In a post on the Stage 32 blog, Sara Hathaway offers advice for writing and creating your own audio drama. “Audio dramas are a fun way to bring your project to life without the cost of television production,” she writes. “With the introduction of podcasting and its resulting popularity, audio dramas are making a comeback.” Here are five steps to making it happen:
- The Script. Hathaway adapted her novel series into audio drama, while also expanding the script to give readers new content. Because you’re working with audio only, you need to find ways to bring the script to life. You can use a narrator for exposition, but then your drama may sound more like an audio book than a radio series, Hathaway cautions.
- Performers. Unless you have the finances, you may be relying on volunteers from among your friends and fellow podcasters. This site doesn’t endorse offering exposure as payment, but you may have friends willing to work with you for fun. You can also consider trading services, such as lending your voice to another writer’s audio drama.
- Editing. Hathaway has her actors record their parts separately and then she edits them together in Audacity and AVS Audio editor. She also uses special effects – many offered as on a Creative Commons basis – to make her presentation pop.
- Background Sounds. “When a character stands up, the chair moves, you hear footsteps, and then they open and close the door before walking down three stairs,” Hathaway notes. “These details are just as crucial as the residual sounds in the house and the birds calling outside.”
- Music. A soundtrack can help set the tone of your drama. You can license music files inexpensively or find free Creative Commons music online.
