HEAR Now is the audio equivalent of a film festival for contemporary audio storytelling in all its forms: live and scripted solo performances; multi-voiced, classic radio drama; experimental narrative; and much more. This four-day Festival offers a multi-faceted program showcasing the many genres of audio fiction and sound art storytelling in theaters and other “listening” venues throughout the Country Club Plaza and Westport communities in Kansas City, MO. The Festival presents audio fiction programs that exemplify traditions of craftsmanship, as well as aesthetic, and technological innovation.

The HEAR Now Festival is a gathering place where the work of master storytellers is celebrated and shared. In addition, the Festival exposes its audiences to recent developments in audio preservation by showcasing newly restored and archived award-winning audio dramas.

The Festival’s live and recorded programming bring together invited Guest Artists and registered participants in shows that vary from classic radio to sound art installations. Audio drama, audiobooks, recorded, and live storytelling, including spoken word, sketches, and poetry are all featured.

Important also to  HEAR Now‘s programming are academic level presentations focusing on audio art and storytelling, with an eye toward contemporary media outlets for work produced. These are offered as moderated discussions and panels to encourage an exchange of ideas between artists.

Workshops presented by invited faculty, whose award-winning skills, offer performers, producers, and podcasters registered in these master classes, tools needed to grow their performance, production, and marketing and distribution abilities.

HEAR Now  is a truly immersive experience in all aspects of the art and craft of audio fiction and sound art storytelling.