While social distancing has been a struggle for everyone, there is no better person than an artist to find creative ways to pursue their passion through difficult times. Writer and director Naomi Rose-Mock discovered her own creative way to give actors a medium to perform while also abiding by social distancing guidelines: story podcasts.

Rose-Mock had been directing for almost fifteen years and had done over a hundred shows before COVID-19 hit. As an avid member and contributor to the Tallahassee theater community, she knew that actors were beginning to struggle not having a creative outlet.

“I realized that so many actors and performers felt disenfranchised,” she stated. As a result she began her first podcast, School’s Out Story Time, which includes many “original and adaptive stories geared towards elementary aged children.”

A few months later Rose-Mock launched her current podcast, Murder In Your Ear, which features “original murder mysteries told in a serial format.” All of the podcast recordings take place over Zoom and all the actors read their characters just like they would for a traditional play. 

Both of these podcasts include original writing, characters, and some episodes even include original music. Rose-Mock is proud of the team that helps create this unique content. She has a cast of local and international voice actors whose locations range from Tallahassee to as far away as the country of Panama. She is also joined by editor Emma Finnegan, sound producer Mike Mock, and social media manager Griffin Stanley.

As a voice actor myself, in both School’s Out Story Time and Murder In Your Ear, I can confidently say that this artistic experience has not only given me a creative outlet, but has also provided me with the community and commradery I miss so dearly. Doing the recordings on Zoom with the other voice actors almost makes me feel like I am back inside of a theater doing what I love with the people I hold near to my heart. 

As a senior in high school, I am unsure of what the next year may hold or where it may take me. Even though I may not receive my final bow on a stage, Rose-Mock’s story podcasts have allowed me to create those final memories as a high school theater kid. 

Rose-Mock’s podcasts reveal that the joy and life that theater brings can come from anywhere. It is proof that it does not matter if you are in a theater or on a Zoom call, but all you need is a group of dedicated artists who are willing to go the extra mile. Not only do these podcasts exemplify the importance of passion and collaboration, but they provide people of all ages with stories of adventure and mystery. Rose-Mock’s podcasts ultimately reveal that even in difficult times there is power and community in the art of storytelling. 

To experience Rose-Mock’s Murder in Your Ear podcast, visit nrmperformance.podbean.com or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Visit her Instagram page @nrmperformance and find her on Twitter @murderear for more updates.

Anna Maguire is a senior at Lawton Chiles High School and a student extern with COCA. She’s a big theater kid and when she’s not at rehearsal, you can find her at any coffee shop, hanging with her cat Coconut, or in a courtroom with her mock trial team.