Kids' Writes

Kids' Writes is an early program on the children's network Nickelodeon, running from 1982 to 1987. The main cast included Jim Mairs, Wynn White, Carlo Grossman, John Rousseau and Steve Rifkin. The cast wore similarly styled jumpsuits, each a different color. The premise of the show was that children would compose short stories and mail them to the actors. The best stories were then acted out on camera before a live audience on a unique set consisting of wooden ramps, steps, metal hoops, nets, and overhangs. Before each story or song, its title was shown, along with the author's name and hometown. New episodes were produced from 1981 to 1983. During this period, the closing of each show included a voiceover from Mairs, requesting unique and original stories be contributed by the viewers. The request was removed when Kids' Writes ceased production in 1983; reruns were aired on Nickelodeon until 1987. Stories portrayed on Kids' Writes would often involve typical child fantasies such as space flight, monsters, and children becoming heroes to "save the day". Several stories featured devices known as "tickling boots", no doubt reflecting the pleasure young children associate with the act of being tickled. Some submissions became songs where Jim Mairs and Steve Riffkin wrote the music, mostly performed by Jim on guitar or piano.