Pentecostal Wisconsin - The screenplay

My director Virginia Scott and I have been developing a screenplay version of the "Pentecostal Wisconsin" solo play for the last year and half or so. This past Saturday we had a reading of the screenplay with a very small invited audience. It was an informal, see our work-in-progress type event. It has been challenging to figure out how to adapt a solo show in which I speak directly to the audience into a screenplay with multiple actors who don't address the camera. There are things that are much easier to convey in a screenplay than they are on stage and vice versa. The other challenge is to avoid "overwriting" the story in the adaptation for the screen. On stage, most everything is communicated by the words that are spoken, especially in a show like mine that doesn't have a lot of visual elements. How do Virginia and I write enough so that the story is clear while still leaving room for the story to be told visually. It's difficult. And since we both have backgrounds in theatre, not film, the challenge is greater. Of course, the biggest obstacle once we have a draft that we are happy with is to try and get someone interested in it and to someday get it produced. That is a daunting task. I am bracing for a process that may well take 10 years. But even if we have to max out credit cards or shoot it on a cell phone camera, I want to get this film made (though it would be nice for it to be a real movie in a real theatre, wouldn't it)? Thanks to all who read at the reading and those who gave feeback. -Ryan

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #12 - May 29, 2007 - Jesus in Montana, An Interview with Barry Smith

An interview with Barry Smith, writer and performer of the one-man stage comedy Jesus in Montana. The show is a true story about Barry's time as a member of a religious cult whose members believed that Jesus had in fact returned and taken up residence in Montana. Barry and I met last year at the St. Ambroise Montreal Fringe Theatre Festival, but because of our performing schedules neither of us managed to see the other's show. However, last week at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, I finally managed to catch his show. It was absolutely fascinating and lived up to it's billing. A couple days later, I recorded this interview with Barry.

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #11 - May 6, 2007 - My Father

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #10 - April 29, 2007 - The Other Ryan Paulson

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #9 - April 22, 2007 - The Dangers of Rock and Roll

Growing up in a pentecostal church, music was a big part of my life. I was constantly reminded that while Christian music drew me closer to God, "secular rock and roll" could put me on the path to hell. In this. episode I talk about both kinds of music and even play a few songs that used to be my favorites. Thanks for listening! Ryan

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #8 - April 15, 2007 - Jeopardy for Jesus

I talk about my experiences in pentecostal church Bible quizzing, which is a lot like the game show Jeopardy. Except this would be more like Jeopardy for Jesus. Originally invented by my pentecostal denomination of the Assemblies of God, it was intended to help get kids excited about learning Bible verses. However, like much of what my church did, it was a little odd. Or very odd. Appropriate for a church where people spoke in tongues. Thanks for listening! Ryan

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #7 - April 8, 2007 - Royal Rangers

Please note the name change. Formerly the Bashful Scandinavian Podcast," it will now be called the "Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast." Sorry for the confusion. No need to resubscribe. Everything is the same, minus the name change. I hope you enjoy it. In this episode, I discuss my time in Royal Rangers, which is basically like being in the Pentecostal Boy Scouts. We learned about tying knots, how to build things with wood and how to camp. The most exciting project was building cars to race in the Pinewood Derby. All of these activities were supposed to be done with an eye towards learning about Jesus. While the boys did Royal Rangers, the girls spent time in Missionettes, presumably learning how to cook and sew. It was very 1950's. Boys hunt and fish, girls clean and cook.

Pentecostal Wisconsin Podcast #6 - April 1, 2007 - Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and Signs from God

In this episode I discuss a flier I received from the Jehovah's Witnesses, how I beat my Mormon Neighbors at their own game. Finally, I talk about some very interesting signs from God. Thanks for listening. -Ryan