![]() “Animated shows used to be like that all the time-now it’s different,” she says. Leigh agrees, preferring to perform in an acting ensemble rather than in isolation. We’ll have four or five of our actors in the studio together, interacting with each other to do the scenes.” The way we record influences the family atmosphere. “It’s not confrontational, arrogant or berating, which they’ve likely experienced on other shows. “When the actors are in studio, we all connect like a family,” he says. Several factors underlie the show’s good reputation in Hollywood, according to McCusker. Having played roles in the “Despicable Me” films, “Muppet Babies,” and “Totally Spies” (among many others), Leigh counts starring in the faith-based drama as a career highlight. “The atmosphere in the studio is a gracious one,” says Katie Leigh, who has portrayed the central character of “Connie” since 1987. “Adventures in Odyssey” has attracted top voice actors from the beginning. From there, sound designers at the Colorado Springs nonprofit work on voice tracks for months-adding live foley (characters’ footsteps, for example), sound effects, and original music. Shining a Light in the ‘City of Lights’įour times per year, about 30 actors and crew members record new “Odyssey” scripts in a Burbank, California studio. The creative team produces 24 new episodes annually, recording the drama where most kids’ entertainment comes to life: in Hollywood. While the “Odyssey” franchise includes 17 animated videos, more than 50 tween books (including a branded Bible), and other story formats, the radio show remains most popular. “If ‘Odyssey’ was started as a TV program, it might have had great impact-but I don’t think it would have the longevity we’ve seen.” “There’s something different about how peoples’ minds engage with audio entertainment versus video,” says Nathan Hoobler, author of “Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide” and a writer for the show since 2001. The half-hour audio show has run for 850 original episodes and counting, surpassing top-rated fare like “The Simpsons” (currently 625 episodes), “Wild Kratts” (267), and “Power Rangers” (831). While competing with Disney Channel and Cartoon Network, “Odyssey” arguably has a greater influence than the hundreds of tween shows that have come and gone since its launch. Set in a Midwest town with a soda shop called Whit’s End at its center, the half-hour stories vary from middle school angst, mysteries played for laughs, relationship drama, the occasional international spy outing (PG-rated at their most intense), and regular forays into other genres. “Adventures in Odyssey” first aired on November 21, 1987, using multiple actors, sound effects, and music to tell stories intended primarily for 8- to 12-year-olds. Religious radio stations were also on the rise, partly thanks to the Christian music industry hitting its stride. Yet Dobson had established a built-in audience of families who connected with his conservative values. “We knew we were up against a visual reality and our medium could work against us.” “At the time ‘Odyssey’ started, we were dealing with the MTV generation,” he recalls. “We weren’t entirely convinced it was going to work,” says Paul McCusker, a writer and producer for “Adventures in Odyssey” since its inception. Could they produce a dramatic, half-hour audio show geared to kids? His half-hour program dispensed marriage and parenting advice while interviewing a variety of expert guests, often addressing how to handle life crises in light of Christian principles. The non-profit ministry soon became a touch point for the diverse evangelical community.Ĭhallenged by a guest minister on-air to “light a candle rather than curse the darkness,” Dobson saw his team’s strengths in reaching a mass audience with top-notch radio. How the ‘Adventures in Odyssey’ Beganįocus on the Family came into being in 1977 as a radio show hosted by University of Southern California child psychologist James Dobson, Ph.D. ![]() As such, it’s also a flashpoint for the clash of values playing out in the culture at large. Whether due to a dearth of family-friendly entertainment, ’80s nostalgia, or the surprisingly broad reach of radio, millions are tuned in to “Adventures in Odyssey.” Seeking to entertain as well as teach, the audio drama has become today’s most influential faith-based kids entertainment franchise. This month, the values-driven show marks 30 years since it premiered. ![]() Pence was referring to the characters of “Adventures in Odyssey,” an audio drama that has gone from cassette tapes to its own mobile app and a podcast climbing iTunes charts.
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