HALIFAX – Jack Ward loves radio drama. A previous teacher of English, drama and computers at Parry Sound High School, he’s been writing his story ideas. Although he now lives in Nova Scotia, Parry Sound continues to be a source for his inspiration. “It’s the people and the bay,” said Mr. Ward. “This dichotomy of living in a small community that is filled in the summer with big city folks. Parry Sound is the kind of place you would want to raise your kids, as seen by so many of my old students who still speak fondly of growing up there.” Mr. Ward teaches occasionally and has been working as his own consultant for computer software. While in school he headed the computer club, guitar group, and helped out with drama and the student newspapers. Now add author and playwright to his credentials. Shadowlands Theatre was a concept Mr. Ward came up with while finishing his English degree and attending Guelph University. He was hosting different literary radio shows for the campus radio station, and knew that a “twilight zone” like radio series would be a lot of fun. “After all, radio is the ultimate medium for story telling,” he said. “It requires no sets, no makeup, and much more imagination than television or movies. And with people constantly on the go, books on tape are at a premium for commuters and those who love to listen to drama.” Ten years later, and the dream has taken flight. With his friend Andrew Dorfman, Mr. Ward has gathered dozens of interested actors together and written an impressive series. More than 26 radio plays, all approximately 45 minutes long and all varying in subject matter from comedy, mystery, horror, suspense, fantasy, and science fiction. Collectively called The Shadowlands, Mr. Ward delves into moral questions and political quandaries of the day. His two-part episode Great Day for a War, explores a fictional event in a global news broadcast when the United States declares war on an African nation, because of recent terrorist attacks. Sound familiar? He has more mini-series in his toolbox. From a hard-boiled detective by the name of Phillip Graves in his four-part Graves Shift series or a hilarious parody of Buck Rogers with Biff Straker and the Spaceways! Mr. Ward is looking to catch both young and old audiences alike. Already his talent has caught the eyes of the publishing world. His book, Shadowlands Theatre: The Deadly Sins Scripts has been released by Crystal Dreams publishing in the U.S., and he recently released his first radio play, in the classic thriller style called Right Number, Wrong Party over CKDU-97.5-FM in Halifax. More information about Mr. Ward, his book and compact disc recordings of his plays can be found on his website: www.shadowlandstheatre.com. (now of course www.sonicsociety.org or www.evicuna.com– J.W.)