Albany State University Theatre Makes History with Award-Winning Production of Fences
Albany State University (ASU) proudly announces the outstanding success of its Theatre
program in collaboration with Theatre Albany for their March 2025 production of Fences by August Wilson. 
This groundbreaking production made history as the first all-Black production in Theatre Albany’s 91 seasons, featuring a Black playwright, Black director, Black actors, and Black technicians.
At Theatre Albany’s inaugural Costello Awards, recognizing excellence in the 2024–2025 season, Fences earned five of the six top honors:
- Leading Actor: Ta’Varis Wilson, Director of the ASU Theatre Program and Assistant Professor of Arts and Humanities (Fences)
- Leading Actress: Erica Edwards, ASU Alumna (’07) (Fences)
- Best Supporting Actor: Cleo Graham, ASU Alumnus (’25)(Fences)
- Best Director: Ta’Varis Wilson (Fences)
- Best Show: Fences
“These awards are a testament to the extraordinary talent, creativity, and commitment of our students, faculty, and collaborators,” said Ta’Varis Wilson, Director of the ASU Theatre Program and Assistant Professor of Arts and Humanities. “We are deeply proud of this milestone, which not only celebrates artistic excellence but also uplifts representation and storytelling in the performing arts, and our community partnership with Theatre Albany.”
ASU Theatre’s leadership in this historic production demonstrates the University’s dedication to excellence in the arts while providing students with transformative, real-world experiences.
Albany State looks forward to building on this achievement with another remarkable year of theatrical success in the 2025–2026 season.
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team who brought Fences to life and made history on the Theatre Albany stage.