Evelyn Graves Drama Productions under the talented leadership of Founder and Director Dr Evelyn Graves has successful produced multidiscipline theatre to youth and their families locally and internationally since 1971. EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
Evelyn Graves Drama Productions is a non-profit multi-discipline theatre troupe which strongly promotes the cultural arts with nearly forty fiv
e years of performing traditions and education in the arts. The purpose is to generate positive self-awareness; appreciation for entertainment, and simultaneously introduce art to urban communities limited in access to quality cultural experiences from the stage. Evelyn Graves Drama Productions’ mission is to uniquely preserve the African American Heritage with dramatic cultural performances in Acting, Music, Dance, Drumming Master Classes and the School of Performing Arts. The touring company’s itinerary since 1971 includes professional stages as the Philadelphia Academy of Music, New York Renaissance Center, California Center of Hope, South Carolina, Hartsville Opera House, Seoul Korea and the U.S. Performances were held at national festivals; military, cultural, educational and religious institutions. Annually, audience attendees are estimated at approximately 8,000 families with 30 or more quality productions ranging from musical masterpieces to noted musicals by renowned author such as: Langston Hughes and George Gershwin. Evelyn Graves Drama Productions is associated with Pennsylvania Council on The Arts; Philadelphia Cultural Fund; Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalitions; Council for Korean Churches; International Association of Blacks-N-Dance; The Association of American Cultures (TAAC); EPIC Stakeholders; Department of Behavioral Health; National Black Theatre Network; SCOP; NAACP, Eastern University: West Philadelphia ROCK Program and Office of the Mayor, Capacity Building Program. EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
History of the organization
Evelyn Graves Drama Productions was established in 1971, to develop hidden talents and present participants and audiences alike with a true cultural enriching experience from the stage. Reason for being established
The drama productions is a grass roots organization established to present and preserve the arts through educational development, artistic programming and inspirational motivation. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
West Philadelphia is largely African American with a low income financial base. It is comprised of four police districts and two school districts and covers twenty-five miles from the airport to City Line Avenue. Abandoned Homes; active drug activities; unemployment; high crime; single female parent households; and school dropout rates are the forces that make up the community. Sharing & Caring in this community was needed and the call was answered through the arts. EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
Years In Operation
Forty-four years in operation as a chartered organization. Summary of accomplishments
* 1970's - viewing audiences estimated at 75. Today’s productions have been produced at the Academy of Music, seating 3,300.
* 1990 - Emerging artists have developed artistic skills that resulted in movie productions such as Alex Haley’s Queen, Temptations to television sitcom; Color Purple on Broadway and lead roles in Dreamgirls.
* Approximately 18 adults returned to school for GED’s and Diplomas and over 30 enrolled into schools of higher learning after attending workshop training programs.
* In 1992 - 173,000 new voters registered resulting from the Evelyn Graves Drama Productions efforts.
* 1995 - President Bill Clinton “....(you) have inspired artists and delighted fans across America. I applaud you for your many contributions to our society;”
* 2000 - Forty-four community outreach programs have been developed to include seven performing Arts Groups and International operations
* Citations from state and local Governments: St. Ronald G. Waters, Rev. Louise Williams-Bishop, Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode, Mayor Street and Governor Rendell.
* NAACP Most Influential Philadelphia Awards: 2010 &2013
* 2010 Celebrated 40 years in Performing Arts and Cultural Arts traditions with citations from State Representative Ronald G. Waters, Mayor Michael Nutter and the Honorable President of this United States Barak Obama
* 2011 Office Of The Mayor: Certificate of Completion Mayor's Capacity Building Program, Honorable Mayor, Michael A. Nutter, City of Philadelphia
EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
Needs Assessments
To assure our community that the opportunity to express our hope and dreams are still alive. The Evelyn Graves Drama Productions presents meaningful historical and contemporary productions of positive cultural experiences in the arts to help develop a sense of pride and self-worth. There is a need to go to the center of the soul “gain deeper understanding of our place in the world,” President Bill Clinton. Healing arts as presented by emerging artists promotes reading skills, leadership training, healthy life styles, entertainment and quality of life activities for all underserved participants. Goals
Educating and presenting the cultural arts to youth and adults produces a greater sense of identity to those who normally lack this opportunity to favorably develop themselves. Weekly instructional classes; annually workshops; seasonal outreach programs and twenty-three to thirty major performances help strengthen the targeted African American communities with the power of the healing arts. EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
The Evelyn Graves Drama Productions has served for nearly forty-five years in quality multi-disciplinary theatre that strongly promotes a challenging message of hope through powerful performances in the arts. The thirty member troupe from youth to adults sponsors year around educational programs; performances; instruction; and training. Targeting the African American community of Southwest Philadelphia and the Mid Atlantic Region all in an effort to develop positive self-esteem; communicative skills and team work through the arts. Statement of Problem
The Urban Community is in constant struggle against the ravages of unemployment, economic deprivation, education inadequacies, health crisis, crime and substance abuse. Across the Tri-State area; Inner-City, teens and adults are plagued with the frustration of general hopelessness and despair in the community. Philadelphia averages nearly 500 murders annually; half of the men in Pennsylvania’s prisons and homeless shelters are African American; one third of all African Americans live below poverty level. Opportunities to advance is limited with the drop out rate in the schools is unacceptable. EVELYN GRAVES DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
Conclusion
The Evelyn Graves Drama Productions is a non-profit community based theatre troupe which is presently celebrating nearly 45 years of performing traditions and education in the Arts. Cultured Enrichment; appreciation and training in the arts has been a major focus in developing children, teens, and adults in activities that has positively affected them and the viewing audience. Annually the Evelyn Graves Drama Productions’ thirty (30) member resident troupe produces thirty (30) productions, reaching audiences of all ethnicities and social economic backgrounds totaling ten thousand (8,000) families. Within four (4) decades of training and presenting in the arts the Evelyn Graves Drama Productions has successfully touched lives in the artistic area and simultaneously encouraged the importance of creating a better life style through education and personal career development. We found performing arts stimulates individuals and motivates them to reach a higher level of achievement. Presently, Evelyn Graves Drama Productions is involved in presenting special programs and art residencies to the community that promotes resiliency, positive self image and awareness locally and internationally. Our success stories are many however, our desire is to serve more utilizing the arts as a bridge to develop communities. Your outreach support will deeply encourage not only the Evelyn Graves Drama Productions but all 8,000 adults plus 2000 urban children from the presenters to the recipients as well. Stabilization efforts; board development; economic support and community outreach are target approaches in improving the quality of life for constituents. Contact Dr. Cassandra Graves for more information (215) 727-7796. Email:[email protected] Website: evelyngravesdrama.com
Sincerely,
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Dr. Cassandra Graves Dr Evelyn Graves
Associate Director Artistic Director
CDG EGDP History'2014
