Professional Theatrical Debut Production: All Rise

My name is Evan McCreary. I am an Afro-Latino artist and activist, and recent graduate of West Linn High School, and have been a resident of the West Linn community since I was 11 years old. I am humbly asking for your assistance in bringing my play, originally written as my semester final, to the professional stage in Portland!

The play centers around Valerie Williams, who following the murder of her teenaged son at the hands of police, 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, her husband Matt, and their two daughters are thrust into the harrowing consequences of the systems of oppression and racism that are rooted in the American justice and police systems.

With All Rise, these effects are showcased through an ensemble of characters, including the strain on Valerie and Matt’s interracial marriage, as questions of truth and justice arise, and a story akin to the realities faced by countless Black and African American families unfolds.

I have always believed 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 exquisitely painful moments to not only share the perspective of an underrepresented voice in our country, but to highlight the hope and the endless possibilities that stem from solidarity and unity. Reception from audience members of my play have reinforced my belief that change is needed, and change is possible. “...This can change lives…”

My play was recently selected to receive a grant through the historic Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC), in March of 2024, but this grant is only partial, and the production depends upon securing additional funds. You can see the details of this year's recipients here: https://www.portland.gov/parks/arts-culture/ifcc-grant

The total budget for producing a full-scale production is around $50,000, and it is my dream that bringing this to the IFCC will enable it to go even further!

Growing up in the West Linn community has come with many challenges, but as a student, I had the honor of serving as president of West Linn High School’s Black Student Union, and partnering with the City of West Linn to organize and run the inaugural, and now annual Juneteenth celebrations. As part of my efforts to increase awareness and education within our community about the importance of BIPOC history, and how we all play a part in the present and future, I was invited to speak with the West Linn Wilsonville school board on a number of occasions in an effort to increase racial awareness and sensitivity in all of the district's schools.

All Rise was originally written just as a homework assignment. It would go on to be performed as the closing production of West Linn High School's theatre season (Thespian Troupe 1915); then it was one of few scripts chosen from across the country (and Canada), to be presented at the Pacific Northwest Multi Cultural Readers Series and Film Festival (PNMC Festival); to receiving a grant from the IFCC, allowing me to become the youngest recipient of the organization's Artist in Residency program since its inception in 1982. I believe that the show taking on a life of its own outside of the classroom is a testament to its power and effect on audience members. It was written as an expression, and perhaps a means of processing the many things I have felt and witnessed. It addresses the challenges and perspectives of many different people and perspectives, all involved in different ways, following the murder of a Black teen boy by a police officer. From the teens’ biracial parents and siblings, to the attorney supporting the family, and various characters who weave throughout the story, everyone is affected by the tragedy in very different ways, resulting in empathy, conflict, and awakening.

Additional audience reviews:

“I was blown away by the clarity, complexity, and depth of his writing. Especially for him to be so young…Fascinated how skillfully Evan weaved together the storyline of a mama’s boy who died at the hands of the police. He had me riveted with the unfolding of the impact on the media, the court system, the siblings, the parents’ marriage, the therapist, and the motivations of the family attorney. THIS KID IS GENIUS!!”

— Dr. S. Renee Mitchell

“The writing is beautiful. It covers what it means to be human. It covers the spirituality, and everything that encompasses what it means to feel, to grieve - to feel - to experience the world in this condition, and in terms of not just being Black, but of the essence of living. I’ve never felt anything like what I’m feeling now, watching a play…What you’ve created here, the beauty in this, the truth in this, even the most closed eyes can see the brilliance… It was magical to be in that room. I’m still looking for the words”

— Cole Reed

“I’m so glad this is happening there. I went to highschool there for one year, and the blatant racism forced me out of high school. I got my GED the next year, but West Linn High was brutal! This is a message that is much needed out there…”

— former West Linn High School student

“We’re thinking we saw a playwright genius in the bud.”

— Anjala Ehelebe

“Evan is an amazing storyteller and playwright”

— Emily Newberry

“...A pivotal voice of this generation…”

“Look for his name in lights with fireworks. UH-MAZ-ING talent. Clearly this is not his first lifetime…Wisdom, insights, and talent many decades beyond his eighteen years”

Please join me as part of the bridging and healing process that can bring communities together and share my fundraiser with your community. Perhaps your friends will join you becoming a part of historic healing and change across the nation.

Thank you so much for your consideration!