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For our 21st year, we’ve conjured up new original radio dramas for world premiers. Shows are broadcast on NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ, at times to be announced by the stations. Plus, both of our 2009 radio dramas will be presented on Thousand Oaks cable TOTV channel 10, with a collage of visuals assembled by their staff.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12th—For National Grandparents Day, we bring you a humorous and heartwarming copyrighted piece titled, “Grandma's Rock.” Written by frequent cast member Gordon Durich, a modern day Grandma speaks her mind about life and love. Of course, Grandpa tries to sneak in his two cents. At the break, our host unveils which Grandma got National Grandparents Day started and why. This show is performed before a live audience. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31st—We’ve scripted a fun new copyrighted treat for "All Hallows Eve." We’re going to solve the energy crisis with, “Shorty Cut Across,” featuring cameos from local media talents mixed in with top local actors. In a small mountain town, alternative energy inventions, a murder mystery, a love triangle and mysterious men in black all culminate in an out-of-control Halloween themed benefit race. ALSO for Halloween, Thousand Oaks TOTV channel 10 presents our 2009 radio drama, "Rip Van Winkle's Secret," with a collage of visuals. There's more to the mystery than you remember! Our show is hosted by internationally known ghost hunter and author Richard Senate. At the breaks, Senate reveals period details about the American colonies, the trading of a fermented drink, and facts about author Washington Irving. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24th—We proudly present our new copyrighted drama honoring military families and those who serve with, “Twas the Night Before.” It's a heart-tugging radio drama that takes place during the golden era of radio on Christmas Eve, 1944. Four American families, affected by World War II, come together at their annual holiday gathering for a reading of a famous poem. Something happens that no one expects. At the breaks, we compare 1944 life and the economy back then with now. ALSO for Christmas time, Thousand Oaks TOTV channel 10 presents our 2009 radio drama, "Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story," performed the way Dickens intended—as a ghost story. Presented with a collage of visuals, our returning celeb co-hosts Cheryl Ladd, Jamie Farr, Charlene Tilton and Tim Conway reveal details about Charles Dickens.
As usual, our radio dramas feature top local actors allowed only one rehearsal then perform. Meanwhile in the creative cave, several copyrighted radio detective scripts have been completed and more are being penned for our "Who Done It" stylish serial. For all our shows, as we always say, "Tune in early for best seats!"
BACKWARD GLANCE
In mid 2009, we received three international awards for our previous copyrighted original radio dramas, “Halloween Invaders” and “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing.” That brought our award count at that time to 23—20 international and 3 national—since first entering radio drama competitions in 2003. In October, NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ broadcast our copyrighted original Halloween radio drama, “Rip Van Winkle’s Secret.” We reshaped Washington Irving’s classic with a hot cast of top local actors transforming into colorful characters navigating numerous plot twists. We instilled humor, hope and wisdom at interpersonal, social and political levels. At the show breaks our celeb host, internationally known ghost hunter and author Richard Senate revealed what was happening with the American colonies in 1761; how bourbon became a form of currency; and related background about author Washington Irving. On that same Halloween, Thousand Oaks TOTV once again televised our original radio drama “Sleepy Hollow- The Lost Diaries,” with a collage of visuals.
For Christmas Eve 2009, to celebrate our 20th year, we hand-picked top local actors for our spirited copyrighted version of Dickens, “Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story.” Returning to introduce this show on both KVTA and KKZZ were four previous celeb hosts mentioned above.
We topped off 2009 with our own Keith “Scrooge” Hurt challenging KVTA radio listeners to match our donation helping foster, homeless and abused children in Ventura County. KVTA’s three-week holiday listener drive raised over $42,000. Quite a feat in this economy! Finally, not forgetting those who keep us safe and free, and thanks in part to New Era Debt Solutions, we donated another 200 Christmas Carol radio drama CDs, hosted by Jamie Farr, to our troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. That brought our total to 1300 CDs sent to them in 2008 and 2009—a piece of home for the holidays.
KVTA fundraiser remote at County Commerce Bank. Producer James Wortman, KVTA's Tom Spence and Keith (Scrooge) Hurt. IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO
In 1990, to help promote a downtown’s holiday sales, I got the wild idea to cast a collection of merchants in a radio adaptation of Dickens’ “Christmas Carol” starring Robert “Doc” Reynolds. We thought that was it. Then came the calls from listeners and radio stations. “Do it again, do it again!” Over the years, we aired radio dramas on various stations, continuing to uniquely cast top local actors with community notables, students and teachers—challenging them by allowing only one rehearsal. As stations began streaming our radio dramas on the worldwide web, we contacted local military bases to alert those stationed overseas to tune in for a piece of home for the holidays. Postcards and emails appeared locally, nationwide and from troops around the world. Over the years, we’ve rotated more than 600 people through our shows from all walks of life. In the opinion of this producer, the shows just keep getting better! The credit belongs to all of you that have been and are involved—you know who you are.
ABOUT US
Producer James Wortman with Stephanie Zimbalist
We keep EVERY NOW AND THEN THEATRE radio dramas unique, fresh and exciting by the way we cast and perform. Each cast-crew is allowed only one rehearsal then perform. Everyone rises to the challenge. We spotlight a celebrity host introducing each cast. We select participants countywide, showcasing top local actors deliberately mixed with beginners. We rotate one-quarter to one-third new participants per show. The result is award-winning quality. Note to locals—Shows are cast by invitation. However, we’re open to bribes and hearing from you.
Founded by James M. Wortman in October 1990, the all volunteer EVERY NOW AND THEN THEATRE performs exclusively for broadcast. We perform on stage when the mood strikes us. Since first entering radio drama competitions in 2003, we currently count 22 awards—3 national and 19 international—for entertainment excellence, distinction, best local broadcast, best drama uplifting mankind, etcetera. Our celebrity hosts for those shows were Malcolm McDowell, Chris Hillman, David Selby, Lane Davies, Cheryl Ladd, Charlene Tilton, Jamie Farr, Tim Conway and Stephanie Zimbalist.
We choose to give back to our community by providing broadcast copies to our cast-crew for donation. We donate all proceeds to KVTA’s Children’s Services Fund, benefiting foster, homeless and abused children in Ventura County. We often provide broadcast copies to the station as listener incentives to donate. KVTA now averages $40–45k per year in donations for the fund.
EVERY NOW AND THEN THEATRE copyrighted original scripts and adaptations are heard worldwide via radio, internet and experienced on stage or in group settings by our client licensees and us.
WANT TO DO YOUR OWN?
Codirector Linda Stiegler with Malcolm MacDowell
Our copyrighted scripts are developed with an ear toward broadcast, an eye toward stage and a feel for community. The result is a readers theatre project perfect for radio stations, live stage theatre, corporate and community organizations-- either for business profit or fundraising.
Our easy-to-follow, copyrighted SHOW KITS are available for low-cost rental and renewal. Of course, you could just do it all yourself-- wasting time, money and resources on your learning curve-- or, keep it quick, inexpensive and possibly praised by renting our SHOW KITS. Simply email us or send us an interesting postcard. Click on the above radio knobs for SHOW KIT information.
Heck, make it worth our while and we’ll come produce and direct it for you!
or send an interesting postcard:
Every Now and Then Theatre
P.O. Box 5611
Ventura, California 93005
AND NOW FOR THE NEWS...
International Awards Honor Local Radio Theatre Group
"20th Year Anniversary Show Hosed by Four Celebrities"
(Ventura County, CA)— Every Now and Then Theatre's December 2009 radio adaptation, "Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story" has won an International OMNI Silver Award for radio entertainment. The theatre troupe’s 20th anniversary year drama was celebrity hosted by Cheryl Ladd, Jamie Farr, Tim Conway and Charlene Tilton. All four celebs previously hosted shows for the drama troupe. NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ aired the drama, commercial free, on December 24, 2009.
“Ventura County is blessed with amazing local talent,” said troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. “These awards prove it.” According to the OMNI website, the OMNI awards recognize outstanding media productions that engage, empower and enlighten. The rigorous judging process for audio includes quality, voice, music, sound effects, creativity and impact. Companies represented by the OMNI Awards committee include ABC, CNN, NBC, PBS, Disney, Associated Press and many others.
“Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story,” radio drama featured Keith Hurt as Scrooge and spotlighted the talents of Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Gordon Durich, Jonathan Ely, Erin Fagundes, Mark Fagundes, Zoe Fagundes, Damian Gravino, Jeremy Hanna, Olivia Heulitt, Tami Keaton, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Vanessa Orr, Debbie Price, Jake Price, Christi Stephan, Cici Stephan, Linda M. Stiegler, Bob West, and James M. Wortman.
“Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” was co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder James M. Wortman of Ventura. Original music was by Cheryl A. Talbot of Simi Valley. Sound Engineers were David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks and Bob Allen of Ventura. The production was made possible with resources from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for gear, and Newstalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ for air time.
Now in their 21st year as Ventura County’s select troupe for radio theatre, the all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre produces radio dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique in how they are cast and performed. Top local actors are chosen by the directors from around the county and mixed with beginners. The cast is allowed only one read-through before performing. Packaged copies of broadcasts are made available to participants in trade for donation to the Children’s Auxiliary Fund. To date, a total of 1300 Christmas show CDs have been donated and sent to troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Founded in 1990, Every Now and Then Theatre now counts 25 awards—22 international and three national—since first entering competitions in 2003
Radio Trial of Scrooge Wins Third Award for County Drama Troupe
(Ventura County, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre's original radio drama, “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” has won an International Communicator Silver Award of Distinction in the audio category. Earlier, the production won an International Davey Gold Award and an International OMNI Bronze Award, both for radio entertainment. Rock hall-of-famer Chris Hillman hosted the commercial-free radio drama on AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ. At the breaks, Hillman revealed facts about Victorian debt and credit.
“These awards salute our county’s acting and production talents,” said troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. According to their website, the Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. Thousands of entries were received from across the US and around the world. Judging is overseen by a membership representing a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” picked up where “Christmas Carol” ended. The radio drama spotlighted the around-the-county talents of Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Alec Navé, Debbie Price, Mark Andrew Reyes, Linda M. Stiegler and James M. Wortman.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” was co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and Wortman. Sound engineers were David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks with Aletheia Regier of Moorpark, and Bob Allen of Ventura. The all-volunteer production was made possible with resource support from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Jim Barker at Barkerductions in Ventura for gear, and GoldCoast Broadcasting in Ventura for air time.
Celebrating their 21st year as Ventura County’s select troupe for radio theatre, the all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre produces radio dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique in how they are cast and performed. Top local actors are selected from around the county and mixed with beginners. The cast is allowed only one read-through before performing. One-quarter to one-third of participants are new each time. Packaged copies of broadcasts are made available to cast and crew in trade for donation to the Children’s Auxiliary Fund. Founded in 1990, Every Now and Then Theatre counts 24 awards-- 21 international and three national-- since entering radio drama competitions in 2003.
Open Letter of Thanks
We would like to thank the more than 700 Ventura County residents, over the past two decades, who have rotated through as cast members of Every Now and Then Theatre radio dramas. Because of all of you, these broadcasts have raised funds for foster children in Ventura County and have provided more than 1,400 show copies sent overseas to our armed forces—a piece of home for the holidays. We also wish to thank our many volunteer celebrity hosts, our contributing sponsors New Era Debt Solutions and Barkerductions, our media friends, and thanks to Goldcoast Broadcasting, without whom we would be voiceless—and not have 23 awards!
As we celebrate our 20th year, we look back noting top local actors have been uniquely mixed with local doctors, newspaper reporters, lawyers, radio talents, jewelers, mayors, TV news anchors, a police chief, rival theatre critics, a district attorney, rival vehicle dealers, a superior court judge, teachers, students, architects, so many local business owners, and all the rest—you know who you are!
These productions are our way of giving back, while having fun. We hope that each of you who have not yet, find a way to “pick your passion” and help others. And, as Tiny Tim says, “God bless us, every one!”
Four Celebs Co-Host Radio Dickens Drama Christmas Eve
Celebrating 20 years as Ventura County’s select troupe for broadcast, Every Now and Then Theatre will air their rendition of “Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story,” with four of their previous year’s show hosts. Sharing the co-hosting duties will be the voices of Cheryl Ladd, Jamie Farr, Charlene Tilton and Tim Conway, along with the show’s co-directors Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks and James Wortman of Ventura.
NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ will broadcast the production on Christmas Eve, December 24th at noon, 5pm and 10pm. Keith Hurt from Camarillo stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, along with a countywide cast of top local actors mixed with beginners. They are challenged to perform with only one rehearsal.
“This story is really about Jacob Marley offering Scrooge one last chance at redemption,” said co-director Stiegler. “Scrooge has grown bitter from numerous disappointments in life. Dickens gives us clues as to
what triggered the money lender to become cold and uncaring.”“We’ve enhanced our 2009 show with many new effects and an original score,” said producer and co-director Wortman. “It’s a ghost story and we start off dark as Dickens delineated. Historians cite that Dickens wrote the story for three reasons. His previous work hadn’t sold well, so at the urging of friends like Washington Irving, he wrote a holiday tale for the money and for children in his family. Being a social advocate, he wanted to shed light on all but forgotten Christmas customs, work houses, child labor, debtor’s prisons and the plight of the poor.”
“Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story” is adapted for broadcast by Stiegler and Wortman. The original score is by Cheryl A. Talbot from Simi Valley. Sound engineers are David Toumi of Thousand Oaks and Bob Allen of Ventura.
The all volunteer production is made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
The 2009 cast features Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Bob Decker, Jim and Judy Diderrich, Gordon Durich, Jonathan Ely, Erin Fagundes, Jacob Fagundes, Mark Fagundes, Zoe Fagundes, Damian Gravino, Jeremy Hanna, Olivia Heulitt, Keith Hurt, Tami Keaton, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Vanessa Orr, Debbie and Jake Price, Christy and Cici Stephan, Linda M. Stiegler, Bob West, and James M. Wortman.
Show CDs are made available to cast in trade for donations benefiting foster children in Ventura County. This year, the troupe donated 150 Dickens show CDs to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Local Radio Scrooge Sequel Wins Second International Award
(Ventura County, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre's original radio drama, “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” has won an International Davey Gold Award for radio entertainment. Earlier this year, the show won an International OMNI Award for radio entertainment. The show was celebrity hosted by rock hall of famer Chris Hillman and featured a countywide cast of top local actors mixed with beginners. The broadcast aired on both NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ and was streamed worldwide on their websites.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing picks up where Christmas Carol leaves off,” said script writer and troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. “Scrooge’s sudden benevolence is called into question by the Queen’s court. Overnight, Bob Cratchit is pressed into service as a reluctant barrister. All the familiar characters appear, including one we all forgot that saves the day.”
The Davey Award honors outstanding creative work from the best small firms worldwide, where strength comes from ideas, intelligence and out-of-the-box thinking, not a giant bankroll. According to the Davey Awards, they received more than 4,000 entries worldwide for their categories.
Celebrating their 20th year as Ventura County’s select troupe for radio theatre, the all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique in how they are cast and performed. Top local actors are mixed with beginners. A cast is selected from around the county and allowed only one read-through before performing. One-quarter to one-third of participants are new each time. The troupe now counts 23 awards-- 20 international and three national-- since first entering competitions in 2003.
Every Now and Then Theatre’s radio drama was co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and Wortman. Live sound effects were performed by the cast. Sound engineer was David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks. The production was made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” cast featured Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Alec Navé, Mark Andrew Reyes, Linda M. Stiegler, and James M. Wortman.
Sleepy Hollow Radio Mystery Airs Halloween on TOTV
Actor Malcolm McDowell hosts Every Now and Then Theatre’s three-time international award winning radio production of "Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries," on TOTV channel 10, Saturday October 31, 2009 at 9am, 4pm and 10pm. Originally broadcast in 2007, TOTV production staff assembled appropriate visuals to go along with the hour-long drama about schoolmaster Ichabod Crane’s infamous Halloween encounter with a headless Hessian horseman.
“Our story begins from the viewpoint of a present-day researcher discovering villagers’ diaries, purporting to tell the real story,” said theatre troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. “We hear the villagers begin their diary entries, then find ourselves among them. There’s a little surprise twist at the end.”
“The drama features a countywide cast of top local actors that were challenged to perform with only one rehearsal,” said co-director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “As host, Malcolm McDowell introduces the show, reveals the cast, and at the breaks, relates historical background about Halloween, the real Sleepy Hollow, and writer Washington Irving. Bob Decker from Camarillo plays superstitious Ichabod Crane."
The cast showcases Alex Mastrovito from Camarillo, Arryck Adams from Newbury Park, Bob Decker from Camarillo, Brittany Schaver from Newbury Park, David Newcomer from Simi Valley, Deidre Parmenter from Newbury Park, Elaine Fleisher from Camarillo, James Wortman from Ventura, Jeff Schaver from Newbury Park, Jim Barker from Ventura, Jim Diderrich from Simi Valley, Linda Schaver from Newbury Park, Linda M. Stiegler from Thousand Oaks, Lloyd Allen from a secret location, Mark Andrew Reyes from Newbury Park, Michael Voll from Thousand Oaks, Nicholas Viecco from Simi Valley, Penny Puente from Thousand Oaks, Ray Mastrovito from Camarillo, Ronda Voll from Thousand Oaks, Shawn W. Lanz from Newbury Park, Vanessa Orr from Thousand Oaks, and Todd Thayer from Ventura. Music enhancements were by Michael Masely. Sound effects were created live and in studio. Sound Designers were Jim Barker, Tom Mueller and Wortman. Co-directors were Wortman and Stiegler. Script was written by Wortman.
"SLEEPY HOLLOW—The Lost Diaries" radio drama was made possible by resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing, Stage 6 Productions in Moorpark for onsite engineering, Bill's Bar in Camarillo for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment, and NewsTalk 1520 KVTA radio for air time.
Every Now and Then Theatre, celebrating their 20th year, currently counts 22 awards—19 international and three national—since first entering radio drama competitions in 2003.
Ghost Hunter Richard Senate Hosts Halloween Mystery RIP VAN WINKLE’S SECRET on KVTA and KKZZ
Nationally-renowned ghost-hunter and author Richard Senate is Celebrity Host for Every Now and Then Theatre’s radio mystery, “Rip Van Winkle’s Secret.” The drama will air commercial-free on NewsTalk 1520 KVTA and 1400 KKZZ, Saturday, October 31, at 6pm and 9pm.
“As our haunting host, Richard will open the show and at the breaks, relate happenings about the American colonies, cite background on Washington Irving, and reveal how a magical brew from a ghostly crew may still exist today,” said producer and troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. “Richard has been called one of the top ghost investigators of our generation. He’s well-known locally for his tours and lectures. He’s recognized nationally for his many books on haunted hot spots and paranormal phenomenon. Seven out of his top 13 haunted places in Southern California are located right around here.”
Every Now and Then Theatre’s adaptation of Washington Irving’s tale unveils more to the mystery about poor Rip Van Winkle, his henpecking wife, a ghostly crew with a magical brew, Rip’s 20-year nap, and what second ghostly encounter took place that transformed Rip’s life.
“Our hand-picked countywide cast of top local actors learned that radio theatre is different from stage acting,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “Aside from allowing them only one read-through before performing to keep things edgy, pacing is faster, emoting is more intense, and microphone usage can be tricky. It’s a learning experience, especially for new participants.”
“Rip Van Winkle’s Secret” cast is Arryck Adams from Newbury Park, Bob Allen from Ventura, Jim Barker from Ventura, Bob Decker from Camarillo, Jim Diderrich and Judy Diderrich from Simi Valley, Gordon Durich from Westlake Village, Jeremy Hanna from Newbury Park, Olivia Heulitt from Camarillo, Tami Keaton from Camarillo, Shawn Lanz from Newbury Park, Ray Mastrovito from Camarillo, Rosemary Moffat from Simi Valley, Penny Puente from Thousand Oaks, Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks, Robert West from Newbury Park and James Wortman from Ventura. Music enhancements are by "Dano" of Ventura. Sound Engineers are David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks and Bob Allen. The production is made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and Goldcoast Broadcasting for airtime.
Celebrating 20 years, Every Now and Then Theatre is Ventura County’s select troupe for broadcast. The all-volunteer troupe provides copies of shows to cast members in trade for donations given to KVTA’s Children’s Auxiliary Fund, benefiting foster children in Ventura County.
RIP VAN WINKLE'S SECRET Broadasts Halloween Night
Every Now and Then Theatre, Ventura County’s select troupe for broadcast celebrating its 20th year, presents the radio theatre mystery RIP VAN WINKLE’S SECRET airing Halloween night at 6pm and 9pm on radio stations NewsTalk AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ.
The 1761 period drama is based on Washington Irving’s tale of poor Rip Van Winkle, his shrewish wife, a ghostly crew, a magical brew and Rip’s return from a 20-year nap to find an independent America. BUT, there’s more. Women are plotting, men are lamenting, Rip is fermenting, the ghostly crew reappears—and then it happens! What is Rip Van Winkle’s secret? Tune in early for best seats. In the show breaks, the yet-to-be revealed host relates 1761 happenings in the American colonies, unveils background on Washington Irving and reveals how a magical brew from that ghostly crew may still exist today.
The countywide cast of top local actors includes Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Jim Barker, Bob Decker, Jim and Judy Diderrich, Gordon Durich, Jeremy Hanna, Olivia Heulitt, Tami Keaton, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Penny Puente, Linda M. Stiegler, Robert West and James M. Wortman. Sound engineers are David Tuomi and Bob Allen. Co-Directors are Linda Stiegler and James Wortman. Making the show possible are New Era Debt Solutions for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions for equipment and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
Every Now and Then Theatre cast and crews are allowed only one rehearsal and then perform. Since entering competitions in 2003, the troupe has won 22 awards—19 international and 3 national. Copies of broadcasts are sold back to participants for donation to KVTA’s Children’s Auxiliary Fund, benefitting Ventura County’s foster children.
Sequel to Dickens Classic and UFO Spoof of County Both Recognized
Every Now and Then Theatre’s radio dramas, “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” and “Halloween Invaders,” have both won International OMNI Awards for radio entertainment. Rock Hall-of-Famer, Chris Hillman, hosted the Christmas show and David Selby of “Dark Shadows” fame hosted the Halloween show. The broadcasts aired on stations AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ.
The OMNI Awards recognize outstanding media productions that engage, empower and enlighten. The rigorous judging process for audio includes quality, voice, music, sound effects, creativity and impact. Companies represented by the OMNI Awards committee include ABC, CNN, NBC, PBS, Disney, Associated Press and many others.
The broadcasts were co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder and producer James Wortman of Ventura. Sound engineers were David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks with Aletheia Regier of Moorpark. The all-volunteer productions were made possible with resource support from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Jim Barker at Barkerductions in Ventura for gear, and Newstalk AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ for air time.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” spotlighted the talents of Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Alec Navé, Debbie Price, Mark Andrew Reyes, Linda M. Stiegler and James Wortman.
“Halloween Invaders” featured the talents of Bob Allen, Bob Decker, Jim and Judy Diderrich, Erin Fagundes, Elaine Fleisher, Keith Hurt, Ray Mastrovito, Mark Andrew Reyes, Julia Rogers, Richard Steinberg, Linda Stiegler, Adam Traub, Robert West and James Wortman.
The Every Now and Then Theatre, celebrating their 20th year, produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique because each countywide cast is allowed only one rehearsal, then perform. Top local actors are mixed with beginners. Shows average one-quarter new participants each time. The troupe now counts 22 awards—19 international and three national—since entering competitions in 2003.
Every Now And Then Theatre Wins Two International Awards
(Ventura County, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre's radio dramas, “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” and “Halloween Invaders” have both won International OMNI Awards for radio entertainment. Rock hall-of-famer Chris Hillman hosted the Christmas show and David Selby of “Dark Shadows” fame hosted the Halloween show. The broadcasts aired on stations AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ.
The OMNI awards recognize outstanding media productions that engage, empower and enlighten. The rigorous judging process for audio includes quality, voice, music, sound effects, creativity and impact. Companies represented by the OMNI Awards committee include ABC, CNN, NBC, PBS, Disney, Associated Press and many others.
The broadcasts were co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder and producer James Wortman of Ventura. Sound engineers were David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks with Aletheia Regier of Moorpark. The all volunteer productions were made possible with resource support from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Jim Barker at Barkerductions in Ventura for gear, and Newstalk AM 1520 KVTA and AM 1400 KKZZ for air time.
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” spotlighted the talents of Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Alec Navé, Debbie Price, Mark Andrew Reyes, Linda M. Stiegler and James Wortman.
“Halloween Invaders” featured the talents of Bob Allen, Bob Decker, Jim and Judy Diderrich, Erin Fagundes, Elaine Fleisher, Keith Hurt, Ray Mastrovito, Mark Andrew Reyes, Julia Rogers, Richard Steinberg, Linda Stiegler, Adam Traub, Robert West and James Wortman.
The Every Now and Then Theatre, celebrating their 20th year, produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique because each countywide cast is allowed only one rehearsal, then perform. Top local actors are mixed with beginners. Shows average one-quarter new participants each time. The troupe now counts 22 awards-- 19 international and three national-- since entering competitions in 2003.
SCROOGE'S SANITY HEARING - "A Heart-Tugging Sequel to the Dickens Classic"
(Ventura County, CA)-- After a ghost and three spirits transform his life, Ebenezer Scrooge finds himself in court for a sanity hearing. Every Now and Then Theatre presents a world premiere radio drama, “Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing,” airing on NewsTalk AM 1520 KVTA and streamed on their website at www.kvta.com, commercial-free, on Wednesday December 24, at noon, 5pm and 10pm, with a rebroadcast on Christmas Day at 7am. The broadcasts will also be simulcast on AM 1400 KKZZ.
“Rock legend Chris Hillman serves as this year’s celebrity show host,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks. “Hillman is perhaps best known as a founding member of the 60’s–70’s rock group, ‘The Byrds,’ hailed by many critics at the time as America’s answer to the Beatles. Chris will relate Victorian period facts about the courts, debts, money lenders and at the end reveal the cast and crew. As is our custom, this cast is allowed one rehearsal and then performs. Participants are select top local actors mixed with beginners.”
“The drama begins with Scrooge insisting Bob Cratchit represent him at the hearing, but won’t let him speak,” said Producer James Wortman from Ventura. “Barrister Heep parades witnesses recalling damaging moments. Mrs. Cratchit gets feisty. Scrooge’s maid has eyes for the court bailiff. Nephew Fred sends the turkey boy for help. A forgotten character steps forward to defend Scrooge. And then there’s Tiny Tim’s bean shooter. It’s all heart-tugging, humorous and uplifting.”
“Scrooge’s Sanity Hearing” cast is Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn Lanz, Ray Mastrovito, Rosemary Moffat, Alec Navé, Mark Andrew Reyes, Linda Stiegler, and James Wortman. Sound Engineer is David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks. The all-volunteer production is made possible with donated resources from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and NewsTalk AM 1520 for air time.
Founded in 1990, Every Now and Then Theatre is Ventura County’s select troupe for broadcast theatre. The troupe provides copies of shows to cast members in trade for donations that are given to the Children’s Auxiliary Fund helping foster children in Ventura County. Since entering radio drama competitions in 2003, the Every Now and Then Theatre has won 20 awards—three national and 17 international—for radio entertainment. Celebrity hosts enhancing those shows with educational facts were Tim Conway, Stephanie Zimbalist, Jamie Farr, Cheryl Ladd, Malcolm McDowell, Charlene Tilton and Lane Davies.
For The Troops
(Ventura County)— The Simi Valley-based organization For The Troops, that sends packages of wish list items to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, is getting an entertainment donation that’s a piece of home for the holidays. Every Now and Then Theatre, with help from the Camarillo-based New Era Debt Solutions, is donating 900 radio drama CDs of the theatre troupe’s award-winning “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story,” with celebrity host Jamie Farr.
“We didn’t have the funds to do this on our own,” said theatre troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. “New Era stepped up and made it happen. Although we feature celeb hosts each year, the company particularly loved our 2004 radio drama with host Jamie Farr that aired on NewsTalk AM 1520 KVTA. People ask me what we get out of doing this. We touch hearts. The recording is commercial-free.”
“We’ve mailed out nearly 6,600 care packages that include the troop’s wish list items,” said Paula Cornell of Simi Valley, cofounder of For The Troops, the all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started with friend Janie Josephson of Woodland Hills. “The troop’s wish list is on our website at www.forthetroops.us.” The organization is in need of funds for mailing and welcomes receiving names of military men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan who would appreciate one of the care packages.
Every Now and Then Theatre’s CD features Ventura County’s top local actors, mixed with community notables, students and teachers. The drama won a National Silver Microphone Award, an International OMNI Intermedia Award and an International Communicator Award—all for radio entertainment. Robert “Doc” Reynolds stars as Scrooge. The featured players are Lloyd Allen, Laura Asbury, Kevin Becerra, Bob Decker, Judy Diderrich, Keith Hurt, Christi Griffith, Rob Griffith, Tracy Lehr, Nicholas Marinoff, Ray Mastrovito, Debbie Price, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Brittany Schaver, Cameron Schaver, Linda M. Stiegler, Michael Voll, Ronda Voll, James M. Wortman, Katie Young and Eric Young.
For The Troops email is usa@forthetroops.us.
Two Local Radio Dramas Win International Awards
(Ventura County, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre's 2007 radio adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story" has won an International Davey Gold Award for radio entertainment. The show was celebrity hosted by actor Lane Davies and starred Keith Hurt from Camarillo as Scrooge. The troupe's 2007 Halloween radio version of Washington Irving's "Sleepy Hollow: The Lost Diaries" has won an International DAVEY Silver Award for radio entertainment. That show was celebrity hosted by Malcolm McDowell and starred Bob Decker from Camarillo. Both broadcasts aired on AM 1520 KVTA and were streamed worldwide on their website. Earlier this year, both shows won International OMNI Awards and Sleepy Hollow picked up an International Communicator Award, all for radio entertainment.
According to Linda Day at the Davey Awards, the Davey honors outstanding creative work from the best small firms worldwide, where strength comes from ideas, intelligence and out-of-the-box thinking, not a giant’s bankroll. The 2008 Davey Awards received more than 4,000 entries. The Davey is judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), and underwritten by Advertising Age.
Both Every Now and Then Theatre radio dramas were co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder James M. Wortman of Ventura. Productions were made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church and Bill's Bar in Camarillo for performance spaces, Barkerductions and Stage 6 Productions for gear, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
The all-volunteer Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique in how they are cast and performed. First, top local actors are mixed with beginners. Second, each countywide cast is allowed only one read-through, then they perform. One-quarter to one-third of participants are new each time. The troupe now counts 20 awards—3 national and 17 international—since first entering competitions in 2003.
The 2007 Christmas drama cast featured Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Steve Carlson, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Barbara Dipoma, Gordon Durich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Vivien Latham, Ray Mastrovito, Ruth Morgan, Sophia Morgan, Alec Nave, Vanessa Orr, Debbie Price, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Ron Rowe, Zach Schultz, Linda M. Stiegler, Alex Viecco, Nicolas Viecco and James M. Wortman. Live sound effects were performed by the cast. Sound engineer was David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks.
The 2007 Sleepy Hollow Halloween drama featured Arryck Adams, Lloyd Allen, Jim Barker, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Elaine Fleisher, Shawn W. Lanz, Alex Mastrovito, Ray Mastrovito, David Newcomer, Vanessa Orr, Deidre Parmenter, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Brittany Schaver, Jeff Schaver, Linda Schaver, Linda M. Stiegler, Todd Thayer, Nicolas Viecco, Michael Voll, Ronda Voll and James M. Wortman. Music was performed by Michael Masley. Live sound effects were performed by the cast. Sound engineers were Stage 6 Productions, Jim Barker and Tom Mueller from Ventura.
Dark Shadows' David Selby to Host KVTA Halloween Radio Drama
(Ventura County, CA)— Actor David Selby is celebrity guest host for Every Now and Then Theatre’s Halloween weekend radio drama, “Halloween Invaders.” NewsTalk AM 1520 KVTA will broadcast the locally-produced 1-hour sci-fi conspiracy spoof and stream it worldwide over their website at www.kvta.com commercial-free, on Friday October 31 at 11 pm, with a repeat broadcast on Sunday November 2 at 7 pm.
KVTA air talent Bob Allen heads up a countywide cast starring as NewsChasers anchor Edward Armurro, hosting a comet watch party for listeners. In-field reporters begin relating strange happenings. The reporters, together with a professor and military Corporal save Ventura County and the world.
“In the show breaks, informants pass real information about government weather control experiments, the Roswell Incident, and an update about asteroid Apophis scheduled to possibly strike earth in 2036,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “David Selby will reveal the Invader cast showcasing top local actors mixed with beginners that are allowed only one rehearsal, then perform. David is perhaps most familiar to audiences as Quentin Collins from the TV cult series and film ‘Dark Shadows,’ as Richard Channing on ‘Falcon Crest,’ and from his many appearances in countless TV shows, films, stage plays and on radio with L.A.’s Theatre Works. David directs numerous programs with youth and serves on several nonprofit boards in Los Angeles. He makes his home in L.A. with his wife and children.”
“We’re calling this drama our sci-fi spoof with jaw-dropping truths,” said Producer and co-Director James Wortman of Ventura. “It’s tongue-in-cheek UFO fun for Halloween. Although this drama is fiction, we mix in facts describing the military’s past and possible future use of Scaler Waves here in the County. All our shows attempt to educate as well as entertain.”
The Halloween Invaders cast is Bob Allen, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Erin Fagundes, Elaine Fleisher, Keith Hurt, Ray Mastrovito, Mark Andrew Reyes, Julia Rogers, Linda M. Stiegler, Rick Steinberg, Adam Traub, Robert West, and James M. Wortman. CoDirectors are Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks and Wortman from Ventura. Sound Engineer is David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks. This all-volunteer production is made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions in Camarillo for script printing and performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for sound equipment, and NewsTalk AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
Founded in 1990, Every Now and Then Theatre is Ventura County’s select troupe for broadcast theatre. Since entering radio drama competitions in 2003, the all-volunteer troupe has won 18 awards—three national and 15 international—for radio entertainment. Enhancing those winning shows with educational facts were celebrity hosts Tim Conway, Lane Davies, Jamie Farr, Cheryl Ladd, Malcolm McDowell, Charlene Tilton and Stephanie Zimbalist.
David Selby’s website is www.davidselby.com.
Radio Dramas Win Two Awards
(Ventura County, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre’s 2007 Christmas radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” has won an International OMNI Silver Award for radio entertainment. The show was celebrity-hosted by actor Lane Davies and starred Keith Hurt from Camarillo as Scrooge. The troupe’s 2007 Halloween radio version of Washington Irving’s “Sleepy Hollow: The Lost Diaries” has won an International OMNI Bronze Award for radio entertainment. That show was celebrity-hosted by Malcolm McDowell and starred Bob Decker from Camarillo. Both broadcasts aired on AM 1520 KVTA and were streamed worldwide on their website.
The OMNI awards recognize outstanding media productions that engage, empower and enlighten. The rigorous judging process for audio includes quality, voice, music, sound effects, creativity and impact. Companies represented by the OMNI Awards committee include ABC, CNN, NBC, PBS, Disney, Associated Press and many others.
Broadcasts were co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder James M. Wortman of Ventura. Productions were made possible with resource donations from New Era Debt Solutions for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church and Bill’s Bar in Camarillo for performance spaces, Barkerductions and Stage 6 Productions for gear, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique because each countywide cast is allowed only one rehearsal, then performs. Top local actors are mixed with non-actors. One-quarter to one-third of participants are new each time. The troupe now counts 18 awards—3 national and 15 international—since first entering competitions in 2003.
The 2007 Christmas show cast included Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Kuba Chyla, Steve Carlson, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Judy Diderrich, Barbara Dipoma, Gordon Durich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn W. Lanz, Vivien Latham, Ray Mastrovito, Ruth Morgan, Sophia Morgan, Alec Nave, Vanessa Orr, Debbie Price, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Ron Rowe, Zach Schultz, Linda M. Stiegler, Alex Viecco, Nicolas Viecco and James M. Wortman. Live sound effects were performed by the cast. Sound engineer was David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks.
The 2007 Halloween show cast included Arryck Adams, Lloyd Allen, Jim Barker, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Elaine Fleisher, Shawn W. Lanz, Alex Mastrovito, Ray Mastrovito, David Newcomer, Vanessa Orr, Deidre Parmenter, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Brittany Schaver, Jeff Schaver, Linda Schaver, Linda M. Stiegler, Todd Thayer, Nicolas Viecco, Michael Voll, Ronda Voll and James M. Wortman. Music was performed by Michael Masley. Live sound effects were performed by the cast. Sound engineers were Stage 6 Productions, Jim Barker and Tom Mueller from Ventura.
(Ventura, CA)-- Every Now and Then Theatre’s 2006 Christmas radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” has won an International Communicator Gold Award of Excellence. The show was celebrity hosted by Cheryl Ladd and starred Robert “Doc” Reynolds, formerly of Ventura. The troupe’s 2007 Halloween radio adaptation of Washington Irving’s “Sleepy Hollow: The Lost Diaries” has won an International Communicator Silver Award of Distinction. That show was celebrity hosted by Malcolm McDowell and starred Bob Decker of Camarillo. Both broadcasts aired on AM 1520 KVTA and were streamed worldwide on their website.
“With over 9,000 entries from across the US and around the world, the Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the awards.
Broadcasts were co-directed by Linda M. Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and troupe founder James M. Wortman of Ventura. Productions were made possible with resource donations from Debt and Credit Advisors for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church and Bill’s Bar in Camarillo for performance space, Barkerductions and Stage 6 Productions for gear, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, produces dramas exclusively for broadcast. Productions are unique because each countywide cast is allowed only one rehearsal then performs. Top local actors are mixed with non actors. One-quarter to one-third of participants are new each time. The troupe now counts 16 awards—3 national and 13 international—since first entering competitions in 2003.
The 2006 Christmas show cast was Glenn Campbell, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Claude Dodson, Gordon Durich, Erin Fagundes, Keith Hurt, Vivien Latham, Ray Mastrovito, Devin Milligan, Kayla Milligan, Alec Navé, David Newcomer, Vanessa Orr, Debbie Price, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, Ronald Rezac, Brittany Schaver, Cameron Schaver, Jeff Schaver, Linda M. Stiegler, Michael Voll, Ronda Voll, James M. Wortman and brief cameos from Tim Conway and Cheryl Ladd. Live sound effects were performed by various cast. Sound engineer was David Tuomi of Thousand Oaks.
The 2007 Halloween show cast was Arryck Adams, Lloyd Allen, Jim Barker, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Elaine Fleisher, Shawn W. Lanz, Alex Mastrovito, Ray Mastrovito, David Newcomer, Vanessa Orr, Deidre Parmenter, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Brittany Schaver, Jeff Schaver, Linda Schaver, Linda M. Stiegler, Todd Thayer, Nicholas Viecco, Michael Voll, Ronda Voll and James M. Wortman. Music was performed by Michael Masley. Live sound effects were performed by various castmembers. Sound engineers were Stage 6 Productions, Jim Barker and Tom Mueller from Ventura.
British-born Keith Hurt, from Camarillo, is Ebenezer Scrooge for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s radio drama of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol— A Ghost Story.” Hurt replaces Robert Reynolds who performed the role since 1990. AM 1520 KVTA will air the locally-produced ghost story and stream it over their website at www.kvta.com, commercial free, on Monday December 24 at 12 p.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., and on Tuesday December 25 at 7 a.m. Actor Lane Davies is this year’s celebrity guest host for the broadcasts. Cast and crew are challenged to perform with only one rehearsal. The countywide cast showcases top local actors uniquely mixed with community notables, students and teachers.
“I am pleased with the humility that tames me, because I am stepping into the shoes of Doc Reynolds who honored us all with his magnificent portrayal of Scrooge,” said Keith Hurt. “I got the theatre bug early. While growing up in Nottingham, England, my mother ran a large guest house for theatre folk. Lots of England’s theatrical names stayed with us including Greer Garson, Dennis Price and Benny Hill. Moving to the U.S., I did extra work for TV and films working with Leslie Nielson, Terri Garr, Dan Aykroyd, Betty White, Ed Harris and others. With my wife Mary, we ran the South Gate Theatre Guild for 15 years. Now, I warmly carry on this local radio drama tradition for all who can hear.”
As guest host for the 18th-year production, Lane Davies will reveal parts played by the cast and relate historical information about Charles Dickens. Davies is familiar to audiences from TV shows including “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “The Practice,” “Scrubs,” and TV soaps including “Santa Barbara,” and “General Hospital.” As artistic director for the Santa Susana Repertory Company, Lane has produced and directed more than 30 productions locally.
The 2007 radio drama cast, in order of appearance, is Mark Andrew Reyes, Keith Hurt, Jim Diderrich, Gordon Durich, Alex Viecco, Shawn W. Lanz, Arryck Adams, Bob Decker, Zach Schultz, Dr. Ray Mastrovito, Ken Johnson, Debbie Price, Bob Allen, Vanessa Orr, Vivien Latham, James Wortman, Linda Stiegler, Ruth Morgan, Sophia Morgan, Nicolas Viecco, Alec Navé, Penny Puente, Judy Diderrich, Ron Rowe, Barbara Dipoma, Steve Carlson and Kuba Chyla. Each year the troupe honors a departed member of the entertainment community by casting that person in the silent role of the Ghost of Christmas Future. This year the troupe honors Robert Goulet.
The Every Now and Then theatre is Ventura County’s oldest continuing theatre-for-broadcast troupe. “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story” is adapted for broadcast and co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and James Wortman of Ventura. Sound Engineering is by David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks. The all-volunteer troupe’s ‘Carol cast is made possible with resource donations from Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, Debt and Credit Advisors in Camarillo for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church in Thousand Oaks for performance space, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
Actor Lane Davies Hosts Local Dickens Radio Drama Worldwide
(Ventura, CA)— Actor Lane Davies is the Celebrity Guest Host for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s 18th year radio drama presentation of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story.” Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA will broadcast the locally-produced ghost story and stream it over their website at www.kvta.com, commercial free, at noon, 5 and 10 p.m. Mon., Dec. 24 and at 7 a.m. Tues., Dec. 25. British-born Keith Hurt will portray Ebenezer Scrooge.
Lane Davies is familiar to audiences from many TV shows including “Lois and Clark,” 3rd Rock from the Sun,” “The Practice,” Scrubs” and TV soaps including “Santa Barbara” and “General Hospital.” Lane served as artistic director for the Santa Susana Repertory Company, producing and directing more than 30 productions.
“As celebrity radio host, Davies will introduce a countywide cast showcasing top local actors, community notables, students and teachers,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler. “The cast and crew are allowed one rehearsal before performance.”
The Dickens tale is adapted for broadcast and co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and theatre troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. Sound engineering is by David Toumi of Thousand Oaks.
“Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” is made possible with resource donations from Debt and Credit Advisors in Camarillo for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church for performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
This year’s cast includes Arryck Adams, Bob Allen, Steve Carlson, Kuba Chyla, Bob Decker, Jim Diderrich, Barbara Dipoma, Gordon Durich, Keith Hurt, Ken Johnson, Shawn Lanz, Vivien Latham, Ray Mastrovito, Ruth Morgan, Sophia Morgan, Alec Nave, Vanessa Orr, Debbie Price, Penny Puente, Mark Andrew Reyes, Ron Rowe, Zach Schultz, Linda M. Stiegler, Alex Viecco, Nicolas Viecco and James M. Wortman. Live sound effects are performed by Jake Price and various cast members.
According to Michael Hearn’s research in his book “The Annotated Christmas Carol,” many historians now credit Charles Dickens’ 1843 self-published “A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story in Four Staves” with reviving public and private Christmas celebrations, which had nearly disappeared from Great Britain and European countries. Dickens’ publisher first rejected the story as a work that would not sell. The Every Now and Then Theatre’s ‘Carol project seeks to keep the magic of the holidays alive by telling the tale of a crabby curmudgeon who learns that what matters most in life is not money, but human compassion.
(Ventura, CA)—The Every Now and Then Theatre has won a 2007 International Davey “Best-in-Show” Award for their December 2006 radio drama broadcast of “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story” on AM 1520 KVTA. The Davey’s Best-in-Show is the highest honor bestowed by The International Academy of the Visual Arts, consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms. The competition is underwritten by The Creative Group and Adweek Media. ENATT’s production was celebrity-hosted by actor-author Cheryl Ladd and starred former Ventura resident Robert “Doc” Reynolds in his final Ventura County performance as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Davey Awards is an international creative award focused exclusively on honoring outstanding “Creative David’s” work from the best small firms worldwide, where strength comes from fresh ideas, out-of-the-box thinking and exceptional execution, not the biggest “Goliath” bankroll. Over 4,000 entries were received in 2007.
“This honor testifies to the outstanding talents of our all-volunteer radio drama troupe and host Cheryl Ladd,” said Every Now and Then Theatre Founder James Wortman of Ventura. “Our adaptation added historical background at the show breaks to educate and entertain,” he said.
“What’s even more amazing is that we allow our cast and crew only one rehearsal, then perform,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “Our broadcasts feature a celeb host with countywide participants showcasing top local actors, community figures, students and teachers. Each production averages one-quarter to one-third new participants,” Stiegler said.
Earlier this year, the same Scrooge broadcast won a 2007 International OMNI Intermedia Award, recognizing outstanding media production in radio entertainment. More than 30 countries participated. The theatre troupe now tallies 14 awards—3 national and 11 international—since entering competitions in 2003.
The Dickens tale was adapted for broadcast and co-Directed by Stiegler and Wortman. Sound Engineering and design was David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks and Wortman. Community resource donations came from Debt and Credit Advisors in Camarillo for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church for performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for Equipment, and AM 1520 KVTA for air time.
The December 2006 radio cast members were Mark Andrew Reyes, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, David Newcomer, Vivien Latham, Jeff Schaver, Gordon Durich, Bob Decker, Ray Mastrovito, Ronald Rezac, Debbie Price, Vanessa Orr, Cameron Schaver, Glenn Campbell, Claude Dodson, Ronda and Michael Voll, James M. Wortman, Linda M. Stiegler, Brittany Schaver, Kayla and Devin Milligan, Kuba Chyla, Alec Nave, Erin Fagundes, Penny Puente, Keith Hurt and cameos from celebs Cheryl Ladd and comedian Tim Conway.
(Ventura, CA)—Actor Malcolm McDowell is the Celebrity Guest Host for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s premiere radio production of “Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries.” Goldcoast Broadcasting’s radio station AM 1520 KVTA will broadcast the locally-produced thriller and stream it over their website at www.kvta.com on Wednesday, October 31, at 6:00 pm.
McDowell, an Ojai resident and star of the new film “Halloween,” will introduce a unique countywide cast that showcases top local actors with community notables, students and teachers. The challenge is that cast and crew are allowed one rehearsal, then perform. Oxnard High Drama Instructor Bob Decker stars as timid schoolmaster Ichabod Crane who encounters the village specter known as “The Headless Horseman.”
“Malcolm McDowell is delightful to work with and has quite the sense of humor,” said Every Now and Then Theatre founder James Wortman. “As host, Malcolm introduces the show, reveals the cast and, at the breaks, relates historical background about Halloween, the real Sleepy Hollow and writer Washington Irving.
“Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries” was written for broadcast by Wortman with Linda Stiegler. The cast showcases Mark Andrew Reyes, Bob Decker, Wortman, Shawn W. Lanz, Arryck Adams, Jeff Schaver, Jim Diderrich, Penny Puente, Michael Voll, Jim Barker, Alex Mastrovito Vanessa Orr, Brittany Schaver, Nicholas Viecco, Elaine Fleisher, Linda Schaver, Deidre Parmenter, Ray Mastrovito, Linda M. Stiegler, David Newcomer, Ronda Voll, Lloyd Allen and Todd Thayer. Sound effects are created live and in studio. Sound Designers are Jim Barker, Tom Mueller and Wortman. Cast photo.
“Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries” radio drama is made possible by resource donations from Debt and Credit Advisors for script printing, Stage 6 Productions for onsite engineering, Bill’s Bar for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment and AM 1520 KVTA radio for air time.
“2007 marks the 187th anniversary of the publishing of Washington Irving’s, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’” said Wortman. “Historians credit Irving as the first American to have made his living solely as a writer.”
This December, the Every Now and Then Theatre will present their 18th-year radio production of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story,” with a celebrity guest host. Last year’s ‘Carol broadcast, with celebrity host actor Cheryl Ladd, won an International OMNI Intermedia Award for radio entertainment. The theatre troupe tallies 13 various national and international awards for their productions.
ENATT Wins 13th Radio Award – Search for New Scrooge Ongoing(Ventura County, CA)--The Every Now and Then Theatre has won a 2007 International OMNI Intermedia Award in the category of Radio Entertainment for their 17th-year radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’, “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story,” celebrity-hosted by actor and author Cheryl Ladd. Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA aired the production multiple times on December 24, 2006, starring retired educator Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura as Ebenezer Scrooge. Reynolds, who has played the theatre troupe’s radio Scrooge annually since 1990, recently relocated to Redwood Valley. A search is underway for Reynolds’ replacement.
The International OMNI Intermedia Awards recognizes outstanding media production worldwide. More than 30 countries have participated. The Every Now and Then Theatre now tallies 13 awards—three national and 10 international—since entering competitions in 2003. The theatre troupe’s radio dramas are unique in how they are cast and performed. Each volunteer cast and crew is a countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, teachers and students. Participants are allowed only one rehearsal, then perform.
“We average one-third new people for each show,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks. “Since 1990, more than 450 people of all ages have participated. You’ll hear another great cast of 25 this October.”
“Our next radio drama coming Halloween will be ‘Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries,’” said Producer and co-Director James Wortman of Ventura. “Our celeb host for that show is actor Malcolm McDowell.”
The 2006 OMNI Award-winning Christmas Carol production was adapted and co-directed by Stiegler and theatre troupe founder Wortman. Sound Engineers were David Tuomi from Thousand Oaks and Wortman. Making the all-volunteer project possible were DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
The 2006 award-winning radio cast members for “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story” were Mark Andrew Reyes, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, David Newcomer, Vivien Latham, Jeff Schaver, Gordon Durich, Bob Decker, Ray Mastrovito, Ronald Rezac, Debbie Price, Vanessa Orr, Cameron Schaver, Glenn Campbell, Claude Dodson, Ronda and Michael Voll, James Wortman, Linda Stiegler, Brittany Schaver, Kayla and Devin Milligan, Kuba Chyla, Alec Nave, Erin Fagundes, Penny Puente, Keith Hurt and cameos from celebrities Cheryl Ladd and Tim Conway.
Local ENATT Wins 12th Radio Award – Searches for New Scrooge(Ventura County, CA)-- The Ventura County-based Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2005 radio drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story,” celebrity-hosted by actor/producer Charlene Tilton, starring retired educator “Doc” Reynolds of Ventura, broadcast on a.m. 1520 KVTA, has just been awarded a 2006 International Communicator Crystal Award of Distinction. This marks four international awards, the most the troupe has ever received for a single production. Founded in Ventura County in 1990, the Every Now and Then Theatre now tallies 12 awards—three national and nine international—since first entering radio drama competitions in 2003.
Previously, the theatre troupe’s same local Dickens show received an International Davey Silver Award for “finest creative work on a small budget”; an International Gabriel Award from the Catholic Broadcasters Association, “recognizing outstanding artistic achievement uplifting humankind” and an International OMNI Intermedia Award for “Best Local Radio Broadcast.”
“Now we begin our countywide search for a new actor to play Ebenezer Scrooge, since Doc Reynolds moved away after our 2006 show featuring celeb host Cheryl Ladd,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks.
“Our next radio drama is ‘Sleepy Hollow—The Lost Diaries,’ with celeb host and Ojai resident Malcolm McDowell,” said theatre founder and co-Director James Wortman of Ventura. “Our script follows author Washington Irving’s headless horseman tale, plus villagers’ diary accountings of what really happened to Ichabod Crane. The show will air this Halloween. After that, it’s our 18th-year production of Dickens ‘Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story’ with a new Scrooge and surprise celebrity host. Both shows are scheduled to air on a.m. 1520 KVTA.”
Every Now and Then Theatre radio dramas are unique in how they are cast and performed. Performers are a countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. Cast and crew are allowed only one rehearsal, then perform. Sound effects are both live and studio enhanced.
Actor Cheryl Ladd to Host Local Dickens Ghost Drama Worldwide on KVTA Radio (Ventura, CA) -- Actor and author Cheryl Ladd, currently seen Friday nights on NBC TV's "Las Vegas," is this year’s Celebrity Guest Host for the Ventura County-based Every Now and Then Theatre’s 17th year radio drama of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story.” Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA plans to air the locally-produced program, without commercial interruption, on Christmas Eve, December 24, at times to be announced by the station. The KVTA broadcast can also be heard worldwide on their website at www.kvta.com. This is the final performance for Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura as the grumpy Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Cheryl Ladd was catapulted to international stardom when producer Aaron Spelling cast her on the TV series "Charlies Angels," replacing Farrah Fawcett. A tireless humanitarian, she became an ambassador for ChildHelp USA, dedicated to child abuse issues and prevention. With husband Brian, she co-authored the children's book, "The Adventures of Little Nettie Windship," teaching values of good citizenship and championship. Cheryl now has a best seller with, "Token Chick: A Woman's Guide To Golfing With the Boys."
"We invited Cheryl Ladd to be our host based upon her humanitarian efforts benefiting children," said radio show Producer and co-Director James Wortman of Ventura. We wanted a very special host to introduce Doc Reynolds' last show with us. Doc is a brilliant actor. He and wife Beth are moving away to Redwood Valley, California. We'll miss him, but the show, as we say, must go on!"
“As is our tradition, this year's radio cast is allowed only one rehearsal, then perform,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “We select about a quarter to one-third new people to participate each year. Since 1990, we've now rotated about 475 people through this project. Our participants are a unique, countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. They’re from all walks of life and all eager to tell this story of a bitter money lender that is 'spirited' away and transformed by the warmth of human compassion.”
Last year's Dickens radio drama produced by the all-volunteer theatre troupe recently won three international awards: an International Davey Award for "best local radio drama on a small budget," an International Gabriel Award for "highest artistic achievement in communication that enriches and entertains," and an International OMNI Intermedia Award for "best local radio drama." Founded in 1990 by Wortman, the theatre troupe now counts 11 awards -- three national and eight international -- since first entering competitions in 2003. The celebrity hosts for those shows were Charlene Tilton, Jamie Farr, Tim Conway and Stephanie Zimbalist.
Each year, the Every Now and Then Theatre honors a departed member of the entertainment community by casting that person in the silent role of “The Spirit of Christmas Future.” This year’s honoree is June Allyson.
The 2006 radio cast for “Christmas Carol -- A Ghost Story” is as follows: instructor Mark Andrew Reyes from Oaks Christian School in Westlake is Narrator; Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura is Scrooge; David Newcomer from Ventura Theater Sports is a Street Merchant, Wellington and a Street Mourner; Vivien Latham from Oxnard's Elite Theater is a Street Merchant, Fred's Wife Bette, a Party Guest and a Street Mourner; comedian Tim Conway from Encino and actor Cheryl Ladd have cameos as Street Caroler Whistlers; Jeff Schaver from Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks is Henry Wilkins and a Street Mourner; Gordon Durich from Saga Productions in Westlake is Sir David and a Street Mourner; instructor Bob Decker from Oxnard High School's Drama Department is Bob Cratchit; Doctor Ray Mastrovito from Pueblo Radiology in Ventura is Scrooge's Nephew Fred; attorney Ronald Rezac from the Santa Paula Theater Center is the Ghost of Jacob Marley; Debbie Price from Larry Jordan and Associates is the Spirit of Christmas Past; student Vanessa Orr is Scrooge's Sister Fan; student Cameron Schaver is Teenage Scrooge and Peter Cratchit; attorney Glenn Campbell from Ventura is Old Fezziwig and a Party Guest; Claude Dodson from DTS Financial Group in Moorpark is Young Man Scrooge; Ronda Voll from Thousand Oaks is Scrooge's Girlfriend Belle and Fred's Maid; Michael Voll from Thousand Oaks is Belle's Husband Tut and Undertaker Squige; James Wortman from DTS Financial Group is the Spirit Christmas Present; Linda Stiegler from Lemieux and O'Neill Law Firm in Westlake is Mrs. Cratchit; student Brittany Schaver is Martha Cratchit; student Kayla Milligan is Elizabeth Cratchit; student Devin Milligan is Belinda Cratchit; student Kuba Chyla is Henry Cratchit and the Turkey Boy; student Alec Nave is Tiny Tim Cratchit; Erin Fagundes from Newbury Park is Scrooge's Maid Mrs. Dilber and Fred's Party Guest; Penny Puente from Barnes and Noble in Westlake is the Charwoman; Keith Hurt from All County Courier Service is Old Joe; and the late actor June Allyson from Ojai has the honorary silent role of the Spirit of Christmas Future.
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s Dickens radio dramas are adapted and co-Directed by Linda Stiegler and Wortman. Sound Designers are David Toumi from Time-Warner in Westlake and Wortman. This year’s all volunteer project is made possible with resource donations from DTS Financial in Moorpark for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church in Thousand Oaks for performance space, Barkerductions in Ventura for equipment, and Goldcoast Broadcasting in Ventura for air time.
According to Michael Hearn’s research in his book “The Annotated Christmas Carol,” many historians now credit Charles Dickens’ 1843 self-published “A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story in Four Staves” with reviving public and private Christmas celebrations, which had nearly disappeared from Great Britain and European countries. Dickens' publisher rejected the story as a work that would not sell. The Every Now and Then Theatre’s ‘Carol project seeks to keep the magic of the holidays alive by telling the tale of a crabby curmudgeon who learns that what matters most in life is not money, but human compassion.
Cheryl Ladd's website is www.cherylladd.com.
ENATT Wins Third International Award for 2005 "…Carol" (Ventura, CA)-- The Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2005 radio drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story,” celebrity hosted by actor-producer Charlene Tilton and starring Robert “Doc” Reynolds of Ventura, broadcast on a.m. 1520 KVTA, has won a 2006 International “Davey” Silver Award for Radio Entertainment. With over 3,500 entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Davey Awards honor the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies and companies worldwide.
In October of this year, the Ventura County-based theatre troupe’s Dickens drama received an International Gabriel Award from the prestigious Catholic Broadcasters Association, a competition open to all, “recognizing outstanding artistic achievement.” In May of this year, the theatre troupe’s Dickens drama won an International OMNI Intermedia Award for Best Local Radio Broadcast. The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, now counts 11 awards-- three national and eight international-- since first entering competitions in 2003.
“These awards testify to the talents of all our volunteer casts and crews,” said Every Now and Then Theatre founder James Wortman of Ventura. “Our upcoming 17th year ‘Christmas Carol’ production on AM 1520 KVTA, with a surprise celebrity host, will mark the final time ‘Doc’ Reynolds will lead the cast as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Although he is moving away, the show must go on.”
“Our productions are unique in how we cast and perform,” said Director Linda Stiegler. “Performers are a countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. Cast and crew get one rehearsal, then perform. It keeps things fresh and exciting. Since 1990, we have rotated about 475 people through this annual production.”
The award-winning 2005 “Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story’s” countywide cast featured Mark Andrew Reyes, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, Keith Hurt, Jim Diderrich, Nicholas Marinoff, Shawn W. Lanz, Arryck Adams, Bob Decker, Brittany Schaver, Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Louise Helliwell, Kimberly Demmary, Cameron Schaver, Dennis Curry, Ronda Voll, Michael Voll, James Wortman, Linda Stiegler, Rachel Samuels, Kathryn McGrew, Devin Milligan, Kuba Chyla, Penny Puente, Judy Diderrich and Linda Schaver.
The broadcast was directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and produced and directed by James Wortman. Sound design was Stage 6 Productions. The all-volunteer project was made possible with resource donations from DTS Financial Group for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment, Stage 6 Productions for engineering, and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
(Ventura, CA)-- The Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2005 radio drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story,” celebrity-hosted by actor-producer Charlene Tilton and broadcast on KVTA, has won a 2006 International “Gabriel” Award for Local Radio Entertainment. The award will be presented to the Ventura County-based theatre troupe this October at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.
The Catholic Broadcasters Association created the Gabriel Awards in 1965. The competition is open to all and “recognizes outstanding artistic achievement in a radio or television program which entertains and enriches with a true vision of humanity and a true vision of life. Blue ribbon juries only present an award in a particular category when a level of excellence is achieved—in values, content, creativity, artistic quality, technical quality or impact.”
In May of this year, the theatre troupe’s Dickens drama won a 2006 International OMNI Intermedia Award for Best Local Radio Broadcast. The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, now counts 10 awards—three national and seven international—since first entering competitions in 2003.
“Our shows are unique in how we cast and perform,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler. “Performers are a countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. Cast and crew get one rehearsal, then perform. It keeps things fresh and exciting. Our next production will be ‘Sleepy Hollow – The Lost Diaries,’ coming this Halloween.”
The award-winning 2005 “A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story” countywide cast featured Mark Andrew Reyes, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, Keith Hurt, Dave Ciniero, Jim Diderrich, Nicholas Marinoff, Shawn W. Lanz, Arryck Adams, Bob Decker, Brittany Schaver, Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Louis Helliwell, Kimberly Demmary, Cameron Schaver, Dennis Curry, Ronda Voll, Michael Voll, James Wortman, Linda Stiegler, Rachel Samuels, Kathryn McGrew, Devin Milligan, Kuba Chyla, Penny Puente, Judy Diderrich and Linda Schaver.
The broadcast was co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and produced and co-directed by theatre founder James Wortman of Ventura. Sound design was Stage 6 Productions. The all-volunteer project was made possible with resource donations from DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Community Church for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment, Stage 6 Productions for engineering and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
(Ventura, CA)—The Every Now and Then Theatre has won the 2006 International Omni Intermedia Award for Best Local Broadcast for their 16th-year radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA aired the production multiple times on December 24, 2005, hosted by TV’s “Dallas” star, Charlene Tilton. The show featured Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura as Ebeneezer Scrooge, Bob Decker from Camarillo as Bob Cratchit, and a cameo from KVTA morning show talent Dave Ciniero, who suddenly passed away earlier this year.
The Omni Awards recognize outstanding media production worldwide. More than 30 countries have participated. The Every Now and Then Theatre now tallies three National and six International awards since entering competitions in 2003. Each volunteer cast and crew is a unique countywide mix of local actors, community notables, teachers and students. Participants are allowed one rehearsal, then perform.
“These awards testify to the talents of each cast and crew,” said producer and co-director James Wortman from Ventura. “Each of our productions average one-third new people,” said co-director Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks. “Since 1990, more than 400 people of all ages have participated. By the way,” she added, “get ready for our radio production of ‘Sleepy Hollow’ coming this Halloween.”
The winning 2005 ’Carol production was adapted and co-directed by Stiegler and theatre troupe founder Wortman. Sound Engineers were Shaun Lile from Moorpark and Wortman. Making this all-volunteer project possible were DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Congregational Church for performance space, Barkerductions for Equipment, Stage 6 Productions for engineering, and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
Cast and crew for the 2005 production were Mark Andrew Reyes, Doc Reynolds, Keith Hurt, Jim Diderrich, Nicholas Marinoff, Charlene Tilton, Dave Ciniero, Shawn W. Lanz, Arryck Adams, Bob Decker, Brittany Schaver, Dr. Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Louise Helliwell, Kimberely Demmary, Cameron Schaver, Dennis Curry, Ronda Voll, Michael Voll, James Wortman, Linda Stiegler, Rachel Samuels, Kathryn McGrew, Devin Milligan, Kuba Chyla, Penny Puente, Judy Diderrich, Nicholas Marinoff, Linda Schaver, Shaun Lile, Jeff Schaver, Glenn Porter, Tracey Moeller and Luma Reihani.
Actor Charlene Tilton to Host Dickens Ghost Drama Worldwide with KVTA
(Ventura, CA)— Charlene Tilton, best known as “Lucy Ewing” from the vintage TV series “Dallas,” is this year’s Celebrity Guest Host for the Ventura-based Every Now and Then Theatre’s 16th-year radio drama of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story.” Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA will air the locally-produced program, without commercial interruption, on Christmas Eve at 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The KVTA broadcast can also be heard on their website worldwide at www.kvta.com. Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura will star as crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge.
“This time we’re enhancing the ghostly aspect for listeners with more in-studio effects combined with our hand-built effects performed by the actors,” said co-Director Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks. “What keeps this show fresh each year is how we cast and how we perform. We select about one-third new people each year.
The participants are a unique, countywide gathering of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. To keep things challenging and exciting, our cast and crew get only one rehearsal, then perform. They’re from all walks of life, all faiths and no faith. They’re all eager to tell this story of a bitter money lender touched by the magic of the human spirit.”
“We recruited Charlene Tilton for our celebrity host based upon her warm-hearted reputation,” said Producer and co-Director James Wortman. “We use the same method to cherry-pick our cast, crew and radio station. Charlene’s perky personality plays well as our host and will serve her well for her next project about a newsmaker whose husband fell from grace. Charlene will both produce and star in that project.”
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2004 Dickens’ drama, hosted by actor Jamie Farr and broadcast on KVTA, won an International OMNI Intermedia Award for best local broadcast, an International Communicator “Crystal Award” for radio entertainment and a National Silver Microphone Award for radio entertainment. The local theatre troupe, founded in 1990 by Wortman, now counts eight awards for their last three Christmas Carol radio dramas since first entering competitions in 2003. The celebrity hosts for those previous award-winning shows were comedian Tim Conway and actor Stephanie Zimbalist.
Each year, the Every Now and Then Theatre honors a departed member of the entertainment community by casting that person in the silent role of “The Ghost of Christmas Future.” This year’s honoree is Johnny Carson.
The 2005 “Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story” cast features, in order of appearance, Mark Andrew Reyes as Narrator; Robert “Doc” Reynolds as Scrooge; Keith Hurt as a street merchant and Old Joe; Jim Diderrich as Winston and Topper; Nicholas Marinoff as Henry Wilkins, young man Scrooge and a street merchant; Charlene Tilton and Dave Ciniero as street caroler whistlers; Shawn W. Lanz as Wellington and a street merchant; Arryck Adams as Sir David and a street merchant; Bob Decker as Bob Cratchit; Brittany Schaver as a street caroler and Belinda Cratchit; Doctor Ray Mastrovito as Nephew Fred; Lloyd Allen as the Ghost of Jacob Marley; Louise Helliwell as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Kimberly Demmary as Fan; Cameron Schaver as teenage Scrooge and Peter Cratchit; Dennis Curry as Old Fezziwig; Ronda Voll as Belle; Michael Voll as Tut and undertaker Squige; James Wortman and the Ghost of Christmas Present; Linda Stiegler as Mrs. Cratchit; Rachel Samuels as Martha Cratchit and nephew Fred’s wife Bette; Kathryn McGrew as Elizabeth Cratchit and Fred’s party guest Catherine; Devin Milligan as Henry Cratchit; Kuba Chyla as Tiny Tim Cratchit and the turkey boy; Johnny Carson as the Ghost of Christmas Future; Penny Puente as the Charwoman; Judy Diderrich as Mrs. Dilber and Linda Schaver as Fred’s maid and party guest.
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s Dickens dramas are adapted and co-Directed by Linda Stiegler and radio theatre founder James Wortman. Sound Designers are Shaun Lile from Moorpark, Glenn Porter from Conejo Valley and Wortman. This year’s all-volunteer project is made possible with resource donations from DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Congregational Church for performance space, Barkerductions for equipment, Stage 6 Productions for engineering and Goldcoast Broadcasting for air time.
According to Michael Hearn’s research for writing his book “The Annotated Christmas Carol,” many historians now credit Charles Dickens’ 1843 printing of “A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story” with reviving public and private holiday celebrations which had nearly disappeared from Great Britain and surrounding countries.
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s ‘Carol project seeks to keep the true magic of the holidays alive by telling the tale of a crabby curmudgeon who is haunted and learns that what matters most in life is not money.
The Every Now and Then Theatre has other shows in development.
ENATT Wins Three Top Awards for Radio Show on KVTA
(Ventura, CA)—The Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2004 radio drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has won an International Communicator “Crystal Award” for radio entertainment. The award, founded by communications professionals, recognizes excellence in the communications field. Works are judged on quality, creativity and resourcefulness. The radio drama, celebrity hosted by actor Jamie Farr, also won a National Silver Microphone Award for radio entertainment and an International OMNI Intermedia Award for best local broadcast. The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, now counts eight awards for their last three ‘Carol dramas since first entering competitions in 2003. The celebrity hosts for those shows were comedian Tim Conway and actress Stephanie Zimbalist.
“Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA is again our station of choice to air our new 2005 cast and crew for the 16th year Dickens drama,” said Producer James Wortman of Ventura. “To keep things challenging and exciting, our cast and crew get one rehearsal, then perform. Our participants are a unique, countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. We average about one-third new bodies each year. They’re from all walks of life, all faiths and no faith. They’re eager to tell this story of an embittered soul touched by the magic of the human spirit. The awards testify to the talents of our great casts and crews.”
The 2005 radio drama will star Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura as crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge, Bob Decker from Camarillo as Bob Cratchit, Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks as Mrs. Cratchit, Kuba Chyla from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Tiny Tim, and Doctor Ray Mastrovito from Camarillo as Nephew Fred. Wortman will reveal the 2005 celebrity host soon.
The ‘Carol radio dramas are adapted and co-directed by Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks and theatre troupe founder James Wortman from Ventura. Sound Designers are Shaun Lile from Moorpark and Wortman. Helping make the project possible are DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Congregational Church for performance space, Barkerductions for props, Stage 6 Productions for engineering and Goldcoast Broadcasting for their cooperation and coordination.
ENATT Wins Two Top Awards for Radio Show on KVTA
(Ventura, CA)—The Every Now and Then Theatre’s December 2004 radio drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol has won an International Communicator “Crystal Award” for radio entertainment. The award, founded by communications professionals, recognizes excellence in the communications field. Works are judged on quality, creativity and resourcefulness. The radio drama, celebrity hosted by actor Jamie Farr, also won a National Silver Microphone Award for radio entertainment and an International OMNI Intermedia Award for best local broadcast. The Every Now and Then Theatre, founded in 1990, now counts eight awards for their last three ‘Carol dramas since first entering competitions in 2003. The celebrity hosts for those shows were comedian Tim Conway and actress Stephanie Zimbalist.
“Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA is again our station of choice to air our new 2005 cast and crew for the 16th year Dickens drama,” said Producer James Wortman of Ventura. “To keep things challenging and exciting, our cast and crew get one rehearsal, then perform. Our participants are a unique, countywide mix of top local actors, community notables, students and teachers. We average about one-third new bodies each year. They’re from all walks of life, all faiths and no faith. They’re eager to tell this story of an embittered soul touched by the magic of the human spirit. The awards testify to the talents of our great casts and crews.”
The 2005 radio drama will star Robert “Doc” Reynolds from Ventura as crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge, Bob Decker from Camarillo as Bob Cratchit, Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks as Mrs. Cratchit, Kuba Chyla from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Tiny Tim and Doctor Ray Mastrovito from Camarillo as Nephew Fred. Wortman will reveal the 2005 celebrity host soon.
The ‘Carol radio dramas are adapted and co-Directed by Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks and theatre troupe founder James Wortman from Ventura. Sound Designers are Shaun Lile from Moorpark and Wortman. Helping make the project possible are DTS Financial for script printing, Conejo Valley Congregational Church for performance space, Barkerductions for props, Stage 6 Productions for engineering and Goldcoast Broadcasting for their cooperation and coordination.
ENATT Wins International Omni Award
(Ventura, CA)--The Every Now and Then Theatre has won a 2005 International Omni Intermedia Award in the category of Best Local Broadcast for their radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol.” KVTA am 1520 aired the production multiple times December 24 and 25, 2004, hosted by TV’s M*A*S*H star, Jamie Farr. The show featured Robert “Doc” Reynolds of Ventura as crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge and Bob Decker of Camarillo as Bob Cratchit.
The Omni Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding media production. More than 30 countries have competed. Omni Awards have been presented to varied companies including DreamWorks SKG, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Learning Channel, Eastman Kodak, Ford, MTV, VH1, Telemundo, PBS, U.S. Army, and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
The Every Now and Then Theatre won its first Omni Award in 2003 for a radio production hosted by actress Stephanie Zimbalist. The theatre troupe has garnered six National and International awards, since entering competitions in 2003. Each volunteer cast and crew is a unique countywide mix of local actors, community notables, teachers and students. Participants are allowed one rehearsal, then perform.
The winning 2004 ‘Carol production was adapted and co-Directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and theatre troupe founder James Wortman of Ventura. Sound Engineers were Shaun Lile of Moorpark and Wortman. Helping make it possible were community contributors DTS Financial, Ventura’s CAPS-TV and Goldcoast Broadcasting.
Cast and crew for the production spotlighted the talents of Mark Andrew Reyes, Doc Reynolds, Keith Hurt, Christi Griffith, Tracy Lehr, Nicholas Marinoff, Kevin Becerra, Bob Decker, Lloyd Allen, Debbie Price, Brittany Schaver, Cameron Schaver, Eric Young, James Wortman, Ray Mastrovito, Linda Stiegler, Katie Young, Rob Griffith, Ronda Voll, Michael Voll, Kevin Brooks, Laura Asbury, Judy Diderrich, Penny Puente, Linda Schaver, Jeff Schaver and Shaun Lile.
ENATT Wins Three Awards for Christmas Carol Drama on KVTA Radio
(Ventura, CA)-- The Every Now and Then Theatre in Ventura has just won an International Communicator Award for their December 2003 radio production of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” that aired locally on Goldcoast Broadcasting’s AM 1520 KVTA. In August, the same production won the theatre troupe a National Silver Microphone Award and an International AXIEM Award.
Celebrity-hosted by comedian Tim Conway, the production featured a unique cast mix of top local actors, community notables, teachers and students.
Actor Jamie Farr, perhaps best known as Corporal Max Klinger from the hit TV series M*A*S*H, will Celebrity-Guest Host the 15th anniversary year Christmas Carol broadcast, starring Robert “Doc” Reynolds as Scrooge. Goldcoast Broadcasting’s Operations Director Mark Elliott said KVTA plans to air the show at 6:00 p.m. December 24 and again at 8:00 a.m. December 25.
The International Communicator Award was founded by communications professionals to recognize excellence in the communications field. The International AXIEM AWARD is defined by the acronym “Absolute eXcellence in Electronic Media.” The National Silver Microphone Award selects the best in local and regional radio, advertising agencies and audio production companies in the United States. The Every Now and Then Theatre received their first Silver Microphone for their December 2002 Christmas Carol radio drama hosted by actress Stephanie Zimbalist. The 2002 production also won an International OMNI Award. Both awards were for radio entertainment.
For the winning 2003 production, “A Christmas Carol” was adapted and co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and James Wortman of Ventura. Live sound effects were created and performed by Jim Barker and Bob Decker, both from Ventura. Sound engineers were Todd Thayer and Shaun Lile from Ventura’s CAPS-TV. Sound editor was Jim Barker with Producer James Wortman and Shaun Lyle. The county-wide cast featured Mark Andrew Reyes, Keith Hurt, Coulby Jenkins, Tim Conway, Kevin Becerra, Judge Steven Perren, Jim Yates, Bob Decker, “Doc” Reynolds, Eric Young, Doctor Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Linda Stiegler, Alyssa Pedersen, Michael Voll, John Masterson, Ronda Voll, James Wortman, Renee Smith, Katie Young, Lisa McKinnon and Penny Puente.
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ENATT Wins International AXIEM AWARD
(Ventura, CA)-- The Every Now and Then Theatre has won an International SILVER AXIEM AWARD™ for their 2003 radio production of “A Christmas Carol” that aired on KVTA AM 1520, hosted by comedian Tim Conway. The AXIEM AWARD™ is an international competition that recognizes “Absolute eXcellence In Electronic Media™.” Last week, the Every Now and Then Theatre won a National Silver Microphone Award, “recognizing the best….” Both awards are for radio entertainment.
In 2003, the theatre troupe entered and won their first National Silver Microphone Award and an International OMNI Intermedia Award for radio entertainment. That ‘Carol cast was hosted by actress Stephanie Zimbalist. All productions have starred Robert “Doc” Reynolds of Ventura as “Scrooge.”
According to Brian Busch, Executive Director of the AXIEM AWARDS™, “The caliber of work entered in the 6th Annual 2004 AXIEM AWARDS™ is the best of the best. Entries came from the 50 States and numerous countries around the world. AXIEM AWARD™ judges are nominated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders. Judging is based on four areas: innovation, creativity, technical merit and overall experience.”
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens was adapted for broadcast and co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and James Wortman of Ventura. Live sound effects were created and performed by Jim Barker and Bob Decker, both from Ventura. On-site sound engineers were Todd Thayer and Shaun Lile from Ventura’s CAPS-TV. Studio sound editor was Jim Barker with an assist from Producer James Wortman. The county-wide cast featured, in order of appearance, Mark Andrew Reyes, Keith Hurt, Coulby Jenkins, Tim Conway, Kevin Becerra, Judge Steven Perren, Jim Yates, Bob Decker, “Doc” Reynolds, Eric Young, Doctor Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Linda Stiegler, Alyssa Pedersen, Michael Voll, John Masterson, Ronda Voll, James Wortman, Renee Smith, Katie Young, Lisa McKinnon and Penny Puente.
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(Ventura, CA) -- The Every Now and Then Theatre has won a National Silver Microphone Award for its adapted radio production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” that aired on KVTA AM 1520, hosted by comedian Tim Conway. The award competition, now in its 20th year, is designed to select the best local and regional radio commercials, audio programs and web sites created by advertising agencies, audio production companies and radio stations in the United States.
“A Christmas Carol,” starring Robert “Doc” Reynolds of Ventura, was named the National Finalist (second place) in the category of radio entertainment. The theatre troupe entered and won its first Silver Microphone Award in 2003, with a ‘Carol broadcast hosted by actress Stephanie Zimbalist.
According to award Chairman Jack Smith, the Silver Microphone competition entries in the 39 categories were judged for creativity, production, quality, writing, talent and overall effectiveness. A panel of judges representing all aspects of the broadcast and advertising industry rated each entry. The National Winners and National Finalists were among the best productions within the United States in the last year.
“A Christmas Carol” was adapted and co-directed by Linda Stiegler of Thousand Oaks and James Wortman of Ventura. Live sound effects were created and performed by Jim Barker and Bob Decker, both from Ventura. On-site sound engineers were Todd Thayer and Shaun Lile from Ventura’s CAPS-TV. Studio sound editor was Jim Barker with an assist from Producer James Wortman. The county-wide cast featured, in order of appearance, Mark Andrew Reyes, Keith Hurt, Coulby Jenkins, Tim Conway, Kevin Becerra, Judge Steven Perren, Jim Yates, Bob Decker, “Doc” Reynolds, Eric Young, Doctor Ray Mastrovito, Lloyd Allen, Linda Stiegler, Alyssa Pedersen, Michael Voll, John Masterson, Ronda Voll, James Wortman, Renee Smith, Katie Young, Lisa McKinnon and Penny Puente.
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Comedian Tim Conway to Host “Christmas Carol” on KVTA Radio
(Ventura County)— Comedian Tim Conway is this year’s celebrity host for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s 14th radio production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Gold Coast radio station KVTA AM 1520 will air the locally-produced program on December 24th at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and on December 25th at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Conway, direct from his comedy tour of Canada with pal Harvey Korman, will introduce crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge, played by “Doc” Reynolds, along with a countywide cast that uniquely features community notables, top local actors, teachers and students.
“We recruited Tim Conway the same way we cherry-pick our cast and select our radio station,” said ‘Carol project creator James Wortman. “We search out people with good-hearted reputations. Tim is a comedic sparkplug and fits right in with this group.”
KVTA Program Director Dave Ciniero welcomes the theatre troupe’s all-volunteer “Christmas Carol” project, which will enhance the station’s schedule of featured holiday programming. Included in that programming are radio versions of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” both with the original movie casts.
“Like last year, we’re making “Christmas Carol” radio show copies available to our overseas troops stationed on land and sea,” said ‘Carol co-Director Linda Stiegler. “Show copies are also being provided to Ventura County’s sight-impaired library.” Stiegler is directing a live staged version of the Every Now and Then Theatre’s ‘Carol script this December with the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo’s Drama Program. Several of the stage show’s teens are in the KVTA ‘Carol broadcast.
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s 2002 “Christmas Carol” radio show recently received two honors—an International OMNI Intermedia Award and a National Silver Microphone Award—both bestowed in 2003 for radio entertainment. Originally adapted from an 1880’s printing, Stiegler and Wortman have updated their ‘Carol script yearly to provide clarity in language and story line for modern day audiences.
2003 “Christmas Carol” Radio Cast and Crew Announced
Each year, the Every Now and Then Theatre honors a departed member of the acting community by casting that person in the silent role of “Christmas Future.” This year the theatre troupe’s unanimous choice is actor John Ritter. The cast is dedicating their performance to Ritter’s memory and to that of Ventura County’s own recently departed Charles Padilla.
The 2003 “Christmas Carol” radio cast features, in order of appearance, Mark Andrew Reyes from Oak Christian School as Narrator and Thatcher; Robert “Doc” Reynolds from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Ebeneezer Scrooge; Keith Hurt from the All County Courier Service as Wilkins and Old Joe; Coulby Jenkins from the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club as Winston, Teenage Scrooge and Peter Cratchit; Kevin Becerra from the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club as Robbins, Henry Cratchit and Topper; Judge Steve Perren as Wellington; Jim Yates from Ventura as Sir David; Bob Decker, Oxnard High Drama Instructor as Bob Cratchit; Eric Young from the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club as the street caroler, Tiny Tim and the Turkey Boy; Doctor Ray Mastrovito from St. John’s Hospitals as nephew Fred; Lloyd Allen from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Jacob Marley, Linda Stiegler from Lemieux and O’Neill Law Firm as Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit; Alyssa Pedersen from the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club as Scrooge’s sister Fan and Elizabeth Cratchit; Michael Voll from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Young Man Scrooge, Tut, and undertaker Squige; John Masterson from KVTA as Fezziwig; Ronda Voll from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Belle and Fred’s maid; James Wortman from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Christmas Present; Renee Smith from Camarillo High as Martha Cratchit and Mrs. Dilber; Katie Young from the Every Now and Then Theatre as Belinda Cratchit; Lisa McKinnon from the Ventura County Star Newspaper as Bette; and Penny Puente from Barnes and Noble as the Charwoman. Live sound effects are performed by Jim Barker from Barkerductions and Bob Decker. The sound engineers are Todd Thayer and Shaun Lile, both from Ventura’s CAPS-TV. The sound editors are Jim Barker and James Wortman.
“The year 2003 marks the 160th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” said Wortman, “a story Dickens supposedly wrote in just three weeks for the children in his family.” Every Now and Then Theatre information is on the website for Ventura County theatre at www.barkerductions.com.
Scrooge Brings Good-Hearted Cast to KVTA Radio
(Ventura County)— Crabby curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge, along with a countywide cast, is coming to KVTA radio this December. The Every Now and Then Theatre’s 14th dramatized production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” uniquely spotlights community notables, top local actors, teachers, students and a soon-to-be-announced celebrity host.
“We cherry-pick the best available talent,” said ‘Carol project creator James Wortman. “Our casting criteria is the good-hearted with a fire in their belly for this show. We pick the radio station the same way. Our goal is to help put the heart in to the holidays for all who can hear.”
KVTA Program Director Dave Ciniero welcomes the all-volunteer ‘Carol project, which will enhance the Gold Coast Broadcasting station’s schedule of featured Holiday programming. KVTA will air the locally-cast “Christmas Carol” show twice on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“Like last year, we’re making ‘Carol show copies available to our overseas troops stationed on land and sea,” said ‘Carol co-Director Linda Stiegler. “Show copies are also being provided to Ventura County’s sight-impaired library.” Stiegler is directing a live staged version of the Every Now and Then Theatre’s ‘Carol script this December with the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo Teen Drama Program. Several of these teens are in the KVTA ‘Carol broadcast.
The Every Now and Then Theatre’s 2002 “Christmas Carol” radio broadcast recently received two honors—an International OMNI Intermedia Award and a National Silver Microphone Award—both given in 2003 for radio entertainment.
2003 Radio Cast Announced
Each year, the Every Now and Then Theatre honors a recently departed member of the acting community by casting that person in the silent role of “Christmas Future.” This year the theatre troupe’s unanimous choice is actor John Ritter. The cast is dedicating their performance to his memory.
This year’s “Christmas Carol” radio cast features Mark Andrew Reyes as Narrator and Thatcher; Robert “Doc” Reynolds as Ebeneezer Scrooge; Keith Hurt as Wilkins and Old Joe; Coulby Jenkins as Winston, Young Scrooge I and Peter Cratchit; Kevin Becerra as Robbins, Henry Cratchit and Topper; Steve Perren as Wellington; Jim Yates as Sir David; Bob Decker as Bob Cratchit; Eric Young as the street caroler, Tiny Tim and the Turkey Boy; Ray Mastrovito as nephew Fred; Lloyd Allen as Jacob Marley, Linda Stiegler as Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit; Alyssa Pedersen as Scrooge’s sister Fan and Elizabeth Cratchit; Michael Voll as Young Scrooge II, Tut, and undertaker Squige; John Masterson as Fezziwig; Rhonda Voll as Belle and Fred’s maid; James Wortman as Christmas Present; Renee Smith as Martha Cratchit and Mrs. Dilber; Katie Young as Belinda Cratchit; Lisa McKinnon as Bette; and Penny Puente as the Charwoman. Live sound effects are performed by Jim Barker and Bob Decker. The sound engineer is Todd Thayer. The sound editors are Jim Barker and James Wortman.
“The year 2003 marks the 160th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” said Wortman, “ a story Dickens supposedly wrote in just three weeks for the children in his family.” Every Now and Then Theatre information is on the website for Ventura County theatre at www.barkerductions.com.
Christmas Carol Radio Show Invites the Good-Hearted for Cast
(Ventura County)— Who will they be? Will it be you? Stay tuned. Invitational casting phone calls are underway for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s 14th radio production of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol.” The spirited tale is scheduled to air this December on a soon-to-be-announced local station.
“We’re casting our eyes about the county right now for folks with a reputation for being good-hearted, good-voiced and convincing,” said ‘Carol project creator James Wortman. “We select business and community notables, local actors, teachers, students and we’re looking for a famous name or two.”
Last year’s ‘Carol broadcast recently won the local theatre group two awards—an International OMNI Award and a National Silver Microphone Award—both for radio entertainment.
“With locally known actors like Doc Reynolds, Mark Reyes and Lloyd Allen, this year’s cast promises to be our most talented ever, “ said ‘Carol project co-Director Linda Stiegler. “We cast countywide and average two-thirds new bodies for each production. We are particularly searching for this year’s celebrity host. Our host honor role includes Stephanie Zimbalist (Remington Steele), Mark Metcalf (Animal House), Barbara Billingsley (Leave It To Beaver), Doctor Demento (syndicated radio personality) and the late Jerry Dunphy (TV news anchor).”
Like last year, the Every Now and Then Theatre plans to send CD show copies to U.S. troops stationed overseas on land and sea. And, new this year, show copies will be made available to Ventura County’s sight-impaired library.
Taking the ‘Carol project to the next level, Wortman has created a production kit, now marketed to radio stations, theatre groups, civic organizations and schools. “For teachers,” said Wortman, “we’re developing a student discussion guide dealing with emotions and conflict resolution, using the storyline. We’re very excited about this new component.”
Both Stiegler and Wortman say the Every Now and Theatre will complete casting and formally announce this year’s radio station broadcasting the Christmas Carol by mid-November.
ENATT Wins Radio Entertainment Awards for Holiday Show
(Ventura County, CA)— The Every Now and Then Theatre has been named “National Finalist” by judges in both the National Silver Microphone Awards and the International OMNI Intermedia Awards competitions. The honors were garnered for the group’s radio production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” that aired last Christmas Eve, December 2002, on 100.7 FM KHAY.
According to Jack Smith, Chairman of the National Silver Microphone Awards, the competition gives national recognition to the talented people who produce truly excellent work with less than “national” budgets. A panel of judges representing all aspects of the broadcast and advertising industry rated each entry. Winners and Finalists represent the best productions within the United States in the last year.
The International OMNI Intermedia Awards honors outstanding media production from the U.S. and over 30 countries from around the world. The judging panel is made up an impressive array of industry leaders worldwide.
Stage and screen actress Stephanie Zimbalist introduced the show’s unique county-wide cast mix of vocal and special effects talents performed by more than two dozen local actors, community notables and students. Zimbalist hosted the broadcast in 2001 and again in 2002 when it was repeated by popular request.
Cast members, in order of hearing, were Lee Marshall, Matt Cooper, James Wortman, Chuck Johnson, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, Jim Holmes, Deputy District Attorney Kim Gibbons, Bob Decker, Dr. Ray Mastrovito, Dick Johnson, Louise Bushnell, Devery Holmes, Alex Mastrovito, Linda Stiegler and Sandy Gaskell-Oei.
Behind the scenes businesses donating materials and services were RoundTable Pizza in Ventura and the Four Points Sheraton at Harbortown.
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Stephanie Zimbalist to Host Local ‘Christmas Carol’ Airing on Three County Radio Stations
(Ventura, CA)—Stage and screen actress Stephanie Zimbalist is the Celebrity Guest Host for the Every Now and Then Theatre’s local radio broadcast of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” airing 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve on stations B95.1 FM, 1450 AM “The Boomer” and 100.7 FM KHAY. Robert “Doc” Reynolds plays Ebeneezer Scrooge. Radio Hall of Famer Lee Marshall narrates.
“Hopefully I’ll be in the cast next year,” said Zimbalist. Her timetable kept her from being in the ‘Carol cast. “I’m tickled to be introducing the vocal talents involved.” Zimbalist’s most recent acting projects include starring in the encore run of “The Rainmaker” for Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company and a recent TV episode of “Touched by an Angel.” At this writing she is perhaps most familiar to TV viewers as the costar of the hit TV series, “Remington Steele.”
“Given the recent events of 9/11, our cast feels the message of ‘A Christmas Carol’ will touch listener’s Holiday emotions more this year than ever before,” said project creator James Wortman. The radio stations agree and, for the first time in the project’s history, three radio stations will kick off their Holiday programming with the ‘Carol broadcast, then lead into their Holiday music offerings.
“This three-station simulcast can reach a potential 445,000 listeners in this county and that’s not counting listeners in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas,” said Wortman.
This year, to honor departing actor Jack Lemmon, co-directors Linda Stiegler and Wortman have cast him as the “Spirit of Christmas Future,” a silent but pivotal part in the show.
“As is our tradition,” said Stiegler, “this year’s cast only gets one read-through before the final take. We deliberately cast about a third new cast each year. It keeps the energy fresh.”
Cast members, in order of hearing, are Lee Marshall, Matt Cooper, James Wortman, Chuck Johnson, Robert “Doc” Reynolds, Jim Holmes, Deputy District Attorney Kim Gibbons, Bob Decker, Dr. Ray Mastrovito, Dick Johnson, Louise Bushnell, Devery Holmes, Alex Mastrovito, Linda Stiegler and Sandy Gaskell-Oei.
Behind the scenes businesses donating materials and services to help make the broadcast come to life are RoundTable Pizza in Ventura and the Four Points Sheraton at Harbortown.
“The year 2001 marks the 158th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ” said Wortman, “a story he reportedly dedicated to the children in his family.”
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Radio Legend Doctor Demento to Host 10th Annual Local ‘Christmas Carol’ Broadcast
(Ventura, CA)—McDonald Media stations KBBY and KVEN will air the 10th Annual Every Now And Then Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Doctor Demento, host of America’s only national zany radio program dedicated to musical oddities, “The Doctor Demento Show,” is this year’s guest host for the 95.1 KBBY broadcast of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m., with a repeat broadcast scheduled for Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m.
KVEN’s new morning team of Lee Marshall and Kari Michaelsen will co-host the Camarillo-based group’s production, featuring the talents of more than two dozen Ventura County community notables and students.
Hosting duties include presenting a series of four vignettes on the life and times of Charles Dickens. The show’s sound effects are performed both live and in-studio by various cast members. The lead part of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by “Doc” Reynolds.
The all-volunteer production is made possible by donations including a meeting room to record in, courtesy of the Four Points Sheraton at Ventura Harbortown; microphone stands courtesy of Johnson’s Television; live sound effects equipment, courtesy of Oxnard High School’s drama department; and airtime and engineering courtesy of McDonald Media.
“The Doctor Demento Show” will begin airing Sunday nights from 10:00 p.m. to midnight on 95.1 KBBY.
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KVEN to Air Local ‘Christmas Carol’ Production
(Ventura, CA)— KVEN’s new “Real Radio” morning show team of Lee Marshall and Kari Michaelsen will present the Every Now And Then Theatre production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th, on 1450-AM KVEN.
This makes the second radio station to pick up the Camarillo-based group’s production, now in it’s 10th year. The show features the voices of more than two dozen Ventura County community notables and students. Sound effects are performed by various cast members.
Lee Marshall’s resonant tones may be best known to millions as the voice of cereal kingdom’s “Tony the Tiger.” Marshall has provided the voice for hundreds of national and regional commercials, as well as numerous movies, TV shows and animated programs. A 30-year broadcast veteran, Marshall’s resume includes 15 years at KABC in Los Angeles as a news and sportscaster
Kari Michaelsen costarred for six seasons as “Katie” on the hit TV series “Gimme a Break,” beating out Academy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt for the part. Her acting abilities have landed her many parts on TV and films.
The two talents will team up to co-host the all-volunteer Christmas Carol production, made possible by in-kind donations from the Four Points Sheraton at Ventura Harbortown, Johnson’s Television & Video in Oxnard; live sound effects equipment courtesy of Oxnard High School’s drama department and airtime and engineering courtesy of McDonald Media.
Local Scrooge Radio Show to Feature County-Wide Actors and Non-Actors
(Ventura County, CA)— They only get one read-through before the final take and that’s the way it’s been for 9 years. More than two dozen local notables and students will dramatize the ninth annual local radio broadcast of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Friday night, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. on KBBY 95.1 FM. That’s one hour before the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights. The show will air a second time at 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
“This year’s show features a familiar voice to Ventura County radio listeners,” said show Producer James Wortman. “KBBY radio air personality Kevin Brooks is our celebrity guest host. Kevin has one of those voices that sounds like he’s smiling all the time. And by the way, he’s consistently the highest-rated radio personality in his time slot.”
The ‘Carol cast is produced and directed by Linda Stiegler from Thousand Oaks and James Wortman from Channel Islands Harbor. Robert E. “Doc” Reynolds plays the cold-hearted curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge and Oxnard High Drama Instructor Bob Decker plays Bob Crotchet. Live sound effects are performed by Michael Zatz from the Oxnard Civic Auditorium and Jake Epperly from Oxnard High School.
“Local businesses help make this broadcast come to life,” said Wortman. “The Four Point Sheraton at Harbortown supplies their Harbor View room, Johnson’s Television and Video supplies microphone stands, KBBY reserves the airtime and provides the technical assistance and our generous local media alerts Ventura County.”
This year’s cast, in the order they’re heard, are Mark Reyes, “Doc” Reynolds, Keith Hurt, Terry Fishman, Wayne LeMieux, Chuck Johnson, Martin Horsey, Bob Decker, Janine Reyes, Alex Mastrovito, Dr. Ray Mastrovito, Damian Gravino, Louise Bushnell, Judy Weaver, Alex LeMieux, John Masterson, James Wortman, Ashley Parrish Decker, Linda Stiegler, Sandy Gaskell, Marge Gaskell, Norma Keith and Lisa McKinnon.
“The year 1998 marks the 155th anniversary of the publishing of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” said Wortman, “a story he once claimed he wrote in just 3 weeks for the children in his family.”
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“Halloween Invasion” Radio Show to Reveal Secret U.S. Navy Weather Experiments
(Ventura County, CA)-- “Halloween Invasion” an original radio sci-fi thriller, reminiscent of H.G. Welles’ “War of the Worlds,” will be broadcast on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31st, at 8:00 p.m., on 95.1 FM KBBY radio. The plot will (with tongue-and-cheek) reveal an actual U.S. Navy weather experiment that has been taking place in Ventura County for some time, possibly affecting local residents.
“We’ve added a touch of reality by tossing in a real-life Navy research experiment that is taking place off our shoreline,” said project producer James Wortman. “For years the Navy has been conducting experiments with FM radio waves to control the weather, among other things. A U.S. Navy-commissioned study researched by a Ventura-based scientist showed that every time the Navy powered up three high-powered FM radio wave generators, the wave overspill dramatically increased the incidents of irritability among coastal residents. The Navy buried this study. I’ve read most of it. These FM generators are located on Pt. Mugu Rock, at the end of Silver Strand Beach and on San Miguel Island. You can tell when the Navy is experimenting. The clouds are tight and wavy like a bad hair permanent. In the show, we explain this Navy experiment and use it in the story. People think we made the experiment up, but the truth is out there.”
“Halloween Invasion” will delight headphone fans with dazzling ear-to-ear multi-layered stereo sound effects, engineered by Bob Allen. The story idea was conceived by Kevin Brooks, KBBY’s popular afternoon on-air personality and Wortman from the Every Now and Then Theatre. Wortman crafted the script around Brooks who plays the lead character.
“Halloween Invasion is sort of a mix between a localized ‘War of the Worlds’ and ‘Earth versus the Flying Saucers,’” said Brooks. “Many people stay home now on Halloween night. We dare you to turn off the lights in the house, light a candle, turn on your radio and hold on tight to your favorite person. We’ll create the spirit, mystery and fun of radio drama…and maybe give you a sudden jolt, realizing that sound you just heard wasn’t us, but rather trick-or-treaters banging on your door. It’s great Halloween fun for the whole family. And best of all, it’s free.”
Brooks plays an on-air radio personality that’s stuck working, instead of being at a big public Halloween party. A comet is scheduled to appear sometime Halloween night. Brooks’ character decides to host a comet watch party for the evening’s listeners. KBBY’s in-field reporters begin to relate strange happenings that develop into a full-scale outer space invasion. KBBY’s staff, together with a local professor and a military corporal, saves the world.
Wortman plays Professor Orswell, who helps solve the mystery and fight off the space aliens. Cast members are Bob Allen, Robin Riley, Stephanie Abrams and Jack Clarke from the radio station and top local actors Linda Stiegler, Jim Barker and Terry Miles.
“For the record, we have 10 disclaimers in our broadcast and dozens of other safety factors for potential space alien believers,” said Wortman. “At the show’s breaks, you’ll also hear mini-stories about what actually happened 58 years ago when Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre Players performed their version of “War of the Worlds” and scared the wits out of thousands of radio listeners in New Jersey, New York and thousands more nationwide.”
Every Now and Then Theatre radio shows are community projects. Time, talent and resources are donated. No one is paid. The theatre group specializes in mixing local actors with community notables and students. Coming this December, the Every Now and Then Theatre with KBBY will present their seventh annual Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” with celebrity host Barbara Billingsley from the “Leave It to Beaver” TV series introducing a county-wide invitational cast.
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or send an interesting postcard:
Every Now and Then Theatre
P.O. Box 5611
Ventura, California 93005
