This module focuses on the options for recording and producing a radio drama. You will study examples of broadcast dramas, identifying particular technical and directing skills you need to acquire, and targeting style and content to the most appropriate slot in the schedules. Working within a small team you will cast, direct, record and post-produce a 15 minute radio drama. You will keep a production diary throughout, on which you will base a final evaluation of your learning.

A PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO comprising a working draft script, a finished radio drama recording and evaluation. (100%) Learning Outcomes: 1 - 4

Key Information Set Data:
Practical 100%

You will learn mainly through the experience of producing your radio drama, with group tutorials and negotiation with your supervisor. Throughout the project you are encouraged to keep an individual production diary in which you systematically record your production meetings and your individual learning. This process of reflection on the production process, along with discussion of the finished programme with your peers, informs the project evaluation with which you conclude the module.

Key Information Set Data:
Scheduled learning 12%
Guided independent learning 88%

Portable recording kits and a selection of microphones
Online listening
Sound studios
Audio editing workstations
Audio playback equipment
Library resources
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Beck, A. 1997 Radio Acting London: A & C Black
Crook, T. 1999 Radio Drama: theory & practice London: Routledge
Hand, R.J. & Traynor, M. 2011 The Radio Drama Handbook London: Continuum
McLeish, R. 2005 Radio production: a manual for broadcasters (5th edn) Oxford: Focal
Rattigan, D. 2002 Theatre of Sound: radio and the dramatic imagination Dublin: Carysfort Press
Shingler, M. & Wieringa, C. 1998 On Air: methods & meanings of radio London: Arnold