Spotlight on AJ LIN: Director of the Barnaby Druthers Program

Apr 19

The director of the Barnaby Druthers audio theater program is AJ Lin.

We asked AJ Lin about the experience

What prepared you most for the role of directing Barnaby Druthers?

The best preparation I had was being a voice actor, and maybe some of my college theater experience. Honestly though, being a teacher during Covid helped me to be better at moderating large groups online, which has been invaluable in terms of getting recordings completed well.

What is the most challenging part of being the director of Barnaby Druthers?

The most challenging part would probably be casting. We have an incredibly talented group of adults and a few youth actors that have come to be a part of the Nutmeg Junction team, but I keep getting it in my head that I use the same people too often. At the same time, I don't want to ignore anyone whom I know could do a role with ease. I do a lot of re-listening to older NJ episodes when I'm not sure of what I'm looking for, and that's very time consuming. Overall though, I'm just enjoying getting to hear the many different things our cast has pulled off together!

What were your expectations/thoughts when you first joined Nutmeg Junction and how have those expectations changed, met or been not met?

I had no idea what I was walking into, and my first script terrified me. It was a Professor A story and I was playing a snake-like alien who had this ridiculous "ssssssssss" sound at the end of lots of my lines. Meeting everyone for the first time that night, learning how to use the mic in the studio, and wondering how I was doing made me super nervous. However, I had a blast (obviously, I kept coming back)! So, there's no expectations to have been met, but I've had a great time and am looking forward to seeing how far this goes and what new challenges lie ahead.

Where do you see Barnaby Druthers/Nutmeg Junction going in the new season?

I love the direction Barnaby is going with the prequel stories so we really get to the heart of what makes Barnaby and Harper tick. I think the new season will present depth, and our listeners are in for some twists and turns along the way. However, we still have our beloved Barnaby and Harper at the end of the day, so it won't depart TOO much from the show you love. As for Junction, I think we're going to be seeing more of each other as a group virtually or in person soon, and I think more of our one-off style scripts are headed to the airwaves as well. I also can't wait for continuing the series of Cosmic Ventures and of Level 1 Human. Sarvol may be my favorite character out of any I've played before, and I think you'll enjoy her story soon on Cosmic Ventures.