TSVP Radio Theater Podcast (Ep16) – A Very Covid Christmas

A Very Covid Christmas

On episode 16 of the TSVP Radio Theater Podcast we present A Very Covid Christmas, directed and written by Kalee George, Devin Marshall, and Kurt Stridinger. Featuring the voices of Krista Ann Cantrell, Sydnee Elder, Brian Kane, Devin Marshall, Jessica Pierson-Turner, Dan Simon, and Kurt Stridinger.


On episode 16 of the TSVP Radio Theater Podcast, we present A Very Covid Christmas," directed and written by Kalee George, Devin Marshall, and Kurt Stridinger. Featuring the voices of Krista Ann Cantrell, Sydnee Elder, Kalee George, Brian Kane, Devin Marshall, Jessica Pierson-Turner, Dan Simon, and Kurt Stridinger.

- From the Director -

A Very Covid Christmas is inspired by the deep need for warm and fuzzy feelings in 2020. Instead of escapism the writers attempt to find humor, joy, love, and some Christmas spirit in the midst of our upturned lives.

This show was written by three theatre artists whose current creative output has been severely stunted by the current pandemic, and they are so happy to share some laughter and love with their audience.

This show has a little something for everyone animals, songs, family grudges, and a little Christmas magic.

A Very Covid Christmas is best enjoyed by the fireside with the warm glow of the Christmas tree illuminating the room as you enjoy this theatre of the mind adventure. Please enjoy these incredible actors and singers as they bring brand new Christmas stories to your home, car, or wherever you'd like to listen!

~Kalee George


This episode was recorded December 5, 2020 at the Saltworks Theatre, Ben Avon, Pennsylvania. Podcast executive producer: Kevin Farkas. This production was produced by the Saltworks Theater Company and TSVP. Directed and written by Kalee George, Devin Marshall, and Kurt Striding. Audiography: Kevin Farkas. Sound (available at Soundcloud): Todd Williams (“SpartaQ - Carol of the Bells”), nthdesign (“Skiing on Christmas”), Shunichi Kouroki (“Christmas tree_ver2”). Other sound (available on Youtube): “Upbeat Christmas - Fun Holiday Royalty Free Music.” © ℗ TSVP Radio Theater Podcast/The Social Voice Project.  All rights reserved.

Krista Ann Cantrell

Sergeant Squeak, Mom#1, Maddie, Aunt Linda

Krista is a Pittsburgh transfer from Syracuse NY, and has been involved in the Pittsburgh theatre scene since moving here March of the year 2019. She has been seen in performances with Poor Yorick’s in Monroeville, The Shadow Box Players at The Theatre Factory, and this previous October in The Social Voice Project’s very own presentation of The Shadow in Death House Rescue. She is very happy to have worked with these lovely people--no matter the unorthodox process due to these special worldly circumstances, and can’t wait for you all to listen in!

Sydnee Elder

Luna the Cat, Mom#2, Peppercorn Caroler

Sydnee is thrilled to be joining this festive crew!! She recently moved back to Pittsburgh after acting in NYC. She wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year! Find out more about Sydnee at Sydnee Elder

Kalee George

Director, Writer (A Family Blathering), Show Host, Instrumentals

Kalee is a local theatre artist who holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University.  She is also a certified Basic Actor Combatant through Fight Directors Canada. She can be seen performing with Saltworks Theatre Co and various other companies throughout the Pittsburgh area. Find out more about Kalee at Kalee George,Theatre Artist

Brian Kane

Dexter the Dog, Uncle Jimbo, John, Peppercorn Caroler

Brian is a local actor, currently taking on the role of Pre-School Teacher at Head Start. He studied Musical Theater at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Merry Christmas to all who are listening, and here is to hoping theater will be back in person soon! 

Devin Marshall

Writer (A Furry Christmas Fable), Michael

Devin is from Enola, Pennsylvania, is a graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). His performance credits include She Kills Monsters (Steve the Mage), Boeing Boeing (Bernard), and Twelfth Night (Sebastian). Beyond his performance roles, he wrote and directed his show, My Zombie Boyfriend, which debuted in fall of 2017 as part of the Lively Arts at IUP. He currently resides in Pittsburgh, where he works as a teaching artist and touring actor for Saltworks Theatre Company. His Pittsburgh credits include She Kills Monsters with The Theatre Factory and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play at McKeesport Little Theater.

Jessica Pierson-Turner

Charlie, Mouse#1, Cindy, Grandma

Jessica is an artist and actor living in Pittsburgh, PA. She has a degree in Art History from Allegheny College where she fell in love with theater, playing the roles of Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening and Anya in The Cherry Orchard, among others. She has recently collaborated on several local short and feature films, and continues to experiment with new forms of expression. Jessica also enjoys her work as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer.

Dan Simon

Narrator, Guppy the Fish, Grandpa, Roger, Nick

Dan Simon is a Point Breeze native who works as an IT professional, and is a weekend air personality on Y108-FM. He is so excited to be part of another radio play with this talented group!

Kurt Stridinger

Writer ('Twas the Ride Before Christmas), Uncle Kenny

Kurt is an actor and playwright from Pittsburgh who is excited to be working on his first radio drama with this production of The Shadow in Death House Rescue at McKeesport Little Theater. Kurt has previously worked with Saltworks Theatre company.

Kevin Farkas

Executive Producer - The Social Voice Project

Producer & Host - TSVP Radio Theater Podcast

Kevin Farkas is an award-winning, independent multimedia producer specializing in creative audiography and podcast audio engineering, recording and editing.  A Very Covid Christmas is his third collaboration with director Kalee George.

  TSVP’s Radio Theater Podcast presents classic, contemporary, and original imaginative audio productions, including recorded, staged, and live streamed performances before live audiences.  In addition to showcasing performances, the podcast is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the craft of local theater.  
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Saltworks Theatre Company collaborated with The Social Voice Project to produce A Very Covid Christmas.  The play was recorded following appropriate safety protocols at Saltworks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Saltworks is a non-profit, professional arts company which addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children, youth, and families through the creation and performance of contemporary dramatic works.

Since 1981 Saltworks has offered Educational dramas, young actor training, church plays, family theater, and more!

Saltworks was founded on the belief that lives can be positively changed through the power of live theater. Just as salt seasons and preserves food, Saltworks endeavors to flavor life and foster wholesome adventures that can last a lifetime.

Visit Saltworks Theatre Company

 

 

 

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