Rachel Graf Evans

Rachel Graf Evans

Rachel Graf Evans (she/her) is a writer and theatre artist currently based in Atlanta, GA. RGE holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theater Collaboration, as well as Graduate Certificates in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Teaching in Higher Education from the George and Joy Abbott Center for Musical Theater at Temple University. She is a current MFA Playwriting Candidate at the Hollins University Playwright...
Rachel Graf Evans (she/her) is a writer and theatre artist currently based in Atlanta, GA. RGE holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theater Collaboration, as well as Graduate Certificates in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and Teaching in Higher Education from the George and Joy Abbott Center for Musical Theater at Temple University. She is a current MFA Playwriting Candidate at the Hollins University Playwright's Lab.

From 2016-2018, RGE created in Atlanta where she was a co-winner of the 2018 Essential Playwriting Award for Georgia Playwrights for her play BUILT TO FLOAT, as well as a recipient of the Ethel Woolson Lab at Working Title Playwrights for her play PHEROMONE. During her Atlanta tenure, she served as the Dramatists Guild Regional Young Ambassador for Atlanta, the Alliance Theatre's 2017-18 Literary Intern (where she was the Office Referee of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition), and a 2016-17 Playwright Apprentice at Horizon Theatre Company. She has studied playwriting with Jacqueline Goldfinger, Todd Ristau, Addae Moon, Arlene Hutton, David Walker, and Caroline Jackson-Smith. Graduate of Oberlin College (B.A. High Honors Theatre/Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies) and Westtown School.

Stay tuned at www.rachelgrafevans.com

Plays

  • PHEROMONE: An Awkward Olfactory Inquiry by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 2
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    Cast: 
    9
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 2 more
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    Keyword: Relationships, online dating + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, immersive, romantic comedy
    Keyword: Relationships, online dating, identity, modern romance, attraction, queer, LGBTQ+
    (FULL LENGTH) What matters more in a successful relationship: biology or commitment? Somewhere in a dilapidated warehouse in Atlanta, a new kind of party is just getting started. Wear a t-shirt for three days, put it in a ziploc bag, bring it to the party, fall in love. An awkward olfactory inquiry into the nature of attraction, betrayal, and the quirky characters we meet in our quest to find true love.
  • BUILT TO FLOAT by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more
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    Keyword: Mental Health, Sisters + 4 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama, experimental, fantasy
    Keyword: Mental Health, Sisters, family, addiction, ghosts, haunting
    (FULL LENGTH; 3W, 1M) Tess quietly crusades to keep it together, working full time as a phlebotomist and caring for her ailing mother Marjorie who likes to harp on Tess’s dormant dreams of becoming a doctor. Suddenly, her sister Roz shows back up from rehab, pledging high expectations and a clean slate. When stranger William, an echo of their deceased father, arrives in town with a tempting new avenue of...
    (FULL LENGTH; 3W, 1M) Tess quietly crusades to keep it together, working full time as a phlebotomist and caring for her ailing mother Marjorie who likes to harp on Tess’s dormant dreams of becoming a doctor. Suddenly, her sister Roz shows back up from rehab, pledging high expectations and a clean slate. When stranger William, an echo of their deceased father, arrives in town with a tempting new avenue of employment, Tess’s mental health disintegrates, thus forcing them all to wrestle with the meaning of blame, inheritance, and survival.
  • RAVISHING by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
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    Cast: 
    8–20
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    Genre: adaptation, drama + 5 more
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    Keyword: Greek mythology, mythology + 4 more
    Genre: adaptation, drama, fable/folktale, movement/physical, period, political, tragedy
    Keyword: Greek mythology, mythology, sexual assault, dance, gods, worship
    (FULL LENGTH, PLAY WITH MUSIC) RAVISHING unearths the oft-forgotten myth of how Medusa became the hideous Gorgon we remember. A young resident of the Temple of Athena, Medusa gets caught in a conflict between gods, resulting in an unpunished crime that forever alters her fate. Then, when King Polydectes proclaims he is to wed Perseus' mother, Perseus must offer a wedding gift to the couple. Having no...
    (FULL LENGTH, PLAY WITH MUSIC) RAVISHING unearths the oft-forgotten myth of how Medusa became the hideous Gorgon we remember. A young resident of the Temple of Athena, Medusa gets caught in a conflict between gods, resulting in an unpunished crime that forever alters her fate. Then, when King Polydectes proclaims he is to wed Perseus' mother, Perseus must offer a wedding gift to the couple. Having no monetary wealth, he pledges a task of valor at the King's request. What does the King seek? The Head of the Mortal Gorgon. This play in two acts explores what it means to make a choice when it seems you have nothing left.

    CURRENTLY SEEKING: developmental workshop/production, with emphasis on expanding the a cappella soundscape. Academic, devised, and movement-focused ensembles particularly welcome.
  • LUCA by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
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    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: dark comedy, drama + 2 more
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    Keyword: vaccine, health + 7 more
    Genre: dark comedy, drama, political, tragedy
    Keyword: vaccine, health, public health, Expatriate, adoption, racism, christianity, parenthood, Sisters
    (ONE ACT) Caroline is doing her best as a single parent to an increasingly precocious Luca, but the delicate equilibrium of their small family unit is jeopardized at the unexpected arrival of Caroline’s estranged sister Jenny. Having left her overseas medical post under questionable circumstances, Jenny brings many unwelcome opinions on Caroline’s parenting choices, which escalate when Luca contracts measles...
    (ONE ACT) Caroline is doing her best as a single parent to an increasingly precocious Luca, but the delicate equilibrium of their small family unit is jeopardized at the unexpected arrival of Caroline’s estranged sister Jenny. Having left her overseas medical post under questionable circumstances, Jenny brings many unwelcome opinions on Caroline’s parenting choices, which escalate when Luca contracts measles from an outbreak at school. As Luca’s medical situation becomes more dire, the sisters are forced to reckon with what it means to protect, to be responsible for, and how to let go of the things you can no longer control. A play about how we can be so similar, and yet so devastatingly different, from those we were once closest to.
  • RANDI & ROXANNE by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    8
    ·
    Genre: adaptation, comedy + 2 more
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    Keyword: queer, comedy + 8 more
    Genre: adaptation, comedy, farce, romantic comedy
    Keyword: queer, comedy, romantic comedy, high school, love, softball, friendship, poetry, LGBTQ, wlw
    (FULL LENGTH) How do you know what you really want? And how do you know what’s best for you?

    Randi Beaudelaire, junior year transfer and secret poet, has a major inconvenience: she’s totally in love with her best friend Roxanne and can’t seem to stop writing sappy poetry about it. So when Kristy, the new star of the softball team, asks Randi for help on how to woo Roxanne, what’s she supposed to...
    (FULL LENGTH) How do you know what you really want? And how do you know what’s best for you?

    Randi Beaudelaire, junior year transfer and secret poet, has a major inconvenience: she’s totally in love with her best friend Roxanne and can’t seem to stop writing sappy poetry about it. So when Kristy, the new star of the softball team, asks Randi for help on how to woo Roxanne, what’s she supposed to do? Tell the truth? A queer romantic comedy about secrets, sonnets, and softball.

    Full script available upon request.
  • CHERISHED by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
    ·
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: drama
    Genre: drama
    (FULL LENGTH; 3W including 1 Trans Woman, 1M) How much does one change over the course of a lifetime, or have we always been exactly as we always were?

    With the impending marriage of her older child, Elaine wants to address the source of the tension that plagues her grieving, estranged family. Over the course of the play, she plays and replays memories in her head, and is forced to reckon with...
    (FULL LENGTH; 3W including 1 Trans Woman, 1M) How much does one change over the course of a lifetime, or have we always been exactly as we always were?

    With the impending marriage of her older child, Elaine wants to address the source of the tension that plagues her grieving, estranged family. Over the course of the play, she plays and replays memories in her head, and is forced to reckon with the truths that may have been there, in front of her, all along.
  • ESPÈRE by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
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    Keyword: queer, sex cult + 8 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, mystery/thriller
    Keyword: queer, sex cult, comedy, dark comedy, glass ceiling, influencers, luxury corporate, NXIVM, true crime, true crime culture
    (Full Length, 5W; 1M) How well do you know yourself? Unlock your inner potential through joining ESPÈRE, a lifestyle transformation spiritual asylum, where your deepest truths will be uncovered.

    It's the coveted annual gathering, the "elite retreat," of the women's chapter of the spiritual lifestyle transformation entity known as ESPÈRE. You'd better believe that...
    (Full Length, 5W; 1M) How well do you know yourself? Unlock your inner potential through joining ESPÈRE, a lifestyle transformation spiritual asylum, where your deepest truths will be uncovered.

    It's the coveted annual gathering, the "elite retreat," of the women's chapter of the spiritual lifestyle transformation entity known as ESPÈRE. You'd better believe that membership to the "Lady Sperros" is heckin exclusive, and Gina, a relatively new recruit, is OVERJOYED at the prospect of being at her first conference. Even more exciting is the promise from ESPÈRE lady co-founder, known by her most devoted followers as Calliope, that Gina will be initiated into the even more selective Inner Circle, thus securing her value to the organization, and more importantly, securing her avenue to Calliope's heart. The other Sperros in attendance? Not so sure about this Gina gal. A bunch of ambitious, passionate, and (surprise!) polyamorous women all trapped for a weekend together at a luxurious, remote retreat center, privately owned by the heiress to a devastating liquor fortune? What could go wrong?
  • ROYAL, a new musical by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    14–40
    ·
    Genre: adventure, comedy + 3 more
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    Keyword: princess, fairytale + 7 more
    Genre: adventure, comedy, fable/folktale, musical, political
    Keyword: princess, fairytale, kingdom, queer, feminist, musical, girl power, girlboss, ring of keys
    (Full Length Musical, In-Development; 7W, 2M, Ensemble of 6+ Flexible)

    Tell me, was your full potential calculated before or after you were born?
    The King hasn’t been seen for years, but mysteriously things seem to be going pretty well in the Kingdom. Queen Daphne and Eloise, the Head of Palace Household Affairs, seem to have everything in order. Everything, that is, until the young...
    (Full Length Musical, In-Development; 7W, 2M, Ensemble of 6+ Flexible)

    Tell me, was your full potential calculated before or after you were born?
    The King hasn’t been seen for years, but mysteriously things seem to be going pretty well in the Kingdom. Queen Daphne and Eloise, the Head of Palace Household Affairs, seem to have everything in order. Everything, that is, until the young prince, and heir to the throne is abducted, thrusting the Kingdom and its Royal Family into chaos. Determined to take control of her own life for once, the often overlooked Princess Lavinia and her ever-capable handmaid Riya set out to save the Prince and the Kingdom. A queer feminist swashbuckling princess fairytale musical about what is expected of us and who deserves to lead.

    Script available upon request.
  • A PICTURE SPEAKS by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    7–8
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: women, career + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, political, satire
    Keyword: women, career, Relationships, media, tabloid
    (FULL LENGTH) On the heels of a historic win for Senator Emerson Caldwell, campaign manager Morgan Daniels is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight in a sexting scandal and promptly fired. As Morgan is wined and dined by media mogul Bruce Kershaw and trailed by down-home gossip magazine sensationalist Rhonda Wallace, she must decide how much of the celebrity game she is willing to play to clear her name....
    (FULL LENGTH) On the heels of a historic win for Senator Emerson Caldwell, campaign manager Morgan Daniels is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight in a sexting scandal and promptly fired. As Morgan is wined and dined by media mogul Bruce Kershaw and trailed by down-home gossip magazine sensationalist Rhonda Wallace, she must decide how much of the celebrity game she is willing to play to clear her name.

    CURRENTLY SEEKING: Development opportunities with creatives/institutions who are excited about pushing the boundaries of theatricality within the media circus and satirical space this play should continue to grow into, as well as leaning into the non-linear structure.
  • THE GOOD DOG by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: duty, honor + 6 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: duty, honor, career, retirement, dogs, loyalty, youth, seniority
    (ONE ACT) "If the very thing that defines you gets taken away, who even are you?" Baron has a comfortable life as the singular K-9 associate of a small town police station. The singular K-9, that is, until one fateful morning when Tuck the Puppy unexpectedly arrives. Suddenly, Baron is forced to confront who he is, if he isn't the K-9 on the force. What purpose does he serve, what use does he...
    (ONE ACT) "If the very thing that defines you gets taken away, who even are you?" Baron has a comfortable life as the singular K-9 associate of a small town police station. The singular K-9, that is, until one fateful morning when Tuck the Puppy unexpectedly arrives. Suddenly, Baron is forced to confront who he is, if he isn't the K-9 on the force. What purpose does he serve, what use does he provide, without the vest? What does it mean to be a "good dog?" The Good Dog explores the joys and complications of loyalty, legacy, and the search for identity in the sunset years of life.
  • QUARTET by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    4
    ·
    Genre: comedy, political
    ·
    Keyword: barbershop, singing + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, political
    Keyword: barbershop, singing, friendship, microaggressions, competition, quartet, a cappella, racism
    (ONE ACT) "How can we have lived the same life and remember it so differently?" The estranged members of a competitive young women’s barbershop quartet gather for a seemingly innocuous reunion. As the afternoon goes on, however, forgotten stones cannot help but be turned and long buried secrets uncovered. A one act play about the strengths and strains of friendship and allyship across intersectionalities.

  • THE HANDMAID RHIANNON by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, drama + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: princess, feminist + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, drama, faith-based, period, romantic comedy
    Keyword: princess, feminist, queer, love, Adolescence, high school, women
    (ONE ACT; TEEN CAST) Daphne thinks she's been summoned to the Palace for a Princess eligibility contest she's unlikely to win. Eloïse, meanwhile, thinks she's meeting, greeting, and dressing her future Queen for the Royal Wedding. A sweet one-act about two young women who form an unlikely bond as they navigate the messy waters of expectation, duty, and how to love.
  • INCH BY INCH by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
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    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more
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    Keyword: identity, queer + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, political, romantic comedy
    Keyword: identity, queer, coming out, bible belt, gardening, loss, death, honor, family
    (ONE ACT) Bridget and her partner Wyn have returned to Bridget's hometown for her mother's funeral. Bridget learns that she has inherited the house and vegetable garden and finds she must reconcile her own deep-seated fears about family and identity before the Garden will let her leave.
  • STRAWBERRIES by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy
    ·
    Keyword: wedding, newlyweds + 7 more
    Genre: comedy, romantic comedy
    Keyword: wedding, newlyweds, honeymoon, grandmother, gardening, strawberries, family, dreams, memory
    (ONE ACT) Hungover on the morning after their wedding, Carolyn and Thad can't seem to get it together to be in love with each other. Carolyn's Bubbe Iris shows up just in time to meddle and leave a little magic.
  • PEACH COBBLER by Rachel Graf Evans
    Recommendations: 1
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    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more
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    Keyword: halloween, meltdown + 3 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, experimental, farce, horror, melodrama
    Keyword: halloween, meltdown, Sisters, murder, grief
    (SHORT; HORROR) Sisters Jo and Val have a secret and she's called Annie, their mother, who has been a corpse for the past ten years in an ice chest in the middle of their living room floor. Inspired by true events.
  • NEWFOUND MASCOT by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more
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    Keyword: snapchat, modern friendship + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, dark comedy, farce
    Keyword: snapchat, modern friendship, technology, wired, high school, millennials
    (SHORT) What are you willing to sacrifice for a few LOLs? Trapped at a football game, young teachers Carina and Xander are at their wits' end so when will this team lose already so they can go drink about it! Xander has a new beau, Carina is made of espresso, what could go wrong in this friendship?
  • THE RIGHT KIND OF MARIGOLD by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, fable/folktale + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: gardening, plants + 6 more
    Genre: comedy, fable/folktale, young audiences
    Keyword: gardening, plants, flowers, kindergarten, lessons, learning, classroom, education
    (SHORT; TYA; EDUCATIONAL) The sun rises, another day has arrived! We are in the garden with a quirky and assorted accidental family of plants: Sunny the Sunflower is still a show-off, Q the Cucumber adores Sunny anyway, Kentucky Blue String Bean is strung between them, and Stinking Roger is in the way ...again. But when Karen the Gardener announces it's moving day, everyone loses their petals! Who will get...
    (SHORT; TYA; EDUCATIONAL) The sun rises, another day has arrived! We are in the garden with a quirky and assorted accidental family of plants: Sunny the Sunflower is still a show-off, Q the Cucumber adores Sunny anyway, Kentucky Blue String Bean is strung between them, and Stinking Roger is in the way ...again. But when Karen the Gardener announces it's moving day, everyone loses their petals! Who will get to go? Who will have to stay? A petite playground fable.
  • ROOKIE MISTAKE by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    4–5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, farce + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: wedding, Sisters + 5 more
    Genre: comedy, farce, movement/physical
    Keyword: wedding, Sisters, bride, bridezilla, sorority, superstition, vegan
    (SHORT) When everything imaginable goes wrong on the day of her sister’s wedding, Maid of Honor Marlee tries valiantly to salvage the remains (with no help from the only remaining bridesmaid or her mother) until the worst arrives: the Bride. Rookie Mistake is a short, smart comedy about luck, secrets, and the meaning of sisterhood.
  • HER NAME IS HUNTER by Rachel Graf Evans
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: comedy
    ·
    Keyword: femininity, motherhood + 6 more
    Genre: comedy
    Keyword: femininity, motherhood, friendship, feminism, parenthood, responsibility, estrangement, party girls
    (SHORT) When Mira shows back up in their college town, her friend Jodie doesn’t blink twice at asking her to babysit her young kids so she can step out for a rare date night. As the two catch up, though, Jodie starts to wonder if Mira is the best choice for Responsible Adult. A short play about friendship, femininity, expectations, and untapped potential.