PLAYWRITING

I have written several short pieces for the stage, many in my tenure with Theatre Unleashed, a Los Angeles-based theatre company that I co-founded in 2008. Several of these have won regional awards and some have been performed by other companies locally, nationally and internationally. My most successful play, however, is my stage adaptation of the classic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life," which has earned critical praise and multiple awards. I am a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

If interested in producing these plays, please contact me at JimMartyka@gmail.com

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A KAWL RADIO PLAY

"Look daddy, teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."

It’s a Wonderful Life: A KAWL Radio Play takes place at a struggling 1940s radio station that good-hearted owner Michael Anderson is barely keeping alive. He calls on some old friends (with big personalities) and some less-than-professional station employees to offer up a live radio version of Frank Capra’s touching masterpiece It’s a Wonderful Life in what might sadly be the station’s last live show. But it’s the holidays, a time when miracles can happen…

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WHAT THE CRITICS HAD TO SAY ABOUT IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A KAWL RADIO PLAY

“The show is a piffle, so fresh and light it can almost float away, yet so deep and profound a moral message.”

“It’s delightfully intricate and silly and a good time all around. You will leave with smile.”

“Full of heartwarming, funny, and sweet moments, it is a wonderful holiday play to watch with

anyone and one that should not be missed.”

"It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play is an unexpected gem that will undoubtedly leave you a bit teary, overwhelmed by its powerful message of hope, humanity, and goodness.”

"For a holiday entertainment full of laughter and sentiment, It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play is at the top of the tree.”

“This production is perfect, good old fashion, holiday entertainment for the entire family.”

“If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing a delightful holiday treat build around a stunningly simple but wonderful idea.”

“Makes for a nice gift, for Christmas or Hanukkah or your holiday of choice.”

“There’s more than one Christmas miracle in store for the cast and characters of Theatre Unleashed’s It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, Jim Martyka’s double-your-pleasure adaptation of the holiday perennial.”

“It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play is once again a Theatre Unleashed holiday delight.”

THE SHORT PLAYS

Here is a selection of my original short plays, which have been performed in L.A. with both Theatre Unleashed and Force of Nature Productions, around the country, and around the world, including at the acclaimed Short+Sweet Festival.

If interested in producing any of these short plays, please contact me at JimMartyka@gmail.com.

For a Daydream An Old Secret Friendly Neighbor Home I Got a Woman