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Shortwave Kitsch Is Bringing Old-School Radio Drama Back to Charleston This Weekend
August 14–15, 2026 | Gage Hall | Downtown Charleston
Looking for something a little different this weekend? Step back into the golden age of radio — with a distinctly Charleston twist.
Shortwave Kitsch returns to the stage at Gage Hall for three live performances featuring the sounds, storytelling and theatrical fun of a 1940s radio show reimagined for a modern audience.
The company describes its productions as real-life theatrical presentations of classic radio-style entertainment, complete with performers, sound effects and stories performed live in front of an audience. Each show features two episodes of new and old Shortwave classics.
🎙️ FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Shortwave Kitsch: What’s the Pitch?!
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Kick off the weekend with What’s the Pitch?!, an evening featuring two episodes from the Shortwave Kitsch collection.
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.
🎭 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 — MATINEE
Shortwave Kitsch: The Screaming Abdabs!
🕝 2:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Prefer an afternoon show? The Saturday matinee brings The Screaming Abdabs! to the stage, again featuring two episodes of Shortwave Kitsch’s new and classic radio repertoire.
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.
📻 SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 — EVENING
Shortwave Kitsch: What’s Buzzin’, Cousin?
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Gage Hall
4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Round out the weekend with What’s Buzzin’, Cousin? — another live presentation featuring two episodes of Shortwave Kitsch’s unique blend of theatrical storytelling and vintage radio-show nostalgia.
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of event.
📻 WHAT IS SHORTWAVE KITSCH?
Think 1940s radio theater meets live Charleston performance art.
Shortwave Kitsch recreates the experience of listening to an old-fashioned radio drama — except you’re sitting in the audience watching the magic happen in front of you. The performers bring the stories to life with theatrical performances and live sound effects, creating an experience that is part theater, part nostalgia and entirely its own thing.
The company celebrates Charleston’s vibrant arts community and encourages audiences to support local theater, music and the arts.
📍 THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
Friday, August 14 — 7:30 PM
What’s the Pitch?!
Saturday, August 15 — 2:30 PM
The Screaming Abdabs!
Saturday, August 15 — 7:30 PM
What’s Buzzin’, Cousin?
Location: Gage Hall, 4 Archdale Street, Charleston
Tickets: $20 advance / $25 day of show
If you’re looking for an entertaining way to spend the weekend — and want to experience something that feels wonderfully different from the typical Charleston night out — tune in, sit back and let Shortwave Kitsch take you somewhere between the golden age of radio and the modern stage.
Learn more & buy tickets at Shortwave Kitsch
Photo Credit: Shortwave Kitsch
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