Behind the Scenes with the PHC Staff

Laurie Zierer - HOTR Executive Producer

What is the inspiration behind HOTR?

It’s important for the public to see the humanities in action. Many times as a staff, we find it hard to convey what the humanities are all about. You have to show it as a dance, as a talk, or as someone asking a question and understanding for the first time how important it is to know your own history. HOTR is inspired by what PHC does everyday in communities across Pennsylvania.

How hands-on are you in the production of the show?

PHC is incredibly hands-on. We develop the shows moment by moment. From talking through presentations with Speakers, to talking with the sites about how they’ll be represented. We script the tapings and work very closely with PCN to translate what we have in script form to screen.

What is the most rewarding thing about seeing this vision realized?

This is a beautiful opportunity for PHC staff and board to connect with people in the community in a very real and authentic way.

Pam Shropshire - HOTR Associate Producer

Tell us about your role in making HOTR happen?

I’ve taken the lead on about half of the shows. Working with sites like Albright Memorial Library to transform their space into a TV studio. I also work closely with Speakers to adapt their regular presentations into something that’s TV friendly. And, I work on the communications side of things.

Talk about traveling to taping sites across the state?

We're a state-wide organization, but don't always have the opportunity to travel. What I like best about the project is the collaboration. Working with staffers like Laurie, Kelly and Emilie. With the PCN crew, particularly producer Dave Emenheiser and show host Tracey Matisak. And when we actually tape on-site, the site and the Speaker complete the collaboration.

Kelly McNamara - HOTR Production Assistant

What are your duties in putting on HOTR?

I do the social media like Facebook and YouTube. I designed and formatted the show’s blog (www.humanitiiesontheroad.org). At tapings, I help the Speakers rehearse and run the teleprompter for Tracey Matisak. Pam and I work together on the audience Q& As. It always changes.

You’re a graduate student in Temple University’s Media Studies program. How have your studies prepared you?

I took a production class. Certain elements from that helped. Simple things like lighting. Otherwise, most of my courses have been theory and not really production-related.

What is the importance of having a presence on Facebook and YouTube?

It’s about building a community around the humanities and continuing the conversation outside of the tapings and on-air broadcasts.

Jen Danifo - HOTR Blogger

What do you like most about writing for the blog?

This is my first time writing for a blog. This is also my first time seeing the episodes. I’m taking the “student of humanities” approach. In this way, I feel a kinship with the viewing audience. Many of them will be seeing these episodes for the first time too. The fun in writing for the blog is discovering the stories in each episode. Every speaker has a story to tell. It’s up to me to highlight those stories and convince the public to tune in.

What is your favorite part of Humanities on the Road?

The audience, hands down. They are always so excited to have a speaker in their town! Coming from Philadelphia, I know a thing or two about hometown pride. But people all over Pennsylvania have that same kind of pride, no matter where they are from or what they’ve been through. They all want to talk about their communities and their history. Also, there’s this collective enthusiasm that connects people over the course of a taping. It’s fascinating to watch. People leave energized about their participation. You learn so much about the people of Pennsylvania by attending a taping and watching a show.