West Virginia State University (WVSU) will kick-off the spring session of its Creators Program workshop series with a free Creators Talk by Larry Groce, host of National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Mountain Stage,” Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7:15 p.m. at the WVSU Economic Development Center (EDC) in Charleston.
In a talk entitled “The Making of Mountain Stage – A Personal View,” Groce will discuss his role as producer, creator and host of the popular live radio program produced by West Virginia Public Radio and broadcast nationally and internationally by NPR. He’ll share insight into the show’s origin and longevity, as well as behind-the-scenes information about how an episode is put together.
“‘Mountain Stage’ has been perhaps the greatest culture treasure in West Virginia history,” said Daniel Boyd, a WVSU communications professor and artist in residence at the EDC. “If West Virginia ever carves a Mt. Rushmore, Larry should be on it, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Creators Program.”
Recorded live in Charleston, “Mountain Stage” launched in 1983 and has hosted such acts as R.E.M., Rosanne Cash, Joan Baez, Jakob Dylan and current Country Music Association Best Male Vocalist Chris Stapleton.
The spring schedule of Creators Program sessions also includes workshops relating to film production, oral history and 3-D animation. All workshops are free unless otherwise noted. The full schedule is as follows.
- 26: Creators Talk – “The Making of Mountain Stage” with Larry Groce; 7:15 p.m.
- 16: “Business of Film – Working with the West Virginia Film Office” with Pam Haynes; 7:15 p.m.
- April 5: Creators Talk – “10 Commandments for Creative Success” with Steve Payne; 7:15 p.m.
- April 14: Creators Talk – “Capturing Memories: How to Record Family Histories” with Eric Douglas; 7 p.m.
- April 23: Creators Workshop – “3-D Animation” with Steve Gilliland; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $20 (WVSU students free with ID.)
- May 26: Creators Present – “Memories of the Valley: FestivALL Oral Histories” with Eric Douglas; 7:15 p.m.
The Creators Program launched in 2012 as a series of community workshops for all levels focusing on skills and knowledge essential to creating for mass media and art. WVSU partners with the West Virginia Economic Development Council and the West Virginia Film Office on the series.
“The Creators Program talks and workshops cover all aspects of creating for mass media and art,” said Boyd. “The series provides education in shorter timeframes than a traditional classroom while utilizing the expertise of area professionals and WVSU’s Communications and Media Studies department.”
Space is limited for the events, and registration is required. To register, visit wvsuedc.org and click on “The Creators Program” tab.
The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston.
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