ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is calling on community volunteers and campus participants to help bring this year's Spook-Spectacular Radio Show to life, following last year's award-winning success.
The 2024 Spook-Spectacular Radio Show earned three awards at the Zepstone International Film & Music Festival, and this year's production aims to be even more ambitious with expanded segments and new content.
The show will be recorded Wednesday, Oct. 29 in Krikac Auditorium. It honors the anniversary of Orson Welles' legendary 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast. The production combines old-style radio drama and thriller elements with variety show segments, creating a unique blend reminiscent of "The Shadow" and "A Prairie Home Companion."
"The Spook-Spectacular has become a cherished Halloween tradition at Northern State," said Jason Knowles, assistant professor of art/digital media. "We're looking for voice actors, musicians, bands and vocalists of all experience levels to help us create an even better show this year."
The production is part of the ARTD 337 Podcasting & Sound Design course, where students write original scripts, research historical radio dramas in the public domain, perform live sound effects on a Foley table, and execute audio mixing for both recording and live audience.
Casting Call:
- 5-7 voice actors for dramatic and comedy segments (scripts in hand, minimal memorization required)
- Musicians, bands and vocalists for variety segments
- A strong female vocalist for a country-rock power ballad duet
Rehearsals begin Wednesday, Oct. 15, and continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-3 p.m. through Oct. 29. However, schedule times are flexible based on volunteer availability, with significant time required on Monday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, for dress rehearsals and the main performance.
The recorded broadcast will be submitted to multiple music and film festivals for competition and may be re-aired at in-person and online festival events if selected.
Auditions for both the Spook-Spectacular Radio Show and the South Dakota Film Project will be held together during the week of Oct. 6-8 with a possible second audition window Oct. 14-16. Audition times are by appointment. No experience is necessary, and there is no cost to participate beyond providing transportation to and from rehearsals.
For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Jason Knowles at 605-626-7763 or jason.knowles@northern.edu.