Evelyn L. Zifcak (1928–2022) founded Theatre Works, Inc. in 1983, establishing Woonsocket's first nonprofit community theatre company, which she guided through thirty-two seasons of drama, comedy, and musicals.

She grew up in the Western Hotel in the village of Nasonville, Rhode Island — a family-run establishment filled with piano, mandolin, guitar, and the amateur voices of her English great-aunts who lived and worked there. That early immersion in music and performance was the seed of a lifelong love of theatre.

Before founding Theatre Works, Evelyn helped establish the Burrillville Civic Theatre and the Assembly Players in Harrisville, and wrote, produced, and directed musicals at Our Lady of Victories Church in Woonsocket. She directed productions at Theatre Works throughout its history, remaining a presence in the company until its final season in 2015.

Evelyn is survived by her son Marc Zifcak and his children Jacob, Grace, and Benjamin.