cunningham Lou Etta Burkins Lynette Miller Mary White-James Maurice & Garnette Coleman Merlean Jackson-Hill Mike Jackson Mitchell Ghant Paris Ducker Patricia Hewitt Phyllis Carter Roosevelt & Jo Ann Allen Sharon Barnett-Myers Sharon Shaw*** Sheorldine White Stacy Brown Terrena Moore Tonya Shaw Young Valerie Adair Will Hopkins

20 FOR 20

Barbara George Colene Wade Devonda Nelson

Donna Olds White Geana Ferrell Jacqueline Muskin Jeannie Clay Jennifer Watts Joyce Galloway** Judy Echols Karen R Jackson Kathy M. Ladner & Tim L. Curry Kizzy Rogers Louis Paris Maria Todd Marlena Shorter Jones Najwa Watson Pamela Watson Priscilla Johnson Selestine Pugh Tereasa Breckenridge Tymikia & Nicholas Glenn* Unspeakable Joy Photography Viola Bates Vontyna Winfrey

SMALL & MIGHTY

Alaunda Floyd Alteena Edwards Angela L. Staples Angela Williams Anthony Carl "Tony" Horne Armie Walker Audrey Arrindell Audrey Hawkins Davis Beverly Roberts Beverly Cox Beverly S. Davis Blanchie McGaughy Brenda Tutwiler C & L Edwards Carolyn Head Casandra Clark Chikeeta Numa Claire "Kendall" Kolheim Clarice White Claudette Mason Claudia Shields Crystal Quarles Danielle Johnson DeAndra Kelly Deborah Frazier Debra Butler Dee Lisa Cothran Derrick Muhammad Diane Austin Dr. Cherlyn Conner Dr. Jodice Lee-Belisle & Rev. Russell Belisle Dr. Rosie Richmond Whalum Dr. ZeVida A Jones Elaine D. Taylor Elsie Lewis Bailey

Evette Vinnett ENSENMBLE Felicia Fayne Adrian Phelps Gail Murray Anne Whirley Geraldine Sykes Brandi Payne Grenda Poole Brigitta Phillips Gwendolyn S. Campbell Candace Tate Jackie Johnson Carldell Hudson Carrie Harris Jackie Pride Daphne Reed Jacqueline Oselen David Johnson Jana Kinkle David Richardson Jennifer McGrath Derrick Payne Jimmie Johnson Dewana Edwards Joe Calhoun Emma Crystal John Whirley Erica Gilland Joseph & Angel Ivey Erica Goodrich Joseph Craig Erma Elzy Joyce Johnson Estelle Anderson Walter Family Fund Kaitlynn Tharpe Geoffrey Bakewell Kandace Stewart Guy-Marcel Lilavois Karen Reed Jacqueline Sneed Kiwanis Club of Germantown Janas Jackson Linda K. Williams Janet Sutton Lois Williams Janice Ivory Mae Yancy Joel Johnson Mamie Turner Joy Doss Marilyn Coleman Justus Osenga Martha Hays Kathleen Gibbs Mary J. Cooper Keith Morton Melundee Scott Kevin A. Cothran Michi-Marcole Martin Kirk Boone Monica Odom Latrice Robinson Toombs Mr & Dr. Tracy Hall Leah Langford Nettie Crawford Lillian & Bernice Family Foundation Fund Nicole Clark Linda Phillips Oscar L. Young, Sr. Marie Fraise Patricia A Braswell Marilyn Whitney Paula Johnson-Rodgers Maxine Hill Portia Brown Melissa "M L" Barton Renita Standberry Melvin & Margaret Lee Rhoda Jones Mildred H. Langston Rutha Griffin Miska Shaw Sami Qreini Nancy Walker Shelia Jones Nicara McKenzie Sheryl Lemons Phyllis Gay Shirley Steward Rev James & Helen Smith Stacie V. Arbor Rev. Emily Smith Matheny Suzanne Martin Sallie A. Boyd Sandra H. Smith Tamara Pollard Scott Woodall Tamara Rogers Sharon Jackson Tarsha Jones, Crye-Leike REALTORS Shirley Oliver Therese Mangold Takeisha Berry Brooks Tradinah Johnson Trezevant Episcopal Home, in tribute of Rev. Veronica & Brett Batterson Wyndie Oliver Dr. Lawrence Turner Yvonne Carroll Vasheila "Fred & Shep Draper" Bachus Wayne Ferguson

ON STAGE NEXT

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