Evelyn Williams-Moore, M.A., Ed.M.

Like many children, growing up I had a vivid, active imagination.  Perhaps being an only child had something to do with that. I was fortunate enough to be raised by a mom who channeled that imagination by providing dance and music lessons and a mom who, herself, frequently rehearsed for singing gigs at home. There was always an air of joy and excitement in preparing for my recitals or in watching my mom rehearse. I learned early that there was something special about the arts…a kind of magic that had the power to engage and transform both participant and audience alike.  I thank my mom for introducing me to the arts so early in life. This gift has served me well.

I have worn many artistic hats: actor, director, writer, casting director and on-air arts reporter in several mediums: theatre, film, television and radio. Also, I have been a life-long teacher of the arts and humanities at the university level as well as k-12, in both public and private institutions.  

It was Albert Einstein who said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”  Whatever hat I have worn, and in whatever context, these words have consistently rung true, as I have always trusted and relied on my imagination as a constant guide in all my endeavors.

EMWest Productions is a full circle moment for me: it represents  engagement in the artistic process in new and exciting ways; It  provides the chance to share my  artistic experiences with like-minded  and imaginative individuals; and  because we both believe in the power of the arts to “heal, inspire and  motivate,” EMWest productions allows  a  continuing collaborative adventure with my husband, Mel, on projects we both believe in and hold dear. 

Melvin Madero Moore, Jr., Ph.D.

Why do I write?  It’s difficult.  At times, it’s madding, sometimes torturous.   However,  it becomes fulfilling when a line of dialogue or a scene says what it needs to say, elicits the emotion it needs to convey.  

My love of writing was discovered by chance or as noted psychotherapist, Carl Jung reasoned, because of the occurrence of synchronicity, not merely a coincidence, but a meaningful coincidence.  While in graduate school studying to become a psychologist, my wife, Evelyn, who was also in graduate school at the time, studying theatre, asked me to script a series of improvisational vignettes she created about African American relationships.  Despite never having written a word of dialogue, I agreed. I don’t why I agreed, but I did – without hesitation.  Our collaboration, my writing and her directing, resulted in The Black Dyad, a series of vignettes that enjoyed a year-long run in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  

As a watched the audience during every performance, I was fascinated that my written words could elicit emotions in others.  But, in fact, every performance was an emotional experience for me as well.  

A television adaption followed on WGBH-TV, Boston.  A year later, The Black Dyad aired nationally on the Public Broadcasting System and earned a New England Regional Emmy.     

Years ago, I was told by a film producer, who had optioned one of my scripts, that I had a “gift.”  If that is true, then I believe I have an obligation, as with all individuals with the ability to heal, inspire or motivate, to share that gift with others.  So here I am.   Why do I write?  Because I must.