Online Writing Course

Live Online: Why write audio drama? An introduction for writers

Online // 

31st October
7pm (UTC+0)

With the recent boom in audio drama, this is a great time for writers to try creating an audio play. At this workshop we’ll talk through everything from writing for sound to pitching your script.

Audio drama has enjoyed a huge growth in popularity over the last few years. Whereas previously BBC Radio 4 might have been the only place you’d have heard radio drama, now the world of podcasting offers creators a platform for their talents. With major players like Spotify, Audible and Realm also commissioning their own original dramas there’s never been a better time for writers to have a go at creating an audio play. The topics we’ll cover on this workshop will be:

• Why write audio drama : the challenges and possibilities for writers?

• The different types of audio drama

• Writing dialogue for audio drama

• “Show, don’t tell” isn’t going to work in this game! An introduction to working without visuals

• Openings and plot devices for your audio drama

• Writing in sound – writing place and sound directions in your drama

• Working with actors – writing character directions and other things your actors will need to know (includes contributions from one of our actors)

• Finishing touches – table reads and working with a director – the amendments a writer may want to make after this stage

• Pitching your audio drama script. How and where to do it.

• Question and answer session

All attendees will receive an information pack and access to Alternative Stories Podcast series on creating audio drama.

Learning online

To take part, you will need a computer or smart device and reliable internet connection. You will receive a Zoom link for the masterclass by email the day before the event. If you haven’t received the link by the morning of event, please check your spam/trash folders, or send an email to ennis@londonlitlab.co.uk. If you need to get in contact with Chris, his email is: office@alternativestories.com

You’ll have the option to join an online workspace where the tutor, Chris Gregory, will share extra resources, and where you can interact further with Chris and fellow participants beyond the Zoom class.

The workshop will be recorded and made available to ticket holders for two weeks after the live session. 

Writing for audio series

This workshop is the first of six Live Online sessions with Chris Gregory on writing for audio. You can book these individually, or book all six at a discounted price of £180. The other workshops are:

Audio drama from page to production: behind the scenes

The art of the audio monologue: a guide for writers

Writing for the ears: an audio fiction and poetry challenge

Promote your work via audio! Recording & podcasting for writers

Secrets of a voice actor: presenting, acting & video games

Watch Chris introduce the series in this short video:

 

Course dates

31st October
7pm (UTC+0)

Course location

This is an online course

Cost

£40

Half-price place

There will be two half-price places and one free place available on a first come first served basis. Please email ennis@londonlitlab.co.uk to let us know if you would like one of these spots. Please note, you can only have one discounted place across all six of Chris Gregory’s Live Online workshops.

Further Info

The course will run with a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 20. Any questions at all, please drop us a line at info@londonlitlab.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help!

About the tutor

Chris Gregory founded and runs Alternative Stories, an independent spoken-word production company making podcasts and radio programmes for a variety of clients. Twice representing the UK at the International Radio Drama Festival and nominated for numerous Audio Verse awards, Alternative Stories productions have been heard on BBC radio, on podcasts and on radio stations in North America and Australia. Specialising in literary productions, Chris has interviewed and worked with many of the UK’s leading writers and poets and Alternative Stories actors have appeared in films and television, in BBC radio productions and on stages in the West End and throughout the UK.

Live Online: Why write audio drama? An introduction for writers