As a theater critic and founder of JaxPlays, I’ve chronicled Northeast Florida’s stage scene with a mission to preserve its past, promote its present and propel its future. Beyond the limelight, I’ve reported on everything from breaking news and city politics to arts, culture and technology, sharing stories through broadcast, print, digital and podcasts.

This portfolio brings together broadcast clips, selected reviews and features, and reporting highlights.

What you’ll find:

  • Broadcast clips from First Coast Connect and River City Live with embedded videos
  • Reviews and features chosen for range and readability — titles link to originals
  • Additional work from Deemable Tech and WJCT News 89.9, grouped to show creative storytelling, breaking news, in-depth features and evergreen guides

This is a curated selection, not a complete list. Full archives are linked at the end of the page.

Broadcast clips

On-air segments discussing productions, artists and trends.

First Coast Connect — Upcoming productions and local highlights

Discussing Lumen Rep’s upcoming production of American Buffalo starring David Alford
Discussing JaxPlays and the upcoming theater season
Discussing the 2025–26 theater calendar

River City Live — Technology, apps and how they can enhance our lives

Apps to help beat the summer slide
Fast food apps
Relationship apps for Valentine’s

Reviews and features

Selected theater coverage. Links go to original publications.

  • A Mad Mad Wonderland — Jason Woods — 2025
    Jason Woods reimagines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with inventive staging, fresh humor and a touch of chaos.

  • MJ The Musical — touring production — 2025
    A dazzling celebration of Michael Jackson’s artistry with electrifying choreography and heartfelt storytelling.

  • Trouble in Mind — 2024
    A layered look at racial prejudice and stereotypes in the theater world.

  • A Small Fire — Lumen Repertory Theatre — 2024
    An intimate, emotionally charged drama exploring love, loss and resilience.

  • Murder Ballad — ABET — 2023
    A sultry rock musical about passion, betrayal and the thin line between love and danger.

  • The Fantasticks — ABET — 2025
    A charming, offbeat take on the long-running musical with moments of genuine heart.

  • Jekyll & Hyde — Players by the Sea — 2024
    A gothic psychological thriller brought to life with dark energy and striking performances.

Additional work

Deemable Tech

A weekly public radio show and podcast carried on dozens of stations nationwide, Deemable Tech blended tech journalism with an accessible, often humorous approach. In addition to producing and co-hosting the program, I wrote a syndicated weekly Q&A column for alternative weeklies, answering listener questions and exploring the human side of technology.

  • Murder She Robot — Deemable Tech podcast episode — 2015
    A playful dive into robotics, technology and culture with the wit and clarity of Deemable Tech.

  • Deemable Tech Radio Special — 2014
    A special extended broadcast exploring the most pressing tech questions from listeners.

  • Ask Deemable Tech: How Does Facebook Suggest People I May Know? — 2015
    A deep look at Facebook’s recommendation algorithms in this listener Q&A segment.

Odd Ball Podcast

Odd Ball is a five-part investigative podcast from WJCT Public Media about the 1974 “Betz sphere” — a mysterious metal ball found on Jacksonville’s Fort George Island that drew the Navy, UFO researchers and national media.

  • Odd Ball Podcast — 2019
    Garnered over 750,000 downloads within a few months with only five episodes. The companion website, which I developed and co-designed, won First Place for Digital Programming in the Florida News Awards from the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.

WJCT News 89.9

During my time with WJCT News 89.9, I wrote pieces that ranged from inventive arts coverage to high-pressure breaking news, deeply reported features and evergreen service journalism. The selections below are grouped to highlight the range of formats and skills I brought to the newsroom.

Creative storytelling

  • Cork displays haikus at gallery opening as visual art — 2015
    An arts feature written entirely in haiku to mirror the exhibition it covered.

  • Hilariously bad music video about Jacksonville going viral — 2014
    A playful, tongue-in-cheek culture piece about an unintentionally campy local video sensation.

  • Iconic Jacksonville radio shopping channel WJXR closing after almost 30 years — 2014
    A reflective look at the legacy of a long-running local radio shopping station.

Breaking news

  • JSO finds military-grade device at River City Marketplace — 2015
    On-scene reporting of a police investigation into a military-grade device discovered at a busy shopping center.

  • City Council president creates stir over nude photograph at MOCA — 2014
    Coverage of a public controversy surrounding an art exhibition.

In-depth features

  • Legoland Hotel opens in Winter Haven, Florida — 2015
    A detailed look inside the newly opened Legoland Hotel, its attractions and its economic impact.

  • Florida teacher lives homeless in Jacksonville to break down stereotypes — 2015
    A human-interest profile of a teacher who went undercover to challenge perceptions of homelessness.

Evergreen guides

  • The tech to help you get through the storm — 2015
    A preparedness guide highlighting apps and devices to stay safe in severe weather.

  • Coast Guard warns against making hoax distress calls — 2015
    A public safety explainer on the dangers and penalties of false emergency calls.

Archives

For media inquiries or speaking requests, contact me at media@rayhollister.com.