Al Letson
Submitted by admin on June 5, 2007 - 4:26pm. ::
Al Letson
Jacksonville, FL
35 years old
"I believe I can bridge the gap between all the great shows that I love and bring in a new audience."
Al is one of the Talent Quest winners!
Recent Blog Posts
[Al] The Return to the District
So I’ve been working hard and heavy on the pilot, and I like where it’s going. When I hear a show on Public Radio, it’s really easy to forget all the people that make it happen. Working on the pilot makes me appreciate them even more. There is so much that goes into making a show work, and without people like my mentor Taki, I don’t think I could do this. Taki is great cause he knows what it takes to make a show. After we talked about my vision for the show he set the tone in creating my vision. I couldn’t be happier with my choice. So tomorrow I head back to DC to finish up on some segments. I’m excited because this time out I have a really feeling for the show. I know exactly who I need to talk to, and timing it all out has worked out pretty well. Once again WAMU is helping me do some of the heavy lifting. more...[Al] Here Comes the Sun
The first time I wrote a play, I’d never really seen one. Hadn’t gone to highschool productions, and though I lived close to NYC in my early childhood, I never went to any play, except a musical called “Your Arms are to Short to Box with God”, but I’d never seen “Death of A Salesman” or any of the prerequisite drama productions to consider yourself a lover of theatre. But I wrote it because I had to. Later I went out and did a crash course on theatre and have been writing for the stage ever since. I had no idea what I was doing at first, it was all instinctual, but the fire that drove me to write has served me well. I didn’t know what I was getting into at all. How crazy it was for a neophyte to pick up and decide to be a dramatist? For me it was exciting, overwhelming, and beautiful. On the night of the opening of my first major production I was scared, happy, and tired. Most importantly I did it. more...[AL] Start your engines!
After three weeks of planning the time for action has come. My advisor Taki Telonidis, (who has been an incredible help) and I have gotten about as ready as possible for the trip to DC. Wait, did I mention that my show, State of the Re:UNION’s first stop will be none other then our countries capitol Washington DC. It just made sense to start at the top. Additionally, WAMU in DC has offered to help as much as they could, and they are helping a lot. After game planning with Taki, I realized how big of an idea my show is, it is massive. But if it’s done right, I think it can be something special. The danger of the show is it can very easily fall into the category of, “these are some cool people in DC….” Instead of “these are some of people who help create a community in DC, and that community is a reflection of communities across the nation.” more...
Q & A
Why should you be on Public Radio?
I should be on Public Radio, because I know how to connect with a diverse group of people. I feel like there is a void on NPR, that is between great shows Like "All Things Considered", and this "American Life" or "Talk of the Nation" and "News and Notes". These are great shows, but they tend to appeal to a specific group. I'd like to create a show that is "hip" and reaches out to Generation X and Y as well as Baby Boomers. A mixture of the news, and art features with new relevant artist. I believe I can bridge the gap between all the great shows that I love and bring in a new audience.Who is your favorite host and why?
Ira Glass. He's smart and you feel that he has a sense of wonderment about the world. He makes the listener get involved in the most inviting of ways.What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I didn't know I had a child until he was 6. I have custody of him now (he's 17, the same age as I was when he was concieved) but it's been a long and interesting journey.Bio
As a spoken word Artist I've Performed all over the country, as well as a few appearances on TV. As a playwright my work has been performed in venues across the country most notably my theatrical homes, The Theatre Project in Baltimore and Plowshares Theatre Co. in Detroit. As a Father I'm still trying to get it right, but I've got loving kids who don't mind. Currently I am the director of Performing arts at the Foundation Academy, a wonderful school with a great staff, and brilliant kids.What's your favorite public radio show?
This American Life and News and Notes.What's your secret talent?
Dancing to my ipod while riding my motorcycle and still drive safely.What song is stuck in your head right now, you know, a music wedgie?
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse.What sound is most characteristic of where you live?
Train. My house is right next to the train tracks.What is your favorite sound memory?
My father singing to me.What station do you listen to the most?
WJCT."Al, your voice engages excitement, muscles meaning, and has a soul full of possibility."
— bobholman
Judges' Comments
"Smart and conscious."


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