Hello! My name is Evan McCreary. I am an Afro-Latino aspiring artist and activist. With a passion for performance, as well as writing & directing, it has been my lifelong dream to be able to share my work, my stories, and my characters with the world! I've always wanted to convey the vast complexities of humanity. To capture the very essence of our existence, and all of our trials and triumphs that come with being alive.

With my debut play, All Rise, I now have a renewed opportunity to share this story with a brand new audience, and get one step closer to making my lifelong dream a reality. Seeing the state of the country and the world around us, I'm sure now more than ever that this story is still necessary, and devastatingly relevant.

The play centers around Valerie Williams, who finds herself in a tumultuous battle with the criminal justice system in a desperate attempt to avenge her young son’s stolen life. Throughout the play, Valerie, and her interracial family are thrust into the countless systems of oppression and racism, rooted in the American justice and police systems. With All Rise, these systems are explored through an ensemble of characters, and a story all too familiar to countless Black and African American families unfolds.

I have always believed in and advocated for solidarity, and the beauty of it. That is what this play was born from: it represents the many perspectives I have witnessed and experienced, and brings people together under the most heartbreakingly painful moments to not only witness a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, but be inspired. As the playwright, I hope to leave audience members moved and hopeful that together, change is possible, if only we dare to rise to the challenge.

Reception from audience members thus far have reinforced my belief that change is needed, and change is possible. Audience reviews can be found HERE.

This summer, All Rise, has been selected as part of The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF), a vibrant celebration of artistry and cultural expression. It brings together talented playwrights, actors, directors, visual artists, and audiences to showcase original works that reflect the breadth and depth of our fascinating history, life, and experiences across the diaspora. From thought-provoking dramas to uplifting comedies, the ABTF provides a platform for diverse voices and creative storytelling. To learn more about ABTF, visit the official ABTF Website.

With the cost associated with festival performances, including travel and housing, and hiring of actors, I am turning to our ever-growing All Rise community to humbly ask for your consideration in donating to our production fund. If you are able to contribute or share our story, all donations help make a difference!

Donors receive credits in programming and on our social media accounts, as well as first invitations to special events and performances, first notice of merchandise!

Please reach out to us with any questions or comments: [email redacted]

Or connect with us across social media: @allriseplay