American Radio Theater: Reviving the Golden Age of Audio Drama

Vintage radio microphone Did You Know? ART has brought over 100 "lost" radio plays back to life through meticulous script recreations!

American Radio Theater Logo

Bridging Classic and Contemporary Audio Theater

Founded in 2005, American Radio Theater (ART) has become a powerhouse in the audio drama revival movement. This non-profit organization stands out for its:

  • Dual mission of preserving classic radio plays and developing new works
  • Monthly podcast featuring both vintage recreations and original productions
  • Use of traditional 1930s production techniques alongside modern technology
  • Nationwide network of performers collaborating via Zoom
  • Special events featuring OTR veterans mentoring new talent

🎙️ Behind the Mic:

"We frequently invite Old Time Radio veterans to participate - their techniques are irreplaceable."
- Joy Jackson, ART President

✉️ "Alonzo's Watch, based on Civil War letters, was pure magic. That's why we do this."
- Joy Jackson on ART's most memorable production

Experience ART's Productions

🎭 Original Plays

📜 Explore Originals

ART's catalog of contemporary audio dramas

🔍 Lost Plays

🎧 Rediscovered Treasures

Recreations of scripts with no surviving recordings

🎂 10th Anniversary

📖 Anniversary Booklet

Celebrating a decade of audio theater (PDF)

🎧 Upcoming Event:

THE MAGNIFICENT MONTAGUE RETURNS!

Folklife Festival at Seattle Center

May 24, 2025 - 1:45 PM

Center Theater

Which classic radio show should ART recreate next?

Email your suggestions

Joy Jackson's OTR Insights

On Technology's Impact:

"The internet brought OTR to younger generations who never heard it on radio. MP3s made collecting easier but changed hobby dynamics."

On ART's Mission:

"We want to bring OTR stories back to life while encouraging new writers. Audio drama has a unique magic that's as fresh today as in the 1930s."

On Their Audience:

"The blind community and audiobook lovers are our natural audience - people who appreciate stories through sound."

Radio Enthusiasts Say...

From the mailbag...

Tom (Seattle)

"ART's recreation of 'The Magnificent Montague' was spot-on! They captured all the nuance of the original while making it feel fresh. Can't wait for their Folklife performance!"

From the mailbag...

Linda (Lexington)

"As a voice actor with ART's Kentucky chapter, I love how we bridge generations. Our recent show had a 22-year-old performing alongside an 80-year-old OTR veteran - magic happened!"

✉️ Share Your ART Experience

Comments may be edited for length/clarity.

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5 Forgotten 1940s Radio Shows That Deserve a Revival

Vintage radio microphone Tip: Click the show titles below to hear these vintage gems on Archive.org!

1. "The Cinnamon Bear" (1937)

A whimsical Christmas adventure with a dancing bear—think Wizard of Oz meets Rudolph.

📜 Iconic Moment:

ANNOUNCER: "Presenting The Cinnamon Bear, the thrilling adventures of Judy and Jimmy Barton..."

CINNAMON BEAR: (chuckling) "Oh my stars and garters! That Crazy-Quilt Dragon is up to no good!"

🎧 Listen to the complete series

2. "Dark Venture" (1944)

A noir-ish thriller about a war correspondent, lost years before Nightfall.

📜 Iconic Moment:

REPORTER: "The ruby was gone... and so was she. Just a note: 'Meet me where the trains don't stop.'"

🎧 Listen to surviving episodes

3. "Quiet, Please" (1947-1949)

A twilight-zone-esque horror-fantasy series by Wyllis Cooper (Lights Out creator).

📜 Iconic Moment:

NARRATOR: "It was just a whisper at first... then the sound of something alive inside the oil derrick."

🎧 Listen to the complete series

4. "The Hall of Fantasy" (1947-1953)

A Midwestern ghost-story anthology with cursed objects and haunted trains.

📜 Iconic Moment:

GAMBLER: "I'll see your soul... and raise you eternity."

🎧 Listen to available episodes

5. "Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator" (1951-1955)

A hardboiled detective who solved cases with wit instead of violence.

📜 Iconic Moment:

CRAIG: "The typewriter told me everything. The 'E' key stuck—just like the killer's alibi."

🎧 Listen to episodes

Which forgotten show deserves a comeback?

Comment below or email us!