From 1945 to 1963, listeners across the nation tuned in to Theatre Guild on the Air. Created by the Theatre Guild, which produced 220 plays on Broadway, Theatre Guild on the Air broadcast radio retellings of classic and contemporary plays, bringing the Great White Way to Main Street, USA.

Now, Penfold Theatre is hosting a series of live readings, free-of-charge, from the Theatre Guild on the Air Collection at the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas. Performed in the live radio show format by local actors and a foley sound artist, audiences will hear the original Broadway broadcasts given new life.

After each hour-long reading, Penfold’s artistic directors will host a discussion between the audience and artists. All this takes place on the beautiful grounds of Austin’s historic Neill-Cochran House Museum, originally an iconic mansion house built in the mid-19th century.

The event schedule:

SEPTEMBER 5TH @6pm

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare

SEPTEMBER 19TH @6pm

This Side of Paradise

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

OCTOBER 3RD @6pm

Vanity Fair

By William M. Thackeray

This event will take place outdoors with social distancing. You can find more COVID safety protocols on Penfold’s website.

Parking lot behind the venue and overflow parking on 23rd street.

Intended for high school+.

Poster credit: Corinna Browning (Ghost Next Door Designs)