Ali Turns

Ali is the proud winner of the 2018 AUDELCO AWARD,  Best Costume Design for, “A SOLDIER’S PLAY, produced by NEC, Charles Weldon Director. The 2013 AUDELCO Award, for Best Costume Design for, “THE FABULOUS MISS MARIE”, produced by Woodie King, New Federal Theatre.  Ali also is the winner of the 2012 AUDELCO Award, for Best Costume Design for, “COURT MARTIAL – at FORT DEVENS”, produced by Woodie King, Jr.’s, New Federal Theatre and 2011 AUDELCO AWARD, for Best Costume Design for, ”KNOCK ME A KISS”,  also produced by Woodie King, New Federal Theatre. Ali is also the 2007 AUDELCO AWARD winner, for Best Costume Design,” HAMLET”, produced by Take Wing and Soar Productions(TWAS).  She was also an Audelco nominee in 2005 for, “GREAT MEN OF GOSPEL”, produced by Woodie King / NFT; in 2009 for “KING LEAR”, a TWAS production; and  in 2010,” August Wilson’s Women”, produced and directed by Lorna Littleway.  Ali has enjoyed working for such greats in the ‘biz’ as Ms. Ruby Dee, in,” LAST DANCE FOR SYBIL”, a play written for her by her husband Ossie Davis.; co-directed by Lloyd Richards and Ed Smith. Ali has also worked with Tony Award winner Tarzana Beverly, as King Lear in” KING LEAR” and “MEDEA”, directed by Petronia Paley, both produced by TWAS.

Ali earned a degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at FIT and went on to work as a Fashion and Beauty copy writer for Essence Magazine.  After a couple of years at Essence, Ali was introduced to costume design by, Susan Watson-Turner at the Negro Ensemble Company.  She apprenticed with the legendary costume designer, Judy Dearing.  Ali assisted Ms. Dearing for two years then went out on her own to costume for: The National Black Theater, under the direction of Tunde Samuels and Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, Woodie King’s, New Federal Theatre and Margie Moon’s, Billie Holiday Theatre.  Ali has also taught Costume Design at three of the most prestigious HBC’s; Spelman College, with Professor Glenda Dickerson, working with such notables as dancer supreme and choreographer, Diane McIntyre and Blondell Cummings.  Ali also worked on such innovated productions as; “REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES”, “REMEMBERING AUNT JEMIMA – A MENSTRUAL SHOW” co- written by Glenda Dickerson and Breena Clarke, and  Florida A&M University, department head, Dr. Valencia E. Matthews and Grambling State University, with Dr. Allen Williams, working with notable  screenwriter of Sister Act, Judy Mason’s, production of “STADIUM VIEW” .   Ali also taught at the University of Michigan, with Professor Glenda Dickerson and completed the docu- filming of, “A Kitchen Prayer Performance and Dialogue Series”, and filmed by Angela Gibbs. Ali has most recently taught her Master Class in Costume Design at the University of Louisville and designed the costumes for, “Monsieur Baptist, the Con Man”, directed by, Dr. Deana Thomas, in her final year at UofL.

Ali Turns, as enjoyed and earned a reputation for excellence and as master artist as a costume designer.  Ms Turns is committed to instilling this way of thinking with the next generation of artists to go on and take their place in the continuing rise of our young people in design, performaning, telling our stories and breaking through the glass ceiling that exists for us.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.