Marrying Internet Broadcasting with Live Theatre for an Exclusive Live Event
HOLLYWOOD, CA (February 12, 2014) — Universal Broadcasting Network (UBN Radio) is one of Los Angeles’ premiere online radio stations, broadcasting live from the historic Sunset-Gower Studios. Co-owners Ann Walker and Tony Sweet have grown the network from scratch to over 30 shows in just a year’s time. As part of their mission to develop positive entertainment, UBN Radio is planning the first of what they hope will be many live radio play events.
UBN’s Interweb Playhouse, a concept developed for the station by producer Robert Hensley, is a live event much like the radio plays and serials of yesteryear. The station is in the final stages of selecting a contemporary original play or a classic work to be presented as a live, on-air reading with a cast of professional actors. The goal is to provide the same live theatrical broadcast experience as Orson Welle’s iconic War of the Worlds, with less mayhem of course.
“We want to engage our audience,” says Hensley. “Yes, we want to entertain our listeners, but we also want them to come away with a new appreciation for theatre. If our reading can inspire one listener to buy a ticket to see a play, then we will have been completely successful.”
Hensley and UBN Radio have partnered with the Will Wallace Acting Company (WWAC) to present the live radio play event. WWAC is a Los Angeles-based troupe of actors, studying with working actor and director Will Wallace. The company also offers rotating classes in Austin and in the Midwest. Actors from WWAC will be cast for the reading.
“It’s an honor to work with Will Wallace and his students,” continues Hensley. “They are an incredibly dedicated and wonderfully talented group of actors. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the material.”
UBN’s Interweb Playhouse will broadcast live on Saturday, March 29 at 2:00 PM PST on Channel One at www.ubnradio.com. The play for the reading has not yet been announced. A pre-recorded encore presentation will also be announced soon.
For more information about this live radio event, please contact Robert Hensley via phone at (724) 984-7310 or email at [email protected].
For more information about UBN Radio, please contact Tony Sweet or Ann Walker via the main office at (323) 330-0662.
