First Kentucky Homefront “New Voices” Writing Contest Will Feature IU Southeast Student Writers
John Gage, host of Kentucky Homefront, is offering up to four Indiana University Southeast student writers a chance to showcase their talents on the air. The program, broadcast each Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. on 91.9 WFPK FM, is taped in front of a live audience and features music and storytelling by regional artists.
Submission Guidelines: Submit one short essay or fiction, or up to three poems to IU Southeast writing professor Michael Jackman as an e-mail attachment (mijackma/at/ius.edu – replace “/at/” with @ sign) or in his mailbox outside the School of Arts and Letters office at Knobview 110S.
- Eligibility: Any currently enrolled IU Southeast student is eligible.
- Length: Pieces must take three to five minutes (maximum) to read aloud.
- Format: In a heading on the first page, type “Kentucky Homefront New Voices Submission” and your name, address, contact e-mail and phone number. Include a title. Double space fiction and essays (poetry can be single spaced). Number pages.
- Hint: Writing for the radio emphasizes vivid, visceral description and interesting, economical, “to-the-point” narratives that employ humor and/or poignancy to move the audience. Depending upon your reading style, allow 150-175 words per minute.
- Language: No “bleeps.” Follow Federal Communications Commission regulations against “any obscene, indecent or profane language by means of radio communication.”
- Submission Deadline: Nov. 1, 2007
Choosing Finalists: Michael Jackman, a former weekly WFPL essayist, and five-time guest storyteller for Kentucky Homefront, will choose the first-round finalists.
- All finalists must attend a one-hour performance workshop to learn mic techniques.
- Following the workshop, first round finalists will give an informal reading at IU Southeast to audition for stage presence and voice quality. John Gage may attend.
- John Gage and Michael Jackman will make the final selections and notify winners and alternates no later than January, 2008.
- Note for the shy: Those whose work is selected, but are too shy to appear in front of a live audience, may opt to have their work read by another performer on the air.
Performance Info: Up to two shows featuring IU Southeast students in an eight-minute “New Voices” segment will be recorded live during a regularly scheduled Saturday performance in spring, 2008. Exact dates will depend on the program schedule. The shows will be aired in summer or fall 2008.
- Release: Student performers will sign a standard performer release.
- Fee: Student performers will be paid a small honorarium, receive one guest ticket each, and a free CD of the show.
- Punctuality: Students must arrive on time for a sound check prior to taping and follow all instructions of host John Gage, his stage manager, and his staff.
For More Information: Contact Michael Jackman: Office: KV 200V, e-mail: mijackma/at/ius.edu. (change /at/ to the “@” sign).To learn more about Kentucky Homefront visit www.kentuckyhomefront.org.
