Talking Information Center Announces New Radio Drama Series this Summer

Shown: TIC volunteer, Karen Hayes, auditioning for the TIC Radio And Podcast Players

As the weather heats up, so does the drama at the Talking Information Center (TIC), where a brand new production of three radio plays will air this summer!

Listeners will be able to tune in to TIC, the award-winning nonprofit reading service which broadcasts 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 7 p.m. for the live broadcast of "Sorry, Wrong Number", the legendary thriller by Lucille Fletcher, which premiered in 1943.

TIC Radio and Podcast Players, comprised of 45 TIC volunteers who auditioned for parts, will perform each radio play in front of a live studio audience backstage at TIC. "Sorry, Wrong Number", the first in the series, features a talented cast of 12: Dianne Legro, Bill Zirpolo, Steve Virta, Joan Dowd, Maryellen Walsh, Norman Blair, Karen Ferrari, who are all Marshfield residents; Loretta Patterson of Duxbury; Joanne Salines of Hanover; Susan Romboldi (who is blind and will read the script in Braille), Bob Churchill and Richard Bodurtha of Plymouth.

TIC's Producer John Shea and Eric Joseph, Executive Director of The Bay Colony Shakespeare Company (BCSC), will lead the all-volunteer radio drama production. Shea and Joseph worked together on TIC's successful production of "Shakespeare's Twelfth Night", which was performed by BCSC actors. Joseph, who is a resident of Cohasset, has a BFA in Drama from Syracuse University and has produced over forty PIE (Performance In Education) touring Shakespearean performances and faculty workshops. Prior to BCSC, Joseph worked for Clear Channel Entertainment in Manhattan on 22 Broadway shows as Senior Vice President of Sponsorship and Marketing, including "The Producers", "Movin Out" and "Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays".

"Since radio drama is all vocal, casting is done by pitch. There has to be variety in the tone of voices so that each character is distinct," explained Joseph. "The one requirement for cast members? They have to be a volunteer at TIC."

No tickets will be sold to TIC's Radio Drama production, but donations may be made in support of it. Businesses that wish to support this production may become part of the show through unique underwriting messages. Title and break sponsorships are available.

"The goal of this new programming is to bring live theater to those who might not have access to it otherwise due to accessibility, transportation or financial issues and to bring our audience of over 30,000 listeners fresh, new and exciting content," said Jim Bunnell, TIC's Executive Director. "We are delighted to work with renowned director Eric Joseph and our amazing volunteers to bring the thrill of live radio drama to listeners."

To become a sponsor, contact TIC's Anna Dunbar at (781) 834-4400.

For more information about BCSC, visit www.baycolonyshakespeare.org. For more information about TIC, visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.