BLACK NATIVITY

About Production: Inspired by Langston Hughes’s 1960 Broadway production, this must-see musical brings the holiday spirit to life with hand-clapping, toe-tapping, finger-snapping joy for Hattiloo’s 20th anniversary. This year’s production is taken to the next level with the Hattiloo Mass Community Choir.

A heartwarming holiday favorite, Black Nativity retells the Nativity story with a fresh spin, featuring new sets, costumes, and choreography. Blending gospel music, dynamic dance, and biblical narrative, it’s a vibrant celebration powered by the booming voices of some of Memphis’ finest gospel singers.

Audition date:
Saturday | April 18, 2026
10a-12p

Call Backs:
Sunday | April 19, 2026
1p-4p

Rehearsal Schedule:
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p | Saturdays 10a-2p | Sundays 1p-4p

Tech Rehearsal Begins: November 28, 2026

Final Dress Rehearsal:
December 10, 2026
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Date: December 11 – 13, 2026

Audition Location: Hattiloo Theatre

Performance Location: Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center at the University of Memphis

Disclaimer: Not all roles may require an audition, as it is the policy of Hattiloo Theatre to precast roles as necessary.

FROM FOOTLIGHTS TO SPOTLIGHTS

About Production: On the anniversary of Hattiloo Theatre’s founding, we take the stage at the Orpheum Theatre to honor the journey of Black theatre. From Footlights to Spotlights is a sweeping performance timeline, celebrating its struggles, triumphs, and enduring impact.

Act I brings history to life by revisiting landmark moments in Black theatre, honoring the stories and artists who opened doors and laid the foundation. Act II turns toward the present, spotlighting the power of Black theatre being created today, including the work of visionary artists with deep Memphis roots whose voices are being heard on stages across the country. More than a performance, this event is a tribute to where we have been, a celebration of where we are, and an invitation to imagine what comes next.

Audition date:
Saturday | April 25, 2026
10a-2p

Call Backs:
Sunday | April 26, 2026
1p-4p

Rehearsal Schedule:
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p | Saturdays 10a-2p | Sundays 1p-4p

Tech Rehearsal Begins: September 12, 2026

Final Dress Rehearsal: September 21, 2026
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Date: September 22, 2026

Audition Location: Hattiloo Theatre
Performance Location: Orpheum Theatre

Disclaimer: Not all roles may require an audition, as it is the policy of Hattiloo Theatre to precast roles as necessary.

A HOLIDAY JUKE JOINT

About Production: Celebrate this holiday season with excitement, wonder, and an energy that you can only experience in a Juke Joint. A montage of dance, singing, music, and acting by some of Memphis’ most talented artists will fill you with cheer and make you want to try to do a backflip. Whether you’re a grinch or a reveler, we guarantee you will be ready to face the hustle and bustle after experiencing this cabaret.

Audition date:
Saturday | May 2, 2026
10a-12p

Call Backs:
Sunday | May 3, 2026
1p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule: November 7, 2026 – December 16, 2026
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p | Saturdays 10a-2p | Sundays 1p-4p

Tech Rehearsal Begins: December 5, 2026
Final Dress Rehearsal: December 16, 2026

Performance Date: December 17, 2026 – December 20, 2026

Disclaimer: Not all roles may require an audition, as it is the policy of Hattiloo Theatre to precast roles as necessary.

ELF THE MUSICAL JR.

About Production: Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Audition date:
Saturday | May 16, 2026
10a-12p

Call Backs:
Sunday | May 17, 2026
1p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule: October 10, 2026 – November 19, 2026
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p | Saturdays 10a-2p | Sundays 1p-4p

Performance Date: November 20 – December 6, 2026

Audition Location: Hattiloo Theatre

Disclaimer: Not all roles may require an audition, as it is the policy of Hattiloo Theatre to precast roles as necessary.