Looking for a fresh challenge over the winter months while cold weather and COVID keeps us all inside more? We’ve got just the thing for you.
Radio Shorts is the new cornerHOUSE radio drama initiative. Write and perform a short radio play (between 5 and 10 minutes long) and submit it to us.
Want to know more about how to record a radio play, including how to create or source great sound effects? Click here
Want to know more about what makes a great radio play, and how to write one? Click here
All plays will be listened to by our panel of listeners. We are looking for a number of good plays that will make for an interesting selection rather than a single “winner”, so all of the plays shortlisted by our panel will be featured on our website for everyone to access and listen to. If restrictions permit, there will also be a live audience event at the arts centre on Douglas Road next year.
How to submit your play
Submissions will be accepted up to and including Friday, February 5, 2021. Submit an MP3 or MP4 (audio) file with the same subject title as the play attached to it by email to thechartistic.team@gmail.com with “Radio Shorts” in the subject line.
Within the email please include the kind of two to three line description of the play you might find in the Radio Times. Here’s a recent example:
‘Katie has learnt to keep a lid on the simmering anger which inwardly rails at all the small everyday annoyances of life. It finally kicks off when her daughter announces she’s leaving and the local library is threatened with closure. Biting her tongue becomes a harder and harder thing to do.’
Starting and ending your recording.
At the beginning of your recording make the announcement below, just as you would expect if you turned on the radio to listen to it:
“(The title of your play)…and then your cast list…(character) is played by (your cast)…
For example: “Leaving the Nest”. Mother is played by Ann Payne, Aunt Joan is played by Sybil Jones and Dave is played by John Smith.”
End your play with the words: “This was a Radio Shorts Production”.
Do not mention your (ie the writer’s) name within the recording itself. The reason we ask you not to do this is that, in the same way as we judge plays submitted to our one act play competition, radio plays will be judged anonymously, and if you name yourself in the recording, our listening panel will know who you are (but, of course, please don’t think you can’t play a part in your play, or will need to disguise your voice if you do)
Some pointers for performance and recording
You don’t have to be a technical expert, you just have to make sure it’s audible!
Rehearse, and practise recording small sections until you’re happy with how it sounds.
This isn’t a live show so you have the luxury of wiping performances that don’t work well and making a better one.
Want to know more about how to record a radio play, including how to create or source great sound effects? Click here
Want to know more about what makes a great radio play, and how to write one? Click here
Any other questions? Email us via thechartistic.team@gmail.com with the words “Radio Shorts” in the email header.