Sidequesting
It is proposed that this article be deleted because of the following concern:
If you can address this concern by improving, copyediting, sourcing, renaming, or merging the page, please edit this page and do so. You may remove this message if you improve the article or otherwise object to deletion for any reason. Although not required, you are encouraged to explain why you object to the deletion, either in your edit summary or on the talk page. If this template is removed, do not replace it. The article may be deleted if this message remains in place for seven days, i.e., after 01:18, 22 September 2024 (UTC). Find sources: "Sidequesting" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR |
Sidequesting is an independent scripted fiction podcast created by Tal Minear and first published in 2019. It is described as a fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot.[1] The show features a nonbinary asexual main character, and is notable for its LGBTQ+ and disability representation throughout the podcast. Sidequesting also features an international cast of guest voices, including Clint McElroy, Erin B. Lillis, and James Oliva.[2] The title of the show is a reference to video game side quests.[1]
Format
[edit]Sidequesting follows Rion, an adventurer who's willing to help anyone out, as long as they're not being asked to deal with "the scary wizard that everyone keeps talking about".[3] Each episode takes place in a new city or town in a fantasy world, and contains different characters that Rion meets. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes long. They can be listened to in any order, though there are story threads that connect across episodes and references that call back to previous stories.[4] The central premise of Sidequesting is that no problem is too small – for example, the central premise of an episode can be as simple as finding a missing object. Instead of relying on high stakes adventure, the show plays with the character interactions of small moments.[5]
Production
[edit]Sidequesting is funded by fans of the show through Patreon and Indiegogo. A breakdown of the second season budget showed that the majority of the funds raised goes to voice actors and writers.[6] Two season of the show have been released, each with 10 episodes, and a third is in production.[1]
Reception
[edit]The show has been praised for its subversion of tropes found in traditional fantasy stories.[5] It is one of three audio dramas to prominently feature deaf and hard of hearing characters.[7]
Awards
[edit]Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio Verse Awards | 2020 | Writing of an Audio Play Production | Tal Minear | Finalist | [8] |
2021 | Writing of a Production | Tal Minear, Brayden Chapman, and Ather Ahmed | Finalist | [9] | |
Performance of a Guest Role in a Production | Various guests | Finalist | |||
Hear Now Festival | Fantasy | What Goes Around Comes Around, Ep 14 | silver | [10] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Sidequesting". Sidequesting. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Sidequesting". fictionpodcasts.com. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Sidequesting". pnc.st. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ Bergonzi, Michael (June 14, 2020). "Sidequesting: Of Children and Adult Fiction". Audio Drama Reviews. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Sidequesting". Great Pods. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ Minear, Tal (December 24, 2020). "Funding Indie AD". Medium. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
- ^ Burkhardt, Cole (January 22, 2021). "Most De(a)f Representation in Podcasting". Discover Pods. EliteCafe Media. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "2020 List of Finalists". The Audio Verse Awards. December 5, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "2021 List of Finalists". The Audio Verse Awards. 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
- ^ "Podcast Palooza 2021 Silver Selections". National Audio Theatre Festival. 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2022.