By Heather Lusk
Despite a successful start, the Zionsville Radio Players have found themselves in need of additional volunteers in order to continue. Otherwise the group will “go dormant,” co-founder Patsy See said.
See and Susan McCleland, who together founded ZRP in 2013, no longer have the time available to commit to the group and are hoping that others will take the lead.
“We found out is it’s way more work than we thought it would be,” See said.
The founders had been taking on the bulk of the workload. ZRP is in need of actors, scriptwriters, fundraisers and post-production and sound effect assistance.
ZRP most recently performed A Christmas Carol as a staged fundraiser with support from the Off-Main Street Players who provided the props and lighting.
“We are most grateful to OMSP,” See said. “They were most generous.”
Past shows have included a series of short stories and a Halloween performance.
Beyond additional help performing and producing, See would ideally like to see the creation of an advisory board that can set up a long-term plan and goals.
Currently the group uses public domain literature requiring adaptation to create a script appropriate for radio. The actors rehearse prior to recording at a University of Indianapolis studio thanks to an agreement that provides free studio time. Then sound effects and music are added before airing on local Zionsville station WITT. The entire process takes roughly four months.
See is incredibly grateful that WITT and station manager Jim Walsh have broadcast their performances.
“(Walsh) does just about everything. He has been so great to work with, he’s flexible, he’s generous, he’s affable. We’ve enjoyed every minute of working with him,” See said.
Without immediate support, See is hopeful that eventually down the road new volunteers will emerge who are interested in reviving the group.
GET INVOLVED
For anyone wishing to be involved, a message may be sent to Zionsville Radio Players through their Facebook page or email [email protected].
