All Ears Theatre / Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
All Ears Theatre (All Ears) debuted in January 2002 as a collaboration of local artists organized by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Led by veteran radiotheatre producer Don Ramlow, All Ears presents twelve free performances each season in the style of radio’s golden age, a mix of classics, adaptations and original scripts, with stories ranging from mystery, to science fiction, to fantasy. Actors, musicians, and sound-effects artists perform on stage before a live audience at the First Baptist Church in downtown Kalamazoo. These shows are recorded live and then broadcast on WMUK 102.1 FM.
Even without theatrical sets, costumes, or props, All Ears performances are highly kinetic and very entertaining. Manual sound effects play a crucial role in every performance. Everyday sounds are reproduced using fans, saws, sandbags, plungers, children’s toys — whatever it takes. Futuristic noises such as spaceships and ray guns are imagined and then created by sound-effects artists utilizing unique, and often unexpected, sound sources. Children, in particular, are often fascinated by what they observe.
All Ears is not only a local gem, but has also garnerednational respect through participation in national radio-theatre conventions and has received significant awards and recognitions. All Ears is also a unique contribution to Kalamazoo’s historical, educational, and cultural scenes. So unique is All Ears Theatre that Kiplinger’s named it a “Must-See Freebie.” That is why audiences of all ages have come to love this artistic offering.