PROFILE: Dave Erwin, Board VP, Sound Effects Director.

DAVE ERWIN was born in Emo, Ontario, Canada and has lived most of his life in Fort Frances, directly across the Rainy River from International Falls. The area did not get television until well into the 1960’s, and Dave fondly remembers enjoying radio drama on the CBC as a major form of entertainment. As a young man, he left the area for a brief time to attend the Devrie Institute in Toronto and study Engineering Technology with an emphasis in electronics. He graduated with a degree in Heating Technology, and went to work keeping Fort Frances warm for a number of years.
Dave returned to school in his 40’s to earn a degree in social work from Confederation College. He now works as a resource manager for WECHI-IT-CHNWIN, a government agency providing resources and assistance to First Nations (the Canadian counterpart to Native American) families in domestic abuse situations.
Dave’s involvement in theater was limited to audience until 2005 when he brought son Veryan to an audition of the Icebox Radio Theater in International Falls. Dave ended up taking a role in the play himself, and has acted frequently for the theater since then. In 2006, Dave expressed his interest in creating live sound effects to Artistic Director Jeffrey Adams. Adams appointed Dave Sound Effects Director in February of that year, and he has served in that capacity ever since, a total of ten live shows.
Dave’s natural tinkering ability combined with engineering and electronic background make him uniquely suited for creating live sound effects equipment. He has become a student of the old time radio sound effects artists, often employing their techniques and designs to create new equipment. Dave is a father of three, an excellent teacher, and frequently opens up his sound effects table to young performers interested in learning more about the art.
Dave lives in Fort Frances with his wife, Marilyn, and their three children, all of whom have participated in the Icebox Radio Theater.