Monika Rita

I can perform British (Especially Julia Childs!), Carribean, and a variety of accents! ZANNY charaterizations, snooty and uppercrust, cynnical, wisecracking, and the list goes on!!!....Silly and CRAZZZY voices I love as well!!!!

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, and ABILITIES in MEDIA; RADIO and TELEVISION My broadcast knowledge and training began when I submitted a voice over demo to a Classical radio station that was looking to hire an on-air announcer. I was hired to work with minimal training as a Classical music announcer (radio) at WFMR-FM, where I was taught how to operate basic radio equipment; turn tables, audio boards, cart, and cassette machines. While in Milwaukee, I simultaneously worked in television as well, in the capacity of an on-air host/personality and writer for a magazine show called, “Speaking of Milwaukee.” Both broadcasting beginnings gave me a general working knowledge of broadcasting equipment in radio and television; producing, writing, editing, and proper on-air delivery for radio and television. More intensive training followed upon my employment at WMYX-FM (a Hot Adult Contemporary Pop Station). The training that I received at WMYX-FM was the equivalent of a college degree in media (Radio) broadcasting. I was trained by my supervisor, Michael Clemens and Program Director, Jim Schaffer, as well as other radio talent at the station. I received thorough knowledge, practices and methods, and training in the correct operation of broadcast studios/control rooms; for live, on-air broadcasts, and obtained my FCC license while there. I learned how to operate multi-channel audio consoles (AudioTronics), audio cart machines (R.E.20's IT), microphones, (Denon) broadcast and non-broadcast CD and mini-disc machines, reel-to-reel, and cassettes audio recorders (the foundation of radio broadcasting). I was also trained to take meter readings, record and log EBS tones, and to accurately keep and maintain broadcast music and commercial logs in compliance to FCC regulations. I was taught how to receive and retrieve network feeds, and other audio elements through the digital automation systems, and to work with computerized, digital systems in the air studios (for commercials only). I also had minor production duties writing radio material, voicing programs in an appealing, appropriate style, and recording weather breaks for our sister station), WEMP-AM. After I was thoroughly trained by WMYM-FM in their broadcast procedures, I worked primarily as a board operator (Tech) before I was able to work on the air (live) full time, and execute a highly professional air shift. I had a great working relationship with the staff at WMYX-FM; one of the best jobs I’ve had in radio while in Milwaukee, My next level of training comes by way of my employment at WVAZ-FM; a major market radio station in Chicago. In addition to broadcasting a live radio show, I worked a variety of various air-shifts as an on-air personality/host; building and maintaining a very strong on-air relationship with our target audience demographic of 25-54; a listening audience of approximately 700,000 (plus) listeners. I was taught production skills by the station's production director, John Keith. After my air shift, my production duties involved producing, copywriting, and voicing commercial content with the proper tone, style, and balance in a timely manner (under the direction of the traffic manager, Lynn Clymer) and occasional multi-track recording and mixing from multiple digital and non digital (Analog) audio sources. I also had additional copywriting duties; recording commercials from the DGS systems to cart/CD’s; and had to provide pre-broadcast duplications (dubs) using digital editing systems for clients who purchased airtime on the station. I also gathered news (when I worked overnights) content from the AP wire service; editing news content for our morning show news anchors. I utilized my prior broadcasting knowledge and gained additional knowledge with digital systems; 360 Instant Replay and Shortcuts, MarkeTron, AudioVault, Vox Pro, and Revox. I was also the producer of my own radio show called, "Inspiration Before Dawn”; a Contemporary Gospel oriented show, where I voiced, wrote, edited, and recorded my own drops; programmed and selected the music under the direction of our program director, Maxx Myrick and Music Director/Assistant Program Director, Jamillah Muhammed. Most of the equipment at WVAZ-FM was the same, as WMYX-FM, which allowed me to do basic broadcast equipment maintenance. Because I enjoyed producing, writing, and recording commercials while working at WVAZ-FM, I frequently worked extensive overtime, picking up the slack for on-air jocks who were remiss in their production responsibilities; under the direction of the Assistant Program Director (Jamillah Muhammed), and as relief/support talent for the on-air staff which occasionally involved newsroom duties; (once again) preparing, writing, receiving sound bites, and editing news copy from the AP wires, and other news sources. I worked a variety of air shifts (live); which included midday, evening, overnight, and weekends. I also had to make media and station appearances on behalf of the station as an on-air personality representative. Working with Maxx Myrick and Jamillah Muhammed was a wonderful and awe inspiring experience. My next radio experience after WVAZ-FM, was working at KMJK-FM in Phoenix, Arizona. While there, I worked as an Afternoon Drive, on air Personality/Host, Music Director, Copywriter, and Production Director. I was in charge of all production while at the station. Because of my previous experience at WVAZ-FM, it allowed me to do the best production work possible at KMJK-FM. While there, I learned how to "Make lemonade out of lemons,” and to mentor interns who wanted to learn more about the broadcasting industry. My working relationship with the family of this family owned media business and my co-workers was one of total cooperation, support, and mutual admiration. I am very happy to be in an industry that has allowed me the opportunity to utilize my talents and abilities to host, write, and produce radio programs, and work in ministry as well; utilizing my broadcasting gifts (in a voluntary capacity). I have been provided additional opportunities to do side projects as a writer, proofreader, copywriter, and editor, by way of my work in broadcasting; which is why I started my own (new, side project) company, OURANOS Productions/Publishing as an additional creative outlet. In addition to working extensively in radio broadcasting, I have television experience as well; I hosted a magazine/lifestyle formatted show called, "Speaking of Milwaukee"; where I co-produced, researched and wrote story segments and copy. My additional responsibilities included developing a lineup where I arranged and conducted topical interviews on a variety of subjects for the show; conducting interviews with various guests ranging from artists, workers in healthcare, to local politicians. Other radio experience has been working in the capacity as Assistant Production Director for radio station, WNOV-AM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I wrote extensively; copywriting, producing, voicing, and recording on air commercials and promos; and occasional news and weather for broadcast. I also coached, trained, and critiqued air checks and provided staff support for the air staff and interns. I have also volunteered my audio and voice experience to Ministry as well; World Changers International; Atlanta, GA, and Word of Faith Christian Ministries; Nashville, TN. I am updating my audio skills in the operation of Garage Band, Audacity, Pro-Tools and Cool Edit Pro, and in the process of learning additional audio applications, audio/video conferencing; Steinburg, Nuendo2, to further my knowledge and understanding of state of the art recording, writing, and editing. I have extensive voice over experience; which ultimately lead me to my path and work in radio. I also have web posting experience as well. With my combined knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences, my hope is to be able to utilize my gifts and talents, and to be of, excellent service within a (media; radio, television, audio, recording) environment; ESPECIALLY VOICEOVERS! I thank you for your time in reviewing my KSA’s!!! RADIO WNOV-AM “Wisconsin’s African American Voice” Assistant Production Director, Copywriter, and Voice talent; within an (UF) Urban Format. 01/02 - 05/02 MILWAUKEE, WI KMJK - FM “Majik 106.9, Arizona’s Best Variety of R&B Hits and Oldies” Afternoon Drive Personality and talk show host of “5 Ta 4”, with comedienne Cheryl Underwood in an Urban Styled talk show. Production and Music Director, Voice talent, and Special Events Host and Station Representative… (Spokesperson) within an (UAC) Urban Adult Contemporary format. 10/00 - 2/01 PHOENIX, AZ WVAZ - FM “V103, The Best Variety of Hits and Dusties” Evening, Midday, Overnight, Gospel, and Weekend (Fill in) On-air Personality, Production talent, and Special Events Host within an (UAC) Urban Adult Contemporary format. Sunday morning Host of “INSPIRATION BEFORE DAWN”, a contemporary Christian/Gospel radio show. 07/96 - 04/99 CHICAGO, IL WMYX – FM & WEMP- AM (sister station) “The Mix, 99 WMYX, the Best Mix of The 80’s, 90’s, and Today” Overnight Personality/Production talent within an HOT/ POP (AC) Adult Contemporary format. 01/94 - 07/96 MILWAUKEE, WI WFMR - FM “Milwaukee’s Classical Choice” On-air Classical Music Announcer/Host in a Classically oriented format. 02/89 - 05/91 MILWAUKEE, WI VOICEOVERS Too numerous to mention!.Voiceover CD/DVD on request. ACTING “Fences”…. By August Wilson….Lead Actress in a major performance as the character, “Rose”, and songwriter of August Wilson’s lyrics for the lead character Rose. 0/5/07 South Bend Civic Centre – SOUTH BEND, IN TELEVISION “The Great TV Auction” WMVT - Channel 10/36 Milwaukee Public Television: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Position: On-camera personality, auctioneer, and host for the Milwaukee Public Broadcasting Television. “Speaking of Milwaukee” Warner Cable: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Position: On-camera talk show host/reporter, writer, and co-producer. Format: Magazine, crafts, and fine arts show. SPECIAL SKILLS AND TECHNICAL FUNCTIONS Member of A.F.T.R.A. Radio producer, music arranger, and session singer. A.S.C.A.P. music writer and publisher of OURANOS Productions/Publishing. Former Music Editor/Writer of the MONTHLY ASPECTARIAN, a Chicago based magazine. Former National television committee member (voting) and volunteer of the Chicago chapter of N.A.R.A.S. (The GRAMMYS). Writer, copywriter, and narrator/on-camera talent for radio, television, and industrial film. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills for radio, and public speaking. Strong production skills and solo operator of major radio sound boards, concert boards, and recording equipment. Technical operations of DigitalSystems - 360 Instant Replay and Shortcuts, DGS, and Marketron, and Audiovault, VoxPro, and Revox. AudioTronics broadcasting board and Electrovoice microphone (R.E. 20’s). Familiarity with Audacity, Garage Band, Pro-Tools, Cool Edit Pro, and Adobe Sound Booth. My voice was "Discovered" when I lived in New York working as a model. Going on auditions at ad agencies lead casting directors to cast my voice instead. The voice over work in New York and Chicago which lead me to my A.F.T.R.A membership and working in radio, and doing MORE voice overs as well. I also have worked as a professional theatre actress as well.My latest role was the character female lead "Rose" in the August Wilson production of "Fences"... I have access to a MAC, and I can also use my PC for recording.. I'm in the process of setting things up now. Please see my KSA's listed above.