Atlese Robinson

Atlese Robinson is a writer, performer, director, producer, and the founding artistic director of Ambiance Theatre Company. Hailing from Saint Paul, MN by way of Chicago, IL, Atlese grew up glued to the stories of her elders. As a result, Atlese’s writing style places an emphasis on the natural flow of speech as a means to preserve the integrity of oral history. Atlese’s writing style earned her a spot as a Playwrights’ Center 2021 Many Voices Mentee. As a performer, Atlese thrives most when her practice merges with her spirituality encouraging a syncretism of the mind, body, and soul. Her previous credits include ensemble in The Dutchman (Penumbra Theatre Company), The Garden (Ambiance Theatre Company), co-star in Contact by Simone Brookes LeClaire, ensemble in Rebirth of Rabbit’s Foot (Mixed Blood Minneapolis), and Atlese is a 2020-21 Naked Stages Fellow. Atlese’s previous directing credits include Naked I : Self Defined (20% Theatre Company), The Spectrum of Blackness (Ambiance Theatre Company), Waiting in Vain (Ambiance Theatre Company), and The Place (Lyric Opera of North). Atlese prides herself on serving as an usher to director at theatre companies around the Twin Cities as no job is too small for a leader. Atlese’s leadership earned her a Springboard for the Arts 20/20 Artist fellowship 20-2021. Atlese’s ultimate mission with Ambiance Theatre Company is to support Black dramatic writers through script development, produce new works, and center the need for engaging Black audiences.