Hattiloo Theatre

Hattiloo Theatre is a prominent Black Repertory Theater located in Memphis, Tennessee, recognized for its dedication to promoting African American culture and arts. Founded in 2006 by Ekundayo Bandele, who was supported by an engaged board chaired by Michael de Caetani, the theatre was named in honor of Bandele's two daughters, Hatshepsut "Hatti" Bandele and Oluremi "Loo" Bandele. Hattiloo Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that began its journey in a small storefront in the Edge District of Memphis. Over the years, Hattiloo Theatre has established itself as a significant cultural institution in the region. After operating for eight years with a minimal staff and presenting eight productions each season, the theatre embarked on a major milestone in June 2014. Following a successful $4.3 million capital campaign, Hattiloo moved from its original 75-seat venue to a newly-constructed, debt-free facility and simultaneously established a $500,000 endowment. This growth was further supported by a second capital campaign in 2016, which financed the construction of a new Development Center. In the same year, the theatre entered into a one-year lease with the City of Memphis, repurposing an 8,000 square foot head-start school into the Hattiloo Technical Theatre Center. In 2017, Hattiloo expanded its infrastructure by purchasing and opening HattiHouse, a residential space designed to accommodate guest artists and interns. Hattiloo Theatre is distinguished as the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in the five surrounding states, which has helped it cultivate a strong regional audience. In 2015, the theatre reported having developed a regional audience of 32. It is renowned for its high-quality, free programming and performances that are presented throughout the city, reaching over 5,000 individuals annually. The theatre's evolution in artistic vision and programming, coupled with the success of its business model, has positioned Hattiloo as a nationally sought-after resource. The theatre's commitment to community engagement is reflected through various programs, including the Self-Identity Theatre Camp, Theatre School, and past initiatives such as the Women of Color Monologues and Young Voices of COVID-19. Hattiloo Theatre also collaborates with the LeMoyne-Owen College Theatre Club, furthering its outreach and impact. Supporters of Hattiloo Theatre can contribute through various donor programs, such as Small & Mighty Donor, Hatti-Birthday, Business Circle, The Whitman Sisters, and Matching Gifts. The theatre also offers a unique Tennessee License Plate program for supporters to demonstrate their affiliation. Located at 37 South Cooper in Memphis, TN, Hattiloo Theatre's box office operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm. For more information, individuals can visit the theatre's website or join the mailing list to receive the latest news and updates. [The information provided is based on the text from 2019 and may have changed since the knowledge cutoff date. For the most current information, please refer to Hattiloo Theatre's official communications or website.]