By Dale Schaefer on June 16, 2025
In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, finding a space that truly celebrates every voice, background, and creative spirit is no small feat. Enter David Acala, CEO of Devolution Productions, a production company that’s redefining what it means to bring people together through live entertainment, visual arts, and small business showcases. With a passion for inclusivity and a flair for curation, Acala is building a platform where artists, performers, vendors, and audiences can connect in ways that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.
David Acala didn’t just stumble into the world of live entertainment and production—he lived it. With roots in musical theater, fashion modeling, and performance, Acala’s background is a tapestry of artistic disciplines. “I got my start in the entertainment industry as an artist myself—as a model and an actor,” he shares. “But I felt like the projects I was involved in were building to nothing, lacking a wholesome takeaway.” This sense of unfulfilled potential became the catalyst for Devolution Productions.
Originally from Chicago, Acala has called New York City home since 2002. Over the years, he’s witnessed the ebb and flow of the city’s art and culture scenes. What stood out to him was a gap: a need for events that weren’t just about spectacle, but about substance—where diversity, authenticity, and social justice could take center stage alongside the art itself.
At its core, Devolution Productions is a platform for live entertainment, visual arts, modeling, and small business promotion. “Our platform allows entertainment professionals to showcase their talents, and we also create space for small businesses to feature their products and services,” Acala explains. The company’s events are intimate, usually drawing 30 to 40 people per gathering, but they’re rich in energy and connection.
Each event is carefully curated to ensure a balance of representation—across gender, race, and even religious backgrounds. “It’s not just about having a mix of people,” Acala says. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone can find themselves in the room.”
Attending a Devolution Productions event is an experience in itself. Picture a gallery space buzzing with live performances, visual art displays, and vendors showcasing unique products. The atmosphere is electric, yet intimate, allowing attendees to engage directly with artists and entrepreneurs.
Acala’s events often carry a message of social justice or community empowerment, woven seamlessly into the entertainment. “I try to keep it fun, but there’s usually a hit message based on some sort of social justice affair,” he notes. This approach not only entertains but also inspires, sparking conversations and connections that last long after the event ends.
Devolution Productions operates on a model that supports both artists and small businesses. Revenue comes from several streams: entrance fees for attendees, small sponsorships from local businesses, and, ideally, larger sponsorships as the company grows. “Right now, sponsorships are usually on a small scale,” Acala admits, “but the long-term goal is to attract bigger sponsors to help with brand messaging and cross-promotion.”
This multi-tiered approach ensures that everyone involved—from performers to vendors to attendees—gets something valuable out of the experience. For artists, it’s a chance to be seen and heard; for small businesses, it’s an opportunity to connect with a community that values their products and services.
In a city as vast as New York, marketing can be a challenge. But Acala has found that word-of-mouth and personal connections are his most powerful tools. “I live in one of the major cities where the population of people are planning, so I normally just kind of go through word of mouth,” he says. While he’s experimented with digital advertising, he’s found that nothing beats the authenticity of personal recommendations.
This grassroots approach has helped Devolution Productions build a loyal following. Many attendees return for multiple events, creating a sense of community that’s rare in the fast-paced world of New York nightlife. “People who come to our events are repeat customers,” Acala notes. “They value the message behind the events and the environment we create.”
Like any small business, Devolution Productions faces its share of challenges. “It’s the finance for the most part,” Acala admits. “I’m putting more of my own financial support into it, but I’m happy to do it because I can see how it motivates people and how the people who return value the message behind the events.”
Despite these hurdles, Acala is optimistic about the future. His five-year plan is to increase attendance and expand the company’s reach, potentially moving to larger venues or even taking the concept to other cities and countries. “In the next five years, I want to get an increase in the population of people who support us,” he says. “If the moment occurs, I’d be open to moving into bigger venues and bigger events, not just nationally but internationally.”
Acala’s ultimate vision for Devolution Productions is to create a platform where anyone—regardless of background or experience—can find a place to express themselves and connect with others. “My goal is to have a platform where it exudes an exciting lifestyle, where anyone is able to find themselves in the midst of it all,” he says.
This vision is driven by a passion for people and a commitment to inclusivity. “I wanted to offer something that was very unique, where people could express themselves in many different ways and not feel like there’s any hindrance to who they are or what they do,” Acala explains. “It’s more about the people and giving them that platform to express themselves.”
In a city teeming with entertainment options, Devolution Productions stands out for its authenticity, inclusivity, and community focus. Here’s what sets it apart:
For anyone looking to experience live entertainment that’s as meaningful as it is entertaining, Devolution Productions is a must-see. Whether you’re an artist looking for a platform, a small business seeking exposure, or an audience member eager to connect with like-minded people, there’s a place for you at a Devolution event.
To learn more about upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Devolution Productions website at devolutionproductionsnyfw.wordpress.com and follow their journey as they continue to curate unforgettable experiences in the heart of New York City.
In a world where entertainment often feels mass-produced and impersonal, David Acala and Devolution Productions are proving that the most powerful experiences come from authenticity, inclusivity, and a genuine passion for bringing people together. Their story is a reminder that, in the right space, everyone can find their moment to shine.
Website: devolutionproductionsnyfw.wordpress.com
Email: Devolutionproductions@gmail.com
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