My Story

Dr. Evelyn Collins is a passionate and visionary leader in the field of arts education and educational leadership. She is also a director and producer of theatrical productions. Dr. Collins has years of experience in developing and implementing arts-based and educational leadership programs and curriculum in the public schools.

She is the CEO of Onyx Production Company, a professional entertainment and publishing company that produces original and diverse works that reflect the African American experience and culture.

Dr. Collins is the founder and executive director of Harlem Ensemble Company, a not- for- profit theatre company that has produced plays, musicals, and films. She is also the founder of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts.

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She holds an Ed.D in Urban Education and School Leadership from Fordham University, an MA in Directing for the Theatre from the University of Michigan, an MS in Educational Leadership from the College of New Rochelle, an MFA (candidate) in Theatre Arts Management/Producing from Columbia University, a BA in Education and Theatre from the University of Michigan, and multiple certifications in school leadership and administration.

Dr. Collins is an author, public speaker, and arts consultant. She has published a historical case study - Out of the Shadows: The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received multiple awards for her contributions to multi-cultural theatre, in the Harlem, Ann Arbor, NYC and Mount Vernon communities. She is also the author of the upcoming book 10 Things Your Mama Should Have Told You: Lessons on Cultivating an Extraordinary Life.