It’s been too long since my last update here, and I’ve missed this blog! So, why the long silence? Because I’ve been busier than ever! Lots to share. Here are the highlights:
- For the last two years, I’ve been developing aproject in collaboration with the BBC: a multi-generational, multi-racial contemporary docu-drama podcast in a rural setting, which will be overseen by the former head of BBC Audio Drama and current Radio 4 Commissioning Editor, Alison Hindell. WME represents me on this project, we’re pitching to some amazing potential partners this spring, and just as soon as I can, I’ll share more. (I’m dying to!) It’s a dream come true to lead a project that combines my skills as a writer, actor, musician, and producer. The podcast includes original music, so after decades as a choral singer, I’ve even been preparing with a singing coach to grow my skill as a soloist, which is an absolute joy. So, stay tuned!
- In June, Booklist named me their 2018 Voice of Choice, writing, “Passionate about her work, an intuitive interpreter of character and story, a consummate professional who never stops learning and improving, Gilbert brings creativity, intelligence, and heart to all she narrates.” When I got the email announcing that I had been selected for this honor, I gasped and cried, the news was so unexpected. It is so humbling and gratifying to be singled out for this recognition, in the company of past honorees Dion Graham, Robin Miles, Barbara Rosenblat, Bahni Turpin, and other incredible voice actors. This is one of the highlights of my career.
- My relationship with Vermont College of Fine Arts, where I earned an MFA in writing Creative Non-Fiction, continues to deepen, both as a teaching artist and a narrator. Not only am I regularly on campus to teach writers how to transform their writing craft choices into a sensitive and nuanced aural performance, but I increasingly narrate the work of esteemed alumni. Late last year I was proud to narrate the thriller, THE PERFECT LIAR (Macmillan Audio), written by VCFA’s President, alum Thomas Christopher Greene—his finest and fiercest work so far. This January, I performed VCFA grad Andrea Rothman’s wonderful first novel, a heart-wrenching scientific romance, THE DNA OF YOU AND ME (HarperAudio), which has received rave reviews and shout-outs as a notable debut. And next month I’ll voice THE HOLLOW BONES, a historical drama set in Germany during the Nazi regime, by VCFA alum Leah Kaminsky, for Bolinda Audio. It’s not only meaningful to work with a friend’s language and ideas, but to have an opportunity to collaborate with an Australian company I have so long admired. Hope you’ll have a chance to listen to these titles, and that you’ll keep your eye on our talented VCFA community of writers.
