While I didn’t meet Fred Crafts till the Community Partners Reception, I had been hoping to work with him on Radio Redux since I heard of it last year. And thanks to some persistence and fortune, I will be!
Radio Redux is a live radio show focusing on the Golden Age of Radio. They are a resident company at the Wildish Theater in Springfield and put on a variety of shows each season that stem from 1940s radio. I am super excited to be working with Radio Redux, because this will give me an opportunity to learn more about radio history, how live radio is done and combine some of my favorite things: radio, theater and storytelling! Since my main interests as an arts administrator are event planning and outreach, this practicum will also give me the chance to apply those skills to the radio field. Hence, why I’m looking forward to being Radio Redux’s Special Events Coordinator!
Fred and I met before the beginning of the term to discuss where Radio Redux needs help. While there were many appealing options, obviously working on special events appealed to me the most. Fred has a lot of ideas for special events including lecture or film series, performances or receptions in people’s homes, and after parties with musicians. It will be my job to figure out a plan for these ideas and started implementing them! Though the preference is that I start working on a fundraiser first and especially since someone has approached him who is also interested in putting together a fundraiser for Radio Redux. I have asked Fred to introduce to me to this person, but considering Radio Redux’s first show of the season is this weekend, we will probably work on setting up that connection next week. I also included in my goals for this practicum to observe the process and do informational interviews with Fred. This means I’ll get to sit in on the rehearsals and learn from Fred about all his radio expertise!
Speaking of Radio Redux’s first show this season, I went to see it this Friday! It was a mystery caper called Sam Spade, which is a follow-up to the Maltese Falcon. I had a ton of fun and it was great to see how the show is done. They had about 6 mics and I think 8 cast members who played a variety of parts. There was a sound effects man who did some live sound effects like the opening of a door or walking feet, while some of the sounds were pre-mixed on a computer. It was really interesting to watch a production that you would usually just listen to. There were definitely parts that were supposed to be serious, but became comical because we could see the behind the scenes. I wish I could go behind the scenes of all my favorite radio shows. One thing I noticed was there was a lot of back story to this piece that definitely could have been helped by an accompanying lecture. Perhaps holding a preface to the show will be a good special event for the future. And what’s more, opening night had a full house! There are definitely a lot of people interested in this show. And I was very impressed by the professional quality of not only the acting, but the organization of the event. I hope that I can help provide even more entertainment to their audience! The next show is It’s a Wonderful Life in December. Let’s if we can pull together some special events by then! I got some ideas!