Jeff Adams, director of Icebox Radio Theater, is looking forward to a new year and said he predicts 2012 will be “very positive” for the organization.

“We have some major announcements coming that I think will give us a tremendous amount of exposure with the public,” Adams said. “And I feel we’re ready. We’ve been at it since 2004 and I feel our plays have reached a level of quality and consistency that make me very proud. As more people find us, they’re going to find quality entertainment waiting for them.”

Adams highlighted five points the organization has in store for the new year:

• IBRT has been invited to join the lineup at the Great Northern Radio Show starting in April. According to Adams, the Great Northern Radio Show resembles a Prairie Home Companion for the Iron Range. “We are being invited to do a few skits at their Bemidji show on April 7,” Adams told The Journal. “Producer Aaron Brown has heard our work, and feels that we’re a good fit for Great Northern ... if all goes well, we’re hoping to be a regular part of their lineup.”

• Although he couldn’t give details yet, Adams said IBRT is very close to finalizing an agreement with a major public broadcasting network in northern Minnesota and encourages listeners to stay tuned for details. Adams said he hopes to make a formal announcement by the end of the month.

• Adams realizes there are IBRT fans who would like to become a part of the organization’s shows, but don’t live anywhere near Minnesota. This year, he said, IBRT will develop a program to utilize the time and talents of everyone, regardless of where they live. Adams said the program is new and is unsure of “what to expect.”

• This year, IBRT will offer education programs for people interested in writing, directing and post-producing audio theater. “Depending on how much time is available, I’d like to offer a writer’s workshop, which we have offered before, and an acting workshop along with some technical training,” Adams explained. “Each of these workshops will offer basic training and some practical experience at radio drama production. All of them will be held in our studio at Backus.”

• The most exciting thing for 2012, according to Adams, is the fact that every year, unexpected and wonderful things have happened, he said. Adams looks forward to finding out what 2012 has in store for the organization. “I’m still amazed and humbled at the level of support we receive both at home, and elsewhere,” the director noted. Radio drama’s return is long overdue, and I feel as if we are very close to developing a model that will make that return financially possible.”

Adams encourages members of the community to consider a tax-deductible donation to IBRT. Donations can be made at the organization’s website, www.iceboxradio.org. Adams said people who donate get to know they helped IBRT “bring the Northland’s stories to the world.” Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 46, International Falls, MN 56649.

“For a more tangible contribution, I invite folks to look into our membership program, the fees for which are also tax deductible,” Adams concluded. “We have brochures available at the Backus office.”