Tuesday 25 June 2019

Discovering Short Stories Anecdotes Musings

By Jose Baker


While it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to listen to a specific radio show, there are stations which provide an ON DEMAND option. In one case, as public broadcast radio has so many different shows and offerings, most public radio stations provide this platform. As such, when desiring to explore short stories anecdotes musings, locating the show Selected Shorts on one of these stations can often be a good way to listen to some great short stories.

The show, now in its 30th year on the air is a series broadcast live from the New York City Porter Theater At Symphony Space on Broadway. As the show is extremely popular, most productions sell out in advance. As such, if planning on attending a live performance from which the show is recorded, it is often advised individuals book reservations and tickets well in advance of arrival in the city.

The diversity of themes is most likely one reason the show is so popular. In addition, there are often multiple stories read aloud on one program. In most cases, the themes have personal, political or professional aspects. For example, in a recent performance on the theme of women's roles, Margaret Atwood would interrupt the reader to throw in more politically correct suggestions for various wording in a short story called "There Was Once."

Recent actors and professionals whom have read on the show in the past include Ellen Burstyn, Kathleen Turner, Claire Danes, Edie Falco, Michael Shannon, Maulik Pancholy, Zachary Quinto, Anika Noni Rose, Sigourney Weaver, Blythe Danner, Joan Allen, Holly Hunter, Maggie Gyllenhaal and BD Wong. Whether reading for the first time, or returning to read additional stories, performances are always different.

Individuals whom can get to New York and see the series being recorded live in person often have a great experience. Whereas, just having the ability to listen to different episodes of the show on a PBS station or App any time day or night can often be a blessing. For, public broadcasting is something that many people are fighting to keep available now and in the future.

While radio is a good outlet for this type of programming, so too are films. One college in particular hosts a student run film festival and contest each year. The college being, Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. Not to suggest that there are not other colleges and universities which promote similar works, though to have a film accepted and shown at a local theater is often rare.

Independent filmmakers also like to make short films to submit to various contests and festivals around the world. In doing so, the film gets to more audiences, especially when the filmmaker can submit to multiple locations. For, whether a short story, book of short stories or film, each story needs the right audience.

Whether spending time listening to Selected Shorts, writing Flash Fiction, creating or watching a film, all can be entertaining and enjoyable experiences. In addition, if interested in keeping public radio alive and well, it can often be good to donate to a local station as there have been a number of cuts when it comes to other funding.




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