Creepin’ It Real: Husson University’s New England School of Communications to Broadcast Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Predicament”
Published on: October 24, 2018
BANGOR, MAINE - Each year, Husson University’s New England School of Communications (NESCom) celebrates Halloween with a live radio broadcast of a classic Edgar Alan Poe story. This year is no exception as the University presents Edgar Alan Poe’s “A Predicament” on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 7:30 PM at the Gracie Black Box Theatre.
In this terrifying tale, Signora Psyche Zenobia takes a walk with her poodle, Diana, and her servant, Pompey. Walking by a Gothic cathedral, the Signora’s inquisitive nature gets the best of her and the three enter the decaying structure. Once inside, the trio walks up the stairs until they reach the crumbling clock tower at the top of the cathedral. Does a horrifying fate await the curious Signora in the ancient clock tower? If so, how will her poodle react? And what about Pompey?
To find out the answer to these and other questions, members of the audience will need to either attend the live performance at the Gracie Theatre or listen to the simulcast on WHSN 89.3 FM, “Bangor’s Rock Alternative.”
The performance is free and open to the public. Members of the Gracie Theatre audience will have the opportunity to see everything that goes into the creation of a live radio drama – including the terrifying sound effects.
This WHSN-FM adaptation draws on the original Poe story to create a new set of chills. Billed as “Tales of Mystery and Imagination,” this award-winning broadcast features a cast of Husson University students and local area residents.
The live radio drama will harken back to the broadcasts of yesteryear when radio was the leading form of popular entertainment. At that time, popular programs like “The Shadow,” “Lights Out” and “Inner Sanctum Mysteries,” ruled the airwaves.
Ken Stack, an instructor in the entertainment production program at the New England School of Communications at Husson University, is the director of the radio play and is looking forward to the upcoming performance. “Unlike some people, I love the works of Edgar Allan Poe. To misquote the rock band Queen, ‘I’m just a Poe boy. Nobody loves me,’” said Stack.
He continued: “Puns aside, Edgar Alan Poe is an important part of our literary history. Our broadcast brings our students, our audience and WHSN listeners back to the days when radio brought culture into the homes of millions of Americans who might otherwise not have had exposure to the works of celebrated authors.”
“You see, radio was “the theater of the mind.” Our annual live broadcast not only builds on that tradition, it serves as a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students in our broadcast communications program. In this way, we enrich the education of both our students and our audience,” concluded Stack.
In past years, “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” has received awards from the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), Pinnacle Awards from the College Media Association, and the Maine Association of Broadcasters. Last year’s production won the BEA Festival of Media Arts, First Place Award for “Best Student Audio Comedy or Drama.”
In reflecting on the success of the live radio show, Husson University’s Dean of the New England School of Communications (NESCom) Marie Hansen, JD, PhD, remarked, “NESCom produces some of the most creative and talented communication students in Northern New England. It’s no wonder that so many of them go on to become successful radio and audio professionals. The quality of this live award-winning broadcast is superb.”
Since the radio drama is being simulcast on WHSN-FM, the show will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Individuals interested in attending the live performance at the Gracie Theatre are requested to be in their seats no later than 7:25 p.m.
Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics. For more information, visit GracieTheatre.com
The New England School of Communications (NESCom) at Husson University offers Bachelor of Science degrees in communications technology, mass communications, and entertainment production. Within these degrees, students may choose from concentrations in audio engineering, live sound technology, video production, entertainment production, journalism, marketing communications, radio broadcasting, and sports journalism. Husson
University also offers a degree in integrated technology for those who want to pursue careers in computer information systems, software development, and website design. NESCom specializes in communications and provides students with a hands-on experience that gives them the education and skills needed for today's job market.
For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells, and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. According to a recent analysis by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is the most affordable private college in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.
All poodle lovers can rest easy. No animals are harmed during the broadcast.