Jaren Michelle
ProducerJaren Schoustra started at WVIK in the spring of 2022 as a producer. Jaren fell in love with radio in college where they started as an on-air talent and associate news director of the campus station at Indiana Wesleyan University. After graduating with a writing degree from Saint Ambrose in Davenport, they worked for the Quad Cities iHeartRadio stations, where you may have heard their voice in the afternoons on WLLR. Jaren has always worked as a sort of radio station "swiss army knife," and loves having their hands in a little bit of everything.
As someone who loves music, theater, and being an active part of the local arts scene, Jaren feels right at home at WVIK. In their spare time, they can be found at any local bar or coffee shop where live music is playing, or at home trying to tackle an ever-growing pile of to-be-read books. Jaren also enjoys watching 80s horror movies and going on walks with their big fluffy cat, Sergio.
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From Davenport Junior Theater, to New York, to LA, and back to the QC, we're talking community theater with Cynthia Taylor! -
CommunityThis week we welcome a first to the pod: a purveyor of professional theater! Brett Hitchcock from our very own Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse talks all things professional theater in a small town.
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He's an actor, he's a director, he's a designer, he's a writer, and he's only a senior in college. This person already has a myriad of shows under his belt, and he is far from finished. This week, we welcome to the stage: Roger Pavey Jr.
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You guys. We got Mike Turczynski on the pod. You're welcome. Enjoy!
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CommunityAlex Richardson was mowing the lawn one day when he was struck by a bold of inspiration: a monologue that eventually grew into the script for the Thornton Wilder spinoff, Their Town. Now, fresh off his production of The Glass Managerie, Richardson shares with us his passions for theater with a unique spin!Listen to his radio theater productions here: https://barelytheretheatre.com/listen
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This is a juicy one! This week we welcome a guest who needs no introduction: Patti Flaherty. Prepare for lots of audio of Jaren laughing.
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CommunityThis week we get to sit with long-time QC theater artists, Mischa Hooker and Dee Canfield, fresh from their first show as the New Athens Players. This episode is a special look at a WAY underappreciated QC playwright, Susan Glaspell. We hope you fall in love with her as hard as we did!
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For the third installment of our Pride Month series, we welcome Bradley Robert Jensen, playwright, actor, costume designer, to talk about his debut original play: Anywhere But Here.
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CommunityIn part 2 of our Pride Month series, we welcome Erika Seabloom. Erika is a director, educator, and absolute gem of a friend. This week we discuss their directorial debut of Stop Kiss by Diana Son at Playcrafter's Barn Theatre (which Jaren happens to be playing a not-so-small part in as well!). We hope you enjoy!
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CommunityWe are thrilled to present our first episode for Pride Month, featuring a conversation with Calvin and T from Haus of Ruckus. Unfortunately, we are saddened to inform you that shortly after recording this episode, a tragic incident occurred—the collapse of the Davenport apartments. This building housed Mockingbird On Main, where Haus of Ruckus frequently performed.We are deeply devastated by the fact that two of our beloved theater companies now find themselves without a home, suffering significant losses in terms of equipment and supplies. In the episode description, we have provided a link to the Haus of Ruckus Venmo account, along with other resources you can explore if you are willing and able to support these theaters in their recovery. Additionally, you will find information about a fundraiser production of their show, Funkyology, where all proceeds will be donated to the affected residents of this tragedy.We sincerely hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Please take care of one another, and have a happy Pride Month.The "Unplugged" production of Funkyology will take place at the Blackbox Theatre in Moline. Doors open at 6:59 pm, and the show starts at 7:34 pm. Admission is by donation only, with all proceeds going to those affected.Mockingbird On Main GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/71ddccc0Haus Of Ruckus Venmo account: @HausOfRuckusIf you need help or would like to donate to support those displaced by the Davenport collapse, call 1-800-RED-CROSSDonations to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund may be made online at https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/The River Bend Food Bank as well as The Salvation Army food pantry are taking donations, The Salvation Army is also accepting donations of clothing, supplies, and other goods.
