Playing With Unemployment

By Griff McNerney
Dec 16, 2010, 3:20 PM
12 Comments

Thelma Ritter Got Balls

If you’re desperately looking for inspiration, maybe you need to lose your job.

That’s what did the trick for Ken Grout, who worked as an IT manager for 19 years before losing his job in September. Grout says the lay-off, as horrible as it was, provided a valuable chance to pursue what he’d always wanted to do: write and perform a one man show. Ken Grout’s “Thelma Ritter Got Balls” will be performed at the Puppet Showplace Theatre in Brookline on Friday night.

Radio Boston’s Griff McNerney spoke with Grout about his new gig.

Other stories from this show:

Al Telton

I saw the show. It was amazing. Honestly, it is one of the best pieces I have seen all year.
Allan Telio

I am the director of the show and Ken and I are glad you you enjoyed it. Not only is this a great show, the funds raised go to a wonderful organization, Give Us Your Poor. Thank you for your support.
Julie Zupan

I’ve seen Ken perform improv comedy for many years, and he is hilarious and more. I can’t wait for Friday night. This was a very nice radio piece. Thank you!
Carrie Brown

All I have to say is that Ken really knocked it out of the park with his performance. I found it to be so funny, touching and profound. I really feel that this could be a great platform for those that are facing the loss of a job and their professional identity. Thank you Ken for being such an inspiration, and please keep up the writing I want to see more!
http://www.giveusyourpoor.org John McGah

I knew Ken Grout was good, but this good!? The writing and the acting is of such high quality; it is laugh out loud funny, and compelling, and very moving.
Michael Antunes

The show was fantastic. The way Ken transformed himself into each character was incredible. It has been a week since I have seen the play and I am still replaying it in my head. Great Job!!
Ginger Russell

It was thoroughly amazing how immersed Ken became in his characters, which is why he can make you laugh hysterically and cry heartbreakingly within minutes of each other. And then by the very end, you suddenly remember, “Oh yeah! That was Ken!” I so very recommend it.
Ann Hansen

“Thelma Ritter Got Balls” is an uproarious, inspirational, tear-jerker roller coaster of ride. Ken immerses his audience in the lives of his amazing characters, and you take them with you when you leave. A well written, well acted, and very entertaining night at the theatre. Bravo, Ken.
http://audiodrama.com John Lisanti

This is a “don’t miss” one-man show that will have you laughing a lot and, at moments, crying with the rest of the audience. Once Ken walks on to the stage, you’ll be under his spell. His original vignettes and characters will evoke deeply personal feelings that are universally shared. Get energized! Don’t miss this.
http://www.kitschinsync.org John Chenier

Such a great show. Well written. Very well performed. I laughed. I cried. Wish I could go again tonight.
Jane Dolloff

Through Ken’s writing and performance, he transformed the words unemployment and homelessness into very real and personal feelings and experiences. Ken’s performance will have you riveted to your seat, and you will hardly stir until he has finished. Then you will be wanting more! What a show!
Peter and Jen

We had the privilege of seeing an advance copy of “Thelma” prior to the first performance, which we also attended. It was fantastic the first time, even more so the second. Ken Grout got balls. Big ones.

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