The Arkansas Radio Theatre is proud to present the work of Arkansas writers, especially Arkansas Tech University students. Original radio plays include "Vim and Vigor" and "Trees Hate Us," which were featured in Liminalities, the online journal of the Performance Studies Division of the National Communication Association.
The Cryptid Killer
A murderer models his crimes on mythical beasts.
A thriller written and directed by Cannon Cobb
Starring: Joey Scheyder, Jack Button, and DeAngelo Long
Original broadcast: April 2021
"Elbow Grease" and Other Plays
Short works by ATU student dramatists Sheldon Slinkard, Leighann Dicks, and Dustin Jackson
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: February 2013
A Feline Romance
Cats fall in love.
Written and directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Justin Garton, Tyler Dodd, and Morgan Cheramie
Original broadcast: April 2015
Five Golden Rings
Five plays by ATU students
"If He Fails" by Lane Anderson, "A Knight's Penance" by Blane Freeman, "Welcome to the Leviathan" and "Big Birthday Bash" by Haley Sorg, and "Moon-Kissed and Falling" by Rue Recinos
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: Fall 2024
"The Gray House" and Other Ghost Stories
Tales by ATU students
"Just a Dream," written and performed by Elle Porterfield
"The Gray House," written by Bri DeClue, starring Anthony Woods
"The Dark Room in the Gallery," written and performed by Codi Crowe
Original broadcast: Fall 2022
Mount Monologue
Student-written solo plays, performed by the authors
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: October 2012
Mount Monologue II
Student-written solo plays, performed by the authors
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: November 2013
Mount Monologue III
Student-written solo plays, performed by the authors
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: Fall 2020
Perps & Vics
Crime drama spoof
Written by David J. Eshelman
Directed by Sheldon Slinkard
Starring: Duston Ramsey, Catherine Peca, and Alex Lake
Original broadcast: Spring 2011
The Playground King
Children scheme to see who will rule the playground.
A children's play by ATU student Tanner Williams
2018 Arkansas Tech University stage production directed by Stephanie Freeman
Adapted for the radio by David J. Eshelman, directed by Eshelman and Williams
Starring: Cannon Cobb, Maddie Geels, and Ashlin Trahan
Original broadcast: March 2019
Poets’ Ponderings: Steve Gehrke
Reading by an award-winning poet
Interviewed by Jay M. Hudkins
Original broadcast: March 2014
Tomorrow’s a New Day, Episode 1
Soap opera
Written by Aaron D. Wallis
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Leighann Dicks, Lydia Grate, and Larry Pettus
Original broadcast: Fall 2010
Tomorrow’s a New Day, Episode 2
Soap opera
Written by Aaron D. Wallis
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Josh Kelley, Susan Kidd, and Larry Pettus
Original broadcast: Fall 2010
Tomorrow’s a New Day, Episode 3
Soap opera
Written by Aaron D. Wallis
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Linda M. Logan, James Moses, and Larry Pettus
Original broadcast: Fall 2010
Tomorrow’s a New Day, Episode 4
Soap opera
Written by Aaron D. Wallis
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Jayne Sewell, Jaime Steele, and Larry Pettus
Original broadcast: Fall 2010
Trees Hate Us
(Available in Liminalities, volume 9 issue 3, http://liminalities.net/9-3/)
A tree tries to destroy humankind.
Written and directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Katie Jackson and Cameron Foster
Original broadcast: February 2013
Unwanted Guests
Stories of apparitions, by ATU students: "We Beg of You" by Bri DeClue; "The Tale of Subway Sam" by Joey Scheyder; and "Me, Him, and Some House Guests" by Jordan Clark
"We Beg of You" and "Me, Him, and Some House Guests" are directed by Caleb Foshe
"Subway Sam" is directed by David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: April 2022
The Value of Words
Space explorers use literary devices to outwit an alien monster.
Written by Siddalee Malone
Directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: Julius Chenault and Lane Anderson
Original broadcast: Fall 2024
Vim and Vigor
(Available in Liminalities, volume 6 issue 2, http://liminalities.net/6-2/)
Against all odds, two senior citizens find love at a Hot Springs Village dance class.
Written and directed by David J. Eshelman
Starring: David J. Eshelman
Original broadcast: April 2010