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Dede Ayite

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BIO

Dede Ayite is a costume designer whose Broadway credits include A Soldier’s Play, Slave Play, American Son, and Children of a Lesser God. Select Off-Broadway credits include Secret Life of Bees, FireFlies, Marie and Rosetta, Tell Hector I Miss Him (Atlantic); By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, JHAT (Signature); BLKS, Collective Rage…, School Girls… (MCC); Slave Play (NYTW); Sugar in Our Wounds (MTC); If Pretty Hurts…, Mankind, Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons); The Royale (Lincoln Center); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout); and brownsville song [b-side for tray] (LCT3). Regionally, Ayite’s works has appeared at Oregon Shakespeare Festival; Williamstown Theatre Festival; Steppenwolf; American Repertory Theater, Denver Center; California Shakespeare; La Jolla Playhouse; Berkeley Repertory; Baltimore Center Stage; Arena Stage; Cleveland Playhouse; Signature Theatre; and McCarter Theatre, Hartford Stage. She has worked in television with Netflix, Comedy Central, and FOX Shortcoms. Ayite earned her MFA at the Yale School of Drama and has received an Obie, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, and Jeff Awards, along with four Drama Desk Nominations.

Photos

Productions

GoddessGoddess
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Costume Designer
OthelloOthello
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Costume Designer
Buena Vista Social ClubBuena Vista Social Club
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Costume Designer
Strategic Love PlayStrategic Love Play
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Costume Designer
Our TownOur Town
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
Buena Vista Social ClubBuena Vista Social Club
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
Jaja's African Hair BraidingJaja's African Hair Braiding
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Costume Design
My Broken LanguageMy Broken Language
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Costume Design
Topdog/UnderdogTopdog/Underdog
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
Richard IIIRichard III
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
HelpHelp
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
Slave PlaySlave Play
 
[Broadway, 2021] [Replacement]
Costume Design[Replacement]
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[Broadway, 2020]
Costume Design
The Underlying ChrisThe Underlying Chris
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
Power StripPower Strip
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
Slave PlaySlave Play
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
The New EnglandersThe New Englanders
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
American MoorAmerican Moor
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Design
The Rolling StoneThe Rolling Stone
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
Toni StoneToni Stone
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
BLKSBLKS
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
Slave PlaySlave Play
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
American SonAmerican Son
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
Collective Rage: A Play in 5 BettiesCollective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
Sugar in Our WoundsSugar in Our Wounds
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
Children of a Lesser GodChildren of a Lesser God
 
[Broadway, 2018] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
The RoyaleThe Royale
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
Ugly Lies the BoneUgly Lies the Bone
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Dede Ayite, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design

Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Dede Ayite, Hell's Kitchen


winner
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Dede Ayite, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Dede Ayite, Appropriate

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical)

Dede Ayite, Topdog/Underdog


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Special Award

Dede Ayite

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Dede Ayite, Slave Play

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Dede Ayite, A Soldier's Play

Videos

More Videos

News


Video: In Rehearsal for GODDESS at The Public Theater Photo
Video: In Rehearsal for GODDESS at The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2025

The Public Theater has released a look inside rehearsal for the upcoming musical GODDESS. After a world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, GODDESS will make its debut in New York. Watch the video!
Video: Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Reveal Their Favorite Moments in THE LAST FIVE Photo
Video: Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Reveal Their Favorite Moments in THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

The Last Five Years stars Nick Jonas and Tony Award-winner Adrienne Warren stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the demands of doing 8 shows a week, wardrobe malfunctions, and more. Watch the interview!
Video: Adrienne Warren Performs ‘I Can Do Better Than That’ From THE LAST FIVE YE Photo
Video: Adrienne Warren Performs ‘I Can Do Better Than That’ From THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 10, 2025

On Thursday morning, Adrienne Warren took the stage on the TODAY Show to perform 'I Can Do Better Than That,' from The Last Five Years. Watch her performance now!
Video: Watch Nick Jonas Perform 'If I Didn't Believe in You' From THE LAST FIVE YEARS Photo
Video: Watch Nick Jonas Perform 'If I Didn't Believe in You' From THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 10, 2025

Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren stopped by TODAY to discuss and perform from The Last Five Years. During their visit, Jonas took the stage to perform his rendition of 'If I Didn't Believe in You.' Watch the performance now!
Patrick Ball Will Lead HAMLET at The Mark Taper Forum Photo
Patrick Ball Will Lead HAMLET at The Mark Taper Forum
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

Center Theatre Group presents the premiere of a new, Hitchcockian noir take on Hamlet by William Shakespeare, from director Robert O'Hara. Learn more here!
Photos: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Company Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Photos: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Company Celebrates Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 8, 2025

The Last Five Years is finally on Broadway and Adrienne Warren and Nick Jonas are a part of that. Jason Robert Brown's beloved musical, under the direction of Whitney White, opened Sunday night at the Hudson Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the cast and creative team here.
Photos: Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Take Opening Night Bows in THE LAST FIVE YEARS Photo
Photos: Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Take Opening Night Bows in THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 7, 2025

The Last Five Year celebrated its Broadway opening night yesterday, April 6, at the Hudson Theatre. Check out photos of Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren taking their opening bows, along with members of the creative team!
Review Roundup: THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Photo
Review Roundup: THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 7, 2025

The first ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS, starring Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominee Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, directed by Tony Award Nominee Whitney White just opened at the Hudson Theatre. Check out what the critics are saying about the production...
Photos: Nick Jonas & Adrienne Warren in THE LAST FIVE YEARS Photo
Photos: Nick Jonas & Adrienne Warren in THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 4, 2025

The first ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS, starring Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominee Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren is running at the Hudson Theatre.  Check out photos of the cast in action here.
Berkeley Rep to Launch Talkback Series in Conjunction With HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Photo
Berkeley Rep to Launch Talkback Series in Conjunction With HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 3, 2025

Berkeley Repertory Theatre will launch a talkback series that will be presented in conjunction with Tectonic Theater Project’s production of Here There Are Blueberries. Learn more about upcoming events here!
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Extends for Additional Week at Classic Stage Company Photo
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Extends for Additional Week at Classic Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2025

Classic Stage Company will present one-week extension of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress and directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: What Adrienne Warren Wants People to Know About Broadway Previews Photo
Video: What Adrienne Warren Wants People to Know About Broadway Previews
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 1, 2025

On a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, Broadway's Adrienne Warren shed light on the production of The Last Five Years, which is now in previews at the Hudson Theatre. Watch the interview now!
Kathy Najimy, Valentina, Ann Hould-Ward, and Martha Clarke Join TDF’s Spring Benefi Photo
Kathy Najimy, Valentina, Ann Hould-Ward, and Martha Clarke Join TDF’s Spring Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails. Learn more about the event and see who is being honored.
Video: Whitney White Shares Why She Cast Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren in THE LAST F Photo
Video: Whitney White Shares Why She Cast Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren in THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025

The Last Five Years, starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren, is now in previews at Broadway's Hudson Theatre. Ahead of its opening on April 6, director Whitney White visited GMA3 to talk about the production. Watch the interview!
Photos: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Photos: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 25, 2025

Classic Stage Company just celebrated opening night of Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze in her New York directorial debut. Check out photos from inside opening night!
Review Roundup: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company Photo
Review Roundup: WINE IN THE WILDERNESS At Classic Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2025

Classic Stage Company is presenting Wine in the Wilderness by Alice Childress (Trouble in Mind) directed by Tony Award winner LaChanze (Trouble in Mind) in her New York directorial debut. Read the reviews!
Photos: The Jonas Brothers Stop By THE LAST FIVE YEARS First Broadway Preview Photo
Photos: The Jonas Brothers Stop By THE LAST FIVE YEARS First Broadway Preview
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

Performances began tonight for the first-ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS, starring Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominee Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren. To celebrate the show's first preview, Nick's famous brothers, Kevin and Joe, stopped by to take in the show! Check out a photo of their visit!
Photos: THE LAST FIVE YEARS On Broadway Starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Photo
Photos: THE LAST FIVE YEARS On Broadway Starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

Performances began tonight for the first-ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS, starring Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominee Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, directed by Tony Award Nominee Whitney White. Check out first look production photos!
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2025

The Last Five Years begins performances tonight, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and officially opens on Sunday, April 6, 2025 for a strictly limited, 14-week-only engagement at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. Meet the cast of The Last Five Years here!
Up on the Marquee: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Photo
Up on the Marquee: THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 17, 2025

The first-ever Broadway production of Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS will star Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominee Nick Jonas and Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren. Check out new photos of the Hudson Theatre marquee here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Dede Ayite been nominated for?

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Buena Vista Social Club, Outstanding Costume Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Buena Vista Social Club, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Appropriate, Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Special Award (Drama Desk Awards), Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Slave Play and Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play.

What awards has Dede Ayite won?

Dede Ayite has won the Best Costume Design of a Play at the Tony Awards for Jaja's African Hair Braiding and a Special Award at the Drama Desk Awards.

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