Oct 23, 2020
THE TROLL TALE: A RADIO PLAY
BY GARRETT VANCE & BIRKE DUNCAN
“The Troll Tale” is about two Bainbridge Island teenagers attempting to bicycle across Sweden in 1984. They stop at a deserted campground, right before a storm hits. While lying in his sleeping bag, Garrett hears voices in the nearby woods. He realizes he must face his fears.
This podcast also features a conversation with Birke Duncan and Ann Wilkinson Ellis.
CREATIVE TEAM
BIRKE DUNCAN – AUTHOR
Birke Duncan earned an M.A. in Scandinavian Folklore & Mythology from the University of Washington in 1997. He and Jason M. Harris co-wrote two folklore books that became required texts in folklore classes at the UW, Michigan State, and Florida Tech. The first was “The Troll Tale & Other Scary Stories.” He has also worked as a magician at Magic Mouse Toys, and filmmaker
GARRETT W. VANCE – AUTHOR
Garrett is a former Bainbridge Islander. He has since travelled the world, and now resides in rural Thailand with his wonderful wife and way too many pets. In his youth Garrett performed in several BPA productions, notably Tom Sawyer, in which he fell down a bottomless pit. Villains always have more fun! Garrett now makes a living as an SF author, and he is busy finishing up his 3rd novel for Ring of Fire Press. He is also the Art Director for “The Grantville Gazette.” A big Birke Duncan fan, Garrett admires how Birke magically transmogrifies his stories into radio plays!
“Garrett used to tell the story of his 1984 troll adventure at campfires on his parents' beachfront property.” – Birke Duncan
CAST
BEN BABCOCK - GARRETT
Ben currently resides in the NY metro area, and is a member of the arts community and is a sponsor of the arts. When he is not engaged in the arts directly, he builds new technology that augments the arts community and empowers new forms of art through digital technology. Currently, Ben is actively working on projects related to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in storytelling. Ben finds his greatest inspiration from spending time straddling a life in the city and a life in the rural country side.
Ben previously played the hero of “A Long Vacation,” an Ogle Award winning radio drama adapted by Birke Duncan from the novella by Garrett W. Vance.
ANN WILKINSON ELLIS- HOLLY
Ann loves a good mystery and radio! Author Louise Penny currently has her attention… As a life-long enthusiast of audio everything, Ann jumped at the chance to perform in Birke Duncan’s radio plays 20 years ago when she moved back to Bainbridge while co-producing independent film Farewell to Harry. It all came full circle this past summer joining BPA’s audible arts team producing eight episodes of the cheeky and helpful Bainbridge Stay at Home Companion featuring recorded comedy sketches, interviews with local kids and musicians along with community partners helping our region navigate health and safety measures during this pandemic.
MICHAEL LEONARD – NARRATOR / VOICE IN THE WOODS
Michael spent over a decade working on Puget Sound stage and film before meeting the production team headed by Birke Duncan. It was on the set of the locally produced Joe Bean (by Bob McAllister) where they first met, and he was introduced to working in audio drama, finding a niche in narration. Previous appearances include A Janitor's Territory at the now-demolished 200 building at BHS and Vickie Gadget Saves the Universe by Garrett W. Vance.
Michael left performing as a career path to try new things. He learned to fly helicopters, herd goats, work with steel, and became a founding member of the project team at “Strowler Living,” which combines community space with environmental stewardship.
Audio Engineer - Matt Hadlock, Creative Coordinator - Miranda Feldtman, Production Manager - Deirdre Hadlock, Director of Operations - Siobhan Maguire, Talk-Back Producer & Host - Matt Longmire, BPA Executive Director - Dominique Cantwell, BPA Public Relations Director - Sally Jo Martine
PODCAST THEME MUSIC
Our theme music “Swing for Mike” is written and performed by Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers.” Find out more about the band at www.RangerSwings.com.