←Recommendations of CLIPS

This important work speaks to me on many levels. First as a journalism major who specialized in PR. And as someone who has always valued the role of local newspapers and is saddened to see them disappearing. And as someone who believes that a free press is the last bastion against tyranny. Read this. Produce it. Spread the word.

I had the pleasure of attending a recent reading of "Clips" by Adam Richter. Richter creates characters that pull a strong response from the audience and places these characters in a very dramatic situation. We hope for the best and fear for the worst. Well done.

Adam Richter knows the importance of local journalism. In "Clips," he shows the harsh realities that have attacked it for decades. Idealism, pragmatism, and capitalism are pitted against one another in this fine short drama.

A very moving and gripping exploration of the struggling field of print journalism and how tough it can be to keep our dreams afloat while pitted against those with too much power. I got to hear a reading of Richter's ten-minute two-hander and audience members were at the edges of their seats. I'd love to see a full production of this!

Gut-wrenching. Adam Richter's CLIPS is short and to the point specifically about local journalism and broadly the futility of dreams--and I loved every line of it. The two characters illustrate perfectly the battle between the young and ambitious against the rich and powerful. This story is bleak, but it is one that has more than justified its darkness.

This is such a powerful piece by Adam Richter. In CLIPS we're introduced to characters who reveal themselves throughout the piece in surprising ways. It's a fascinating exploration of journalism and the manner in which we consume news as well as the perfect backdrop for the shifting dynamics of power, wealth, and politics. This would be such a gripping production to watch unfold on stage as well.

I must admit I am one to get frustrated at paywalls on news sites. Forbes, Washington Post, New York Times, I always think they can handle it. Smaller papers, however? Richter's short play is masterful and gives us loads of thought beyond just the matter of what it costs to run a paper. We only start there, soon diving into murky waters of politics, passion, and human kindness (or decency). A brilliant two-hander for actors and directors to explore.

One of my first real jobs was as the news director for a small-town radio station. I lasted nine months, let go because the station could get the news off the AP teletype. Local news meant paying me, and gossip at the local bar was good enough. I was reminded of that stint with Adam Richter's sharp take on how journalism is sacrificed on the altar of a balance sheet. Sheila faces the situation of her doomed local paper with grace and a faint glimmer of hope and hardened realism. There's a powerful punch in this play.

While "Clips" is a supremely well-written play, with much to recommend it, the sheer amount of character layering, contemporary questions, and revelations packed into ten minutes is particularly stunning. I left the piece with a great deal to think on: generational change, gender, conglomeration of media, and the incongruities between what a society says is important, and the reality that the most venerated and passion-driven occupations are the most susceptible to the inequities of the capitalist system. Delivering this story are two well-crafted characters with powerful and specific voices. Extremely well done.

ADAM RICHTER’s ten-minute gem of a play tells a sad but true tale of the dramatic changes to one of our Country’s must essential pillars of Democracy: A free press. Sheila is a person to be admired. She wants, and indeed needs, to inform the Public. “Clips” is dramatic, passionate, and true. This is a play, which belongs as a “must-read”, not only for its truth, but also for its gripping dialogue. You did it again, Mr. Richter! Bravo!