AUD

06/03/2026

Women’s History Month. We’re celebrating.
Keia Johnson. Director. Choreographer. Vocalist. Emmy winner. American Idol alum. Currently starring as Deena in Dreamgirls at Hattiloo Theatre.
And she’s throwing the after party of the season.

Keia’s After Party
Sunday, March 8 | 9 PM
Circuit Playhouse, Memphian Room
51 S. Cooper St.
DJ + Cash Bar
Disco Attire Encouraged

Hosted by

02/03/2026

The beautiful thing about AUD is our intergenerational make-up. Our elders offer us wisdom in exchange for innovation and we do what’s best together.

The “A” in AUD stands for “access.” Accessibility is at our core. If you notice, Sonji Fouse, AUD member, signs at most of our performance.

Afterwards people asked us what church we belonged to, which we replied, we’re a theatre troupe.

02/03/2026

Members of the AUDSQUAD performed (ministered) to Alcorn State University Alumni Mid-Winter Conference.

Lead: Ebony Williams

02/03/2026

On February 22nd, the a few members of the AUDSQUAD performed a Richard Smallwood Gospel Medley for Alcorn State University Alumni Mid-Winter Conference.

It was wonderful. Videos to follow!

28/02/2026

With the blessing and consent of his mother, Ms. Kris Witha K Bell, his father Karl Robinson, his brother, Kamos Robinson and the Robinson family:

Tomorrow we gather to honor Karl Witha K Robinson
Karl W. Robinson Memorial Service
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Playhouse on the Square
66 S. Cooper St., Memphis, TN
Viewing: 11:30 AM
Memorial Service: 12:30 PM
Attire: Red & Black

CARE PACKAGE CAMPAIGN
In lieu of flowers, please bring household and personal care essentials for the Robinson family. They have sensitive skin and prefer Dove products.

Suggested items:
Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, Dove body wash, Dove bar soap, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning supplies

Bring items to Playhouse on the Square tomorrow.

SUPPORT THE FAMILY
This community has raised over $1,400 for the Robinson family. I am so proud to see Memphis come together in care for one another. 100% goes directly to the family.

Memorial Guide in bio.

Thank you for showing up—for Karl, and for each other.
In collaboration with AUD and Playhouse on the Square

24/02/2026

With the blessing and consent of his mother, Ms. Kris Witha K Bell, Kamos Robinson and the Robinson family:

The Memphis theatre community mourns the loss of Karl Wesley Robinson Jr.—dancer, performer, friend—who passed away on February 13, 2026 was born November 17, 1993. He was 32 years old.

ONE FINAL STANDING OVATION: A Celebration of Life

Saturday, February 28, 2026
Playhouse on the Square
Viewing: 11:30 AM | Service: 12:30 PM

Attire: Red & Black

Full details, ways to support the family, and photo submissions available at the Memorial Guide here: https://sites.google.com/theaudcollective.org/karlmemorialguide?usp=sharing

Karl Witha K Robinson touched stages across Memphis and around the world—Japan, Cuba, Italy. He touched lives too. We honor his impact and uphold his legacy of excellence.

Services entrusted to Christian Funeral Directors Southeast Memphis.

In collaboration with AUD and Playhouse on the Square.

17/11/2025

✨ CAST ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨

The AUD Collective is proud to introduce the narrators for our Memphis Retelling of Black Nativity!

This is the Nativity story, told from the street corner. Meet the three women who will be our guides: Voice, Scripture, and Reason.

• VIVIAN (Bronzjuan Worthy): The fiery street pastor with the Word in her heart and a soapbox for her feet. She’s the Voice. 

• SYBIL (Jasmine R. Fentress): The faithful reader who carries the Book, searching for her own understanding. She’s the Scripture. 

• RITA (Tiffany Pinnix): The unfiltered voice of reason, pushing the cart and keeping everyone honest (Her shirt says it all!). She’s the Reason. 

Together, this trio transforms a curb-side church into holy ground. Come witness their powerful, hilarious, and deeply soulful journey.

🗓️ December 12-14
📍 First Presbyterian Church (166 Poplar Ave) 

A Memphis Retelling of Black Nativity, based on Langston Hughes’ original.
Presented by The AUD Collective in partnership with First Presbyterian Memphis.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER/CO-DIRECTOR | Cleavon Meabon, IV
CO-DIRECTOR | Justin Allen Tate
MUSIC DIRECTOR | Dr. Ashley D. Davis
CHOREOGRAPHER | Emma Crystal
ASST. CHOREO. | Cherise Johns

Photography and Design by Cleavon Meabon, IV

🎟️ LINK IN BIO FOR TICKETS

10/11/2025

✨ PRESALE IS LIVE! ✨
Experience the soul of the season with the first-ever Memphis production of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity — reimagined and retold by Cleavon Meabon, IV, inspired by the original Broadway work.

🎭 Co-Directed by Cleavon Meabon, IV & Justin Allen Tate
💃🏾 Choreography by Emma Crystal
🎶 Music Direction by Dr. Ashley K. Davis

🎟️ Presale Tickets Available Now!
$20 General Admission | $75 VIP Admission
⏰ Presale ends November 29th — don’t wait!

📅 Show Dates:
December 12–13 | 7:00 PM
December 14 | 2:00 PM

📍 First Presbyterian Church
166 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN

A breathtaking fusion of gospel, theatre, and community.
Secure your seat today at theaudcollective.org/blacknativity

24/10/2025

🎬✨ AUDITION INSIDE SCOOP! ✨🎬

We’re giving you the real deal on how to get ready for Black Nativity auditions! 💫

🎤 Come prepared to sing a gospel song a ca****la,
📖 read a few lines from the script,
💃🏾 and move a little — because this show is full of soul and energy!

🗓️ Auditions: Oct 27 | 6–8PM
🗓️ Callbacks: Oct 29 | 6–8PM
📍 First Presbyterian Church – 166 Poplar Ave

Co-Directors & are ready to see YOU shine. This is an open call — come as you are and bring your spirit! 🙌🏾

23/08/2024

Hey friends and family! Over the last few years, a lot of hard work has gone into crafting an advocacy and support program for local artists. Many of you have followed the journey and iterations throughout the years. Please continue to be a blessing by blessing artists in Memphis, TN.

These brilliants artists here deserve the world for their contributions to the upkeep of joy and inspiration in a city that unfairly gets a bad rep. Our artists could use more sustainability, and that is the mission AUD.

Every dollar you donate helps a Black, Black Q***r, and marginalized artist thrive. Your contribution to AUD’s Artist Relief and Support Fund or our Artist Care Packages directly impacts lives by providing essential support. With our new 501c3 status, we're ready to do even more. AUDBALL 2 is our grand introduction to the community, and your support makes it all possible.

AUD is for ARTISTS!
Let’s empower artists together!

If you're a Black artist looking for a community that gets you, you've found your tribe. AUD is especially here for those unspoken theater kids, the out-loud poets, the backstage designers, and everyone in between. We're a tribute to those who came before us, and a launching pad for those who'll com...

19/08/2024

🎉 Huge congratulations to all our AUD'EST (of them all) nominees! Your outstanding contributions to access, unity, and development for Black and Black Q***r artists have truly shined. 🌟✨ It’s time to cast your votes and help us celebrate these amazing individuals! Head to the link in our bio to vote now and make your voice heard. 🗳️👏