Drake University Students Record Audiobook Trilogy
A student cast and crew are bringing an original trilogy to life through a new audiobook production project in Des Moines.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Language Learning
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Junior Savannah Switzer has cast 16 Drake University undergraduates to voice an audiobook version of her recently penned literary trilogy. The production team officially kicked off the project with their first recording session this October.
Why it matters
This student-led project highlights the intersection of independent authorship and collaborative creative arts on campus. It provides participants with practical experience in voice acting and professional sound design.
The production involves a cast of 16 undergraduate students and a specialized crew to record three books written over 1.5 years. Switzer, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at 16, began writing the series at age 14.
The players
Savannah Switzer
She is a junior at Drake University who authored a trilogy of books.
Drake University
This is the higher education institution in Des Moines serving as the hub for the audiobook production.
The details
The production team includes Maddie Brady as dialect coach, Kara Cody as sound designer, and Abby Raper as combat coordinator. Sessions are held on Saturdays at Drake University to manage the recording process for the entire trilogy.
Timeline
Savannah Switzer released the first book of her trilogy in January 2025.
The cast held their first recording session in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This production follows the established pattern of university students leveraging collaborative media programs to produce professional-grade audio content. The project illustrates a broader shift toward peer-driven media creation within academic environments.
The project creates unique collaborative opportunities for students interested in the publishing and audio arts industries. Residents can expect to see increased artistic output coming from the campus as the recording sessions continue on Saturdays.
The takeaway
Authors with learning differences can successfully navigate the publishing industry through perseverance and creative collaboration. Aspiring creators should focus on building a dedicated team to help translate their vision into new formats.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative efforts in the Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times-Delphic.
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