About

AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.)

The AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.) is an organization that acknowledges and honors Black Theatre and its artists in New York City. Established and incorporated in 1973 by Vivian Robinson (1926-1996), to stimulate interest in and support of performing arts in black communities.

As a “Friend of AUDELCO,” you receive discounts to some of your favorite Off and Off-Off Broadway theatres when you attend theatre and dance productions.

AUDELCO, Inc. activities include:

Networking: Contacting and developing relationships with individuals, local groups, churches, and other organizations to introduce new audiences to non-profit performing arts.

AUDELCO Recognition Awards – The annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition, “The VIV”Awards are the only formally established awards presented to the black theatre community.  Every third Monday in November the nominees are awarded in various categories.

Theatre for the Future: Young Audiences Series – Addresses the need for positive cultural experiences for children between the ages of 10-17.  This series provides entertainment and cultural experience for the youth.  This series provides entertainment and cultural enrichment in non-academic settings such as: outdoor activities during Harlem Week; Saturday matinees during Black Arts Festival; Holiday celebrations in December, and performances during Black History Month.

Black Theatre Archives: A collection of books, tapes, original scripts, costumes and set designs, photographs, playbills and extensive clippings on current theatre groups and activities.

Publications: “INTERMISSION” – AUDELCO‘s newsletter is published quarterly to stimulate interest in the performing arts.  The “OVERTURE”, a black theatre magazine that is published to document exciting work done by Black theatre artists.

Seminars, Lectures, and Forums: Addresses the general awareness about the contributions of Blacks in the cultural and socio-economic environment.

Vivian Robinson, Founder (1926-1996)