Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Jones Reed.
What should have taken her out is the very thing that took her up. After being brutally raped and left in a ditch to die at the age of five, she developed a speech impediment and didn’t speak for a year. But after a teacher encouraged her to write and act out what she wanted to say, she learned that a picture truly is worth a thousand words. Since that time, Evelyn Jones Reed has used her theatrical and literary gifts to encourage people across the nation.
Evelyn’s theatrical journey to success started with two drama groups, The Sojourner Truth Players and Shadows of Arlington, which performed at various historically black colleges and universities throughout Texas and Louisiana. She was afforded the opportunity to perform on the stages of The Jubilee Theater, Hip Hop Theater and Casa Manana. She also modeled for L’Charles of Dallas. After serving as the Drama Ministry Director at her church for over nine years, Evelyn produced and directed her first major production, Hallelujah! He Reigns. With the overwhelming support of her original stage productions, such as The Bishop’s Wife, You Got What You Wanted but Lost What You Had, What In Hell Do You Want?, Creeps and Silly Women, Seven Women, One Man, If You Play with Fire, You Get Burned, When Hell is a Place Called Home and A Dead Church, she founded W. G. Ministry Theatrical Productions in 2007.
Through her plays, the mission and purpose is very clear: to communicate God’s Word in an innovative, creative way while encouraging audiences to relate to what’s being displayed on stage. Her gift has not only made room for her—it has opened unimaginable doors of opportunity. Evelyn has had the distinct honor of working with some of the world’s greatest artists, including two-time Grammy Award winner and actress, Ms. Ann Nesby; and film and stage actors Tony Grant, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Samson Logan, Miguel Nunez, Jr. and Andre Pitre. She’s also worked with gospel recording artist CeCe Godbolt, Gwen “Gigi” Gray, Cena’, Charwick; R & B recording artist of the group Color Me Badd, Kevin Thornton; and gospel recording artist and actress, Dana Hemphill to name a few. She received the 2018 PEACH Theatre Award for “Best Stage Production of the Year” for her stage play “Creeps and Silly Women” presented in Bermuda, 2016 PEACH Theatre Award for her stage play, “What In Hell Do You Want” presented in Cozumel, Mexico, Church Stars Magazine “2016 Gospel Stage Play of the Year” for “Creeps and Silly Women” and Church Stars “2016 Playwright of the Year” presented in Phoenix, AZ.
Church Stars Magazine “2017 Gospel Stage Play of the Year” for “Seven Women, One Man”, the 2015 PEACH Theatre Award presented in Nassau Bahamas, 2014 Special Achievement Award from the 2014 Dunbar Alumni Association, the 2012 Trailblazer Award from Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, and the 2013 Black Business Owner Award from Epitome Magazine., But her unmerited favor doesn’t stop there. She has written over 40 original poems, scripts, monologues and seven original songs. She holds a degree in acting and dance from the University of Texas-Arlington. A woman who is fully confident in who she is in God and her God-given purpose, Evelyn’s story of triumph, victory and success speaks to the hearts of packed-out audiences worldwide. Her stage productions push those in attendance to not only live another day—but to live victoriously every day. Evelyn Jones Reed and W G Ministries Theatrical Productions have successfully written, directed and produced over 23 productions spanning from stage plays, comedy shows and concerts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, my initial struggle had faith to step out, to rent the theater to travel and go beyond the church walls.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Writer/Director/Producer/Photographer. I write inspirational stage plays, poems to inspire and impact on creating change and making a difference, not just mere words of entertainment. I write material that has conflict but also solutions. I am most proud of a stage play I wrote entitled “What In Hell Do You Want?” My children are my greatest accomplishment.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
As far as bad luck, the Covid. I was in the process of launching my 2020 Spring and Summer tour of “Creeps and Silly Women” when Covid hit. Our first city would have been Phoenix, AZ then, Austin, Oklahoma City, Shreveport and Dallas for that play. Then we would have come back to Dallas with my brand new products this past December “The Bishop’s Wife” The TBALL @ Dallas Convention Center. Good luck… the favor of God over my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: evelynjonesreed@yahoo.com
- Website: www.evelynjonesreed.com
- Instagram: Evelyn Jones Reed
- Facebook: Evelyn Jones Reed
- Twitter: Evelyn Jones Reed
- Youtube: Evelyn Jones Reed
Image Credits
David Gort
KATRICE JAMISON
January 19, 2021 at 9:10 am
YOU AREA AN AMAZING WOMAN AND I AM EVEN MORE INSPIRED BY YOU AND YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.. AND WHATS GREAT FOR ME AND IS KNOWING YOUR WHY STORY.. CONGRATULATIONS ON EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO, ITS WOMEN LIKE YOU WHO MAKE A WAY FOR WOMEN LIKE ME.