Paul McComas is an author and performer residing in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, IL, whose projects bring together multiple media, storytelling, progressive advocacy, and themes of hope and healing. Through fiction, music, stage work, and film, Paul McComas connects creative work with public engagement, including support for RAINN, on whose National Leadership Council he served for 10 years; his "Unplugged" stage collaboration with Maya Kuper raised funds and awareness for the organization.
Mr. McComas is now co-directing and executive producing an animated feature adaptation of "Unplugged," his 2002 novel. He describes the film as his legacy project, starring his dream voice cast, including.Christina Ricci, Jeri Ryan, Sheryl Lee and, in their final performances, Ed Asner and Louis Gossett, Jr. He also wrote the recently published, already acclaimed nonfiction book 'Strange Illusions: The Films of Edgar G. Ulmer' with fellow film scholar David Luhrssen.
In addition, Mr. McComas plays bass and sings backup with the group Eclecti-Pop!, whose single “When the Swift” is available on Bandcamp and other streaming platforms. The trio often performs for progressive and arts organizations. His advocacy work has included 24 years (and counting) with RAINN and close collaboration with both Patrick J. Kennedy's Kennedy Forum for Mental Health and Marquette University's Center for Peacemaking. Mr. McComas also founded and directed Rock Against Depression and the "Fool for Love" performance project which honored Sam Shepard while supporting efforts against ALS.