HIGHLAND ARTS THEATRE

When the pandemic hit, one of our first ideas for moving forward was HAT Radio - a collection of audio dramas written by and featuring Cape Breton artists. Now, we’re thrilled to unveil… HAT Radio: Season One.


PLEASE NOTE: These episodes are all self-contained and designed to be watched in whatever order you choose.

For best results, please consider listening with friends or through noise-cancelling headphones.


HAT Radio Season One is brought to listeners free of charge thanks to thousands of monthly donations through our Radical Access Program, as well as additional funding through the province of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

To find out more about how you can support Radical Access and the creation of more free content by Cape Breton artists, please visit our website at highlandartstheatre.com

HAT Radio Season One is produced and edited by Ohan Vandermeer through Dialed In Audio.

Highland Arts Theatre Radio Presents
Episode One: "Prom-icide"

by Nicole MacDougall
Directed by Wesley J. Colford
Sound Design by Ohan Vandermeer

Featuring the voice talents of Lesley MacLean as Kelly, Mea Tonet as Laura, and Kevin Munroe as Jake.

Prom night should be the stuff of every girl’s dream, but for Laura and Kelly… it’s about to become a nightmare.

Warning: Some mild mature content which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. Discretion is advised.

The original production was directed by Nicole MacDougall as part of the Cape Breton Stage Company’s Street Festival in 2010.

Highland Arts Theatre Radio Presents
Episode Two: "My Friend's Best Friend's Boyfriend"

Written and directed by Wesley J. Colford
Sound Design by Ohan Vandermeer

Featuring the voice talents of Dane Pedersen as Ben, Jonathan Lewis as Alex, Mackenzie Sechi as The Friend’s Best Friend, and Brandon Carabin as The Boyfriend.

Ben and Alex are hunkered down for a long overdue “Guy’s Night”, but when a mysterious phone call interrupts their plans, Ben is pressured into revealing the questionable relationship details of his “friend’s best friend’s boyfriend”.

Content Advisory: This play features discussion of mature content and may not be appropriate for younger listeners.

The original production was directed by Joanne Williams as part of the New Ideas Festival at Alumnae Theatre in 2013.

Highland Arts Theatre Radio Presents
Episode Three: "Speed of Life"

Written & Directed by Scott Sharplin
Sound Design by Scott Sharplin & Ohan Vandermeer

Featuring the voice talents of Dave Petrie as Ludd and Scott Sharplin as the Narrator.

In a world where animals speak, an old barnyard mule recounts his days on the Barrowman farm to his dear friend, Deere, unconsciously revealing the truth behind his lifelong mantra: "On this Earth, as in Heaven: SPEED equals LOVE."

Warning: Some mild mature content which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. Discretion is advised.

The original production was directed by Scott Sharplin and developed by Cape Breton University as part of the Elizabeth Boardmore One-Act Play Festival. It would have premiered in March 2020, before being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, it was originally written to be a part of “Good Animals”, an anthology play that premiered at the Highland Arts Theatre in January 2019, before being cut from the production due to time constraints. We are thrilled to finally bring it to life.