The Radio Drama Handbook: Audio Drama in Context and Practice

(Paperback)

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This is a brilliant resource that intelligently mixes superbly written theory with cutting edge media practice. Professor Hand applies all the immense strengths of his scholarship and knowledge of US and UK radio drama to blend history and theory and explain how this informs best practice. Together with Mary Traynor they enthuse, inspire and guide radio drama writing, performance, direction and postproduction. This invaluable handbook is indispensable in the age of interactive audio drama production in cyberspace as well as traditional BBC style studio recordings. A masterpiece of teaching and research and rallying point for expressing audio drama as an art-form in the 21st century. --Tim Crook, Head of Radio at Goldsmiths, University of London and author of Radio Drama: Theory and Practice and Writing Audio Drama
Richard J. Hand and Mary Traynor have produced a monumental resource that is especially valuable to media educators who seek to facilitate imaginative, creative thinking about audio drama. The text offers valuable case studies, class exercises, vivid examples, scripts, and insightful commentary of classic broadcasts and web produced audio drama. Particularly informative is the focus on productions created by a new generation of enterprising internet companies like Chatterbox Audio Theater and Icebox Radio Theater. These small scale production groups are utilizing web technologies to expand the freedom of dramatic expression and interactivity with their audiences. Hand and Traynor provide excellent illustrations of the role of audio drama in contemporary media and its rediscovery by young media entrepreneurs. --Frank Chorba, Founding Editor, Journal of Radio & Audio Media

Author Bio

Richard J. Hand is Professor of Theatre and Media Drama at the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Glamorgan, Wales UK. His publications include Terror on the Air: Horror Radio in America, 1931-52 (McFarland, 2006) and The Theatre of Joseph Conrad: Reconstructed Fictions (Palgrave, 2005). He is the co-editor of the Journal of Adaptation in Film and Performance. He has published articles on radio drama with a special interest in adaptation and popular genre and has presented his research on the topic at a number of international conferences. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Mary Traynor is Head of Teaching and Learning at the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Glamorgan, Wales UK. She teaches a range of radio topics including production, presentation, and drama. Her research interests are essentially practice-based including research into community radio production and radio drama production. She manages the University's input into the local radio station, GTFM. This involves overseeing programming, managing radio training courses and facilitating participation in the radio station by the wider community. She is a member of the Radio Academy, Student Radio Association, and the Community Media Association.