AUDELCO Announced Nominees for 54th Theatre Awards
The Audience Development Committee revealed nominees for its annual awards ceremony honoring Black theatre in New York.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in African-American
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The Audience Development Committee has announced the nominations for the 54th annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Awards. The production Home Is Sweet Sorrow led the field with 10 nominations.
Why it matters
The awards serve as a key platform for celebrating Black theatre in New York, continuing a tradition established by the organization in 1973.
The 54th iteration of the awards features the play Home Is Sweet Sorrow, which earned 10 nominations. Produced by Shining Star Productions and the American Theatre of Actors, the play was written and directed by Anne L. Thompson-Scretching.
The players
Vivian Robinson
She was the founder of AUDELCO who established the organization in 1973 to support Black theatre in New York City.
Anne L. Thompson-Scretching
She is the writer and director of Home Is Sweet Sorrow and will receive a legacy award at the upcoming ceremony.
Audience Development Committee
This organization promotes and provides recognition for Black theatre artists through its annual award programs.
The details
The ceremony honors excellence in Black theatre, with supporters participating in the process by joining as a Friend of AUDELCO to vote for nominated artists. Additionally, playwright and director Anne L. Thompson-Scretching will be honored with a legacy award.
Timeline
AUDELCO was established in 1973.
The Home Is Sweet Sorrow production took place during the 2025-2026 season.
The 54th Annual AUDELCO awards ceremony is scheduled for November 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
The awards ceremony reflects the long-standing efforts to institutionalize and sustain Black artistic expression within the broader American theatrical landscape. This event marks the 54th installment of an annual program that follows the pattern set by the 1973 founding of AUDELCO.
New York City theatre fans can participate in the awards process by joining as a Friend of AUDELCO to cast votes for the nominated artists. This nomination cycle highlights specific productions from the 2025-2026 season, helping residents prioritize which local performances to support.
The takeaway
The AUDELCO awards serve as a vital marker for success in the Black theatre community, showcasing the highest-rated productions of the year. Interested theatergoers should monitor upcoming ceremonies to track rising talent and influential local works.
What happens next
The 54th Annual AUDELCO Viv Awards ceremony will take place on November 16, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about the local arts scene in our African-American section.
More information
To register as a supporter, visit the AUDELCO membership and voting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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