Playwrights Network receives two grants
Jeff Wilson, Montana Playwright Network's recording engineer for its "Montanans At Work" radio series
The Montana Playwrights Network (MPN) has been awarded two grants to support its new radio series, “Montanans At Work,” a show that highlights
employment and professionals in Big Sky Country.
The Network received a $3,000 grant from the Greater Montana Foundation in support of three episodes, in addition to a $2,000 award from the William B. Pratt Endowment Fund administered by the Montana Community Foundation in support of episode 3.
MPN created “Montanans At Work” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic when the organization was forced to postpone its originally planned, public performance programming in 2020. MPN’s board of directors met the challenge to continue working during the shutdown by exploring other media forms including video and radio.
The first episode includes informative interviews with librarians around Montana, a brief historical examination of a Carnegie library still open today, a humorous lyrical ballad about a librarian with superpowers, and vignettes of library humor.
Episode 2 focuses on game wardens in Montana and features interviews with professionals and a humorous play about a novice female game warden who is confronted by a grizzled, backcountry poacher.
Episode 3, “Humor in Indian Country,” is an examination of indigenous peoples’ culture of humor through interviews with Native American comedians, scholars and performing artists.
Episode 4 highlights holiday employment, interviews with Montana professionals and holiday celebrations in Big Sky Country, as well as holiday cowboy poetry and song.
The pilot episode of “Montanans At Work” is available on MPN’s website at
www.montanaplaywrights.org, with the remaining episodes currently in production. All episodes will be presented by community and commercial radio stations around Montana.
Founded by pioneer broadcaster, Ed Craney, in 1958, the Greater Montana Foundation provides grants to improve the quality of communications on important issues through electronic media.
Since 1988, the Montana Community Foundation has worked to create permanent philanthropy and build stronger communities.