Episode 94 | Walter Ritter, Executive Director, Write Out Loud

In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Walter Ritter, the Executive Director of Write Out Loud, a unique theater company in San Diego.
Hear a discussion on the organization's strategy, which emphasizes the power of storytelling by having readers read aloud from literature to a range of audiences. Hear Walter discuss the worth he places on different books, and even hear him say he would be willing to sell a special book to raise money for his foundation.

Write Out Loud got its start in 2007 with the idea of "story concerts," in which performers interpret the writings of writers to bring them to life. Walter also emphasizes the value of establishing a connection with the topic by discussing the difficulties and rewards of telling various stories. This episode explores a number of Write Out Loud's community outreach initiatives, such as their work with independent living groups, senior citizens, and the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read initiative. Walter brings up the Read, Imagine, Create program, which encourages kids to use their imaginations to artistically respond to books.

Hear more about Write Out Loud's struggles and the literary gaps they are trying to fill. Walter worries about the possible effects of people's decreased interest in reading for pleasure.

An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Walter Ritter. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:

• How Write Out Loud is a unique theater company that emphasizes the transforming power of narrative by reading books aloud to a variety of audiences.
• Walter's interest in Kamishibai, a Japanese storytelling method, and his recent transformation into Kamishibai for Kids' owner and operator.
• Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students, organized by Write Out Loud. The tournament is held at multiple levels, ranging from county to state to national.
• Walter's worries about the waning popularity of leisure reading and its possible effects on democracy highlight how crucial it is to promote an informed and involved populace.
• The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Walter, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

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If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to [e-mail]. Thank you for listening.

To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.