The Parsnip Ship’s Radio Roots is an audio play commission program created in 2019 to support dynamic playwrights interested in re-engaging with playwriting through audio-focused storytelling, breaking away from traditional forms of visual storytelling. Much like all programming on The Parsnip Ship’s platform, Radio Roots seeks to cultivate distinct new theater artists by providing resources for the development of innovative and accessible stories for radio drama. Originated as a writers’ group and reimagined in 2023 as a fellowship, we empower our playwrights to explore the capacities of radio drama and re-define the sound of their stories.

Radio Roots is facilitated by Associate Artistic Director Al Parker and dramaturg Gabriella Steinberg. In addition to writing sessions and dramaturgical support, Radio Roots includes a writers’ retreat for the playwrights and sessions with Foley artists to craft their new works.

Radio Roots Playwriting Fellow, 2023
Jesse Jae Hoon

Radio Roots Writers’ Group Inaugural Cohort, 2019
Amara Brady, Gina Femia, Nina Ki and Javier Rivera DeBruin

The Radio Roots Writers’ Group was created and developed by
Iyvon E., Al Parker, Sadah Espii Proctor, and Gabriella Steinberg

Commissioned radio plays include SEA LONGING by Nina Ki, AND THE ANSWER IS… by Gina Femia, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL DEAREST by Javier Rivera DeBruin, and 12 CHAIRS by Jesse Jae Hoon.

In Fall 2020, the Radio Roots Writers’ Group cohort was commissioned by MCC Theater in partnership with The Parsnip Ship to write a collaborative radio play called THIS IS WHERE WE GO. The six-part serial radio play premiered in December 2020.