Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel: Because Apparently Writing a Radio Play Wasn't Enough

By DJ Kjrsten | Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel | KSUA 91.5 FM

Have you ever started a creative project and thought, “Oh, this shouldn’t be too complicated”?

Yeah.

Famous last words.

What started as a simple writing assignment in spring 2023 somehow became Aschenstiefel: Twisted Cinderella, a full-length radio drama that I wrote, directed, recorded, and produced.

Because apparently just turning in my homework wasn’t enough.

And now, on October 31st, 2026, Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel is celebrating its third anniversary! The show first aired on Halloween 2023, while we were still in the middle of recording the radio drama itself.

Three years of talking about a project that was originally supposed to be a writing assignment.

I think I may have gotten a little carried away.

From page to microphone: recording several larger scenes from Aschenstiefel: Twisted Cinderella at the KSUA radio studio. Shown from left to right: Bethany Cohen (Katerina and Sofia), Naomi Green (MaryAnne), Kjrsten Schindler (Aschenstiefel’s director), Steven Anderson (the grandchild), Grady Skillings (forward - Prince Geordo), David Mann (Narrator), Bryant Womack (the King), and Erik Andersen (Nicol, AKA Black Mask). Photo credit: Seamus Knight

From Writing Assignment to Radio Drama

The story actually began during my first semester back in creative writing after taking a year-long break. I’d had a pretty discouraging experience with a previous professor that left me questioning my writing abilities, so returning to that creative space was a big deal for me.

And what did I decide to do with my newfound return to writing? Apparently, create an entire radio drama.

What began as a relatively simple assignment quickly grew into something much bigger. A friend from that writing class helped me edit the script throughout the summer and into the fall semester, even while we were recording scenes.

We started recording around late September 2023, and the script was still being edited as we went.

Yes, we were still editing the script while recording. What could possibly go wrong?

Scripts in hand, microphones ready, and a story still evolving as we recorded. Shown from left to right: Bethany Cohen (Katerina and Sofia), Naomi Green (MaryAnne), Kjrsten Schindler (Aschenstiefel’s director), Steven Anderson (the grandchild), Grady Skillings (Prince Geordo), David Mann (Narrator), Erik Andersen (Nicol, AKA Black Mask), and Bryant Womack (the King). Photo credit: Seamus Knight

Thankfully, we had a wonderful group of actors helping bring the characters to life, and somehow we managed to get everything recorded before Christmas break.

Which turned out to be extremely fortunate.

Because the following semester, KSUA’s recording system broke.

I’m not saying the universe was trying to tell me something, but I am saying that I have never been more grateful for finishing a recording project on time.

Wait, There's a Show About the Show?

Yes.

Yes, there is.

Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel is my opportunity to revisit the process of creating Aschenstiefel: Twisted Cinderella and share some of the stories, decisions, challenges, and memorable moments that went into bringing it to life.

Even outside the recording studio, the actors were hard at work bringing their characters to life. Shown from left to right: Steven Anderson (the grandchild), Cody Peters (Keith), and Kjrsten Schindler (Aschenstiefel’s director). Photo credit: Seamus Knight

We talk about the writing process, the characters, the actors who helped tell the story, recording sessions, editing, music that gives us Aschenstiefel-vibes, and the many little details that can make a surprisingly big difference in an audio production.

And because this is one of my radio shows, there may also be the occasional tangent. Shocking, I know.

The Magic (and Madness) of Audio Storytelling

One of my favorite things about radio drama is that you have to build an entire world using sound.

You don’t have elaborate sets or costumes for your audience to look at. Instead, you’re relying on voices, performances, music, sound effects, and the listener's imagination.

A character’s hesitation, a change in tone, or the timing of a sound effect can completely change how a scene feels.

And then there’s editing.

Oh, the editing.

Let’s just say that listening to the same few seconds of audio over and over again can really make you appreciate the finished product.

But when everything finally comes together, there’s something incredibly satisfying about hearing a story that once existed only in your imagination come to life.

So... Is It Finished Yet?

Well...

Define “finished.”

Earlier this summer, I received the final edited version of Aschenstiefel: Twisted Cinderella, which was a pretty exciting milestone after everything that went into creating it!

Now I’m slowly working on adding the character artwork to create the fully finished version for YouTube.

In the meantime, the actors already have access to the version without the artwork on YouTube, so the story itself has finally made it out into the world a little bit.

But apparently, finishing the radio drama isn’t enough for me either.

Because now I’m also working on adapting Aschenstiefel for the stage, film, a novel, and potentially other storytelling mediums.

Yes, you read that correctly.

And yes, I fully know that I’m crazy.

I started with one writing assignment, turned it into a radio drama, created a radio show about making the radio drama, and now I’m working on turning that same story into several entirely different projects.

At this point, I’m beginning to suspect that Aschenstiefel has become a permanent resident in my brain.

And you know what?

I’m actually pretty happy about that.

What started as a class assignment has become a long-term passion project, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next.

Coming Soon...Eventually...Probably...ummm Part 2?

Oh, and one more thing!
Much like KJ’s Paws of Aurora ASMR, I’m also planning to bring Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel to YouTube, where you’ll eventually be able to revisit the radio episodes. When, you ask?

Well, that’s a wonderful question.

One that I would also love to know the answer to.

Between finishing the radio drama, adapting the script into approximately seventeen different formats (okay, slight exaggeration), and everything else happening in my life, my YouTube upload schedule is currently somewhere between “soon” and “when I figure out how to add more hours to the day.”

But it is on the list!
And considering how long that list has become, I think that deserves some recognition.

Three Years Later...

Creating Aschenstiefel has been one of the biggest creative adventures I’ve taken on. It challenged me as a writer, introduced me to new aspects of directing and audio production, and gave me the opportunity to collaborate with some wonderful people.

But perhaps more importantly, it helped remind me why I loved writing in the first place.

What began during a semester when I was finding my confidence as a writer again has grown into a story that I keep finding new ways to tell.

And apparently, I still have plenty to say about it.

So, whether you’re interested in voice acting, creative writing, audio production, or just curious about what goes into making a radio drama, you’re welcome to join me for Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel.

After all, I spent all that time creating Aschenstiefel. I might as well get another radio show out of it. And possibly a stage production.
And a film.

And a novel.
You know...just a few little side projects.
Happy third anniversary, Behind the Scenes of Aschenstiefel!

— DJ Kjrsten