Did You Hear? Live Theatre on Local Radio
By Daelyn Terrell

The All Ears Theatre bring back the “thrilling days of live radio” with their action, humor, and adventure theatrics brought to you in your very own home, through your radio.

Developed by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, The All Ears Theatre made their debut in January 2002. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo was developed in 1966, working one-on-one with artists, organizational directors and other members to write grants and develop new program ideas, to promote the arts in this area. The All Ears Theatre came about from the efforts of local artists working together with the Arts Council.

The All Ears Theatre is run by director Don Ramlow and a crew of over 100 local actors, musicians, directors, sound techs, writers, and administrators. Some are experienced and some are new, some young and some old, and the cast encourages students and young children to audition and get involved as well.

Aspiring actors and scriptwriters can get a great start working for the All Ears Theatre, scripts are always accepted and being reviewed and auditions are held often. For more information on working for or volunteering with the All Ears Theatre, please visit their website.

Since performances are done without sets, costumes, or props; sound effects are what make the show. They are crucial for the performance to be successful on the radio. A group of sound techs and numerous items, from fans to sandbags, make the effects. The performances are done at the First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo in front of a live audience and then recorded to be broadcasted at a later date on WMUK 102.1 FM. The performances have a growing audience by positive word of mouth, offering twelve free shows per season.

The skill for live radio performance is spreading in Kalamazoo since the All Ears Theatre developed. The Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts is offering a new educational program initiative with audio theatre art form being taught. At the end of the year, the students will give a live performance.

The All Ears Theatre is a great way to see and hear the art of audio theatre. With a live performance followed by the broadcast on WMUK, the experience is complete. Using only your ears to experience the drama or comedy of these unique performances is truly something to encounter.