|
|
| |
 |
Theme and Variations is a weekly radio program which examines the interconnectedness between classic literature
and classical music. Distributed by National Public Radio in some 70 markets in the U.S., the program combines
dramatic readings of classic fiction with classical music on a similar theme. Once a month, however, we open up
the program to new voices -- the music of today's finest working composers and the poetry of amateur and
professional writers from around the world. The result is a unique one-hour music and poetry magazine which we
think is one of the finest hours of radio entertainment going.
Our poetry guidelines are rather loose. There are no restrictions on length or structure. We don't care
if a poem has rhyme or rhythm, but it has to sing. We're curious about the human experience. And so are our listeners.
We're interested in new perspectives on familiar emotions. Our listeners are professional people, unemployed people,
lonely people, ambitious people, estranged, joyful, married, single, optimistic, artistic, gregarious, reclusive and
inquiring. If you have something that speaks to them, we'd like to see it.
Listen to a sample:
The poems that air on Theme and Variations tell a story, paint a portrait, strike a particular emotional chord.
We like the deep stuff, but we also like to laugh. We like meaningful poems that aren't maudlin, funny poems with wit
and panache. Erudite, esoteric, obscure poetry (like haiku) doesn't make the cut. Poems of a strongly religious nature
are gently discouraged.
Please keep in mind the nature of the venue. Poetry on the radio must make its point the first time around.
If we don't get it on one read, our listeners aren't going to get it either.
Please limit five poems per submission. We require a flat reading fee of $5.00, which goes toward paying the
production expenses for the Open Forum. If that's not within your means, send us an e-mail and we'll discuss it. As
Treehouse Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the reading fee is tax-deductible.
Simultaneous submissions and previously published work is okay. Response time: 2 months.
The selection procedure is twofold. Poems are first evaluated on their own merits. When a poem is chosen, the
author is asked to send us a recording on tape. If you do not want to read, you may have someone read for you. We don't
require our poets to have had voice training, but the reading must meet a certain standard of listenability, as
determined by our panelists.
If your poem appears on the program, it will most likely be introduced by a piece of music. We're always open
to musical suggestions, but the final decision rests with us.
Poets whose work appears on Theme and Variations will receive $25 and a CD of the program with our compliments.
Send poems and a check or money order for $5.00 to:
TREEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Attn: Open Forum
P.O. Box 3699
South Padre Island, TX 78597
Please consult our station log to see if Theme and Variations broadcasts in your area. If not, we invite you
to contact the program director at your local NPR affiliate station and alert him or her to this oversight.
|
|
|
|
