Script Submission Guidelines
Would you like to write for American Radio Theater, to have your original radio play produced and offered for free on our podcast? ART is a non-profit organization and one of our goals is to encourage new writers to explore the possibilities that audio theater provides, to bring their words to life and to share our productions via the internet through our podcast. We are always looking for good scripts.If you would like to submit a script for possible production by ART, here is what you need to know:
We cannot pay you for your script. We do what we do for the love of the art and operate on a shoestring budget. We are a purely volunteer organization and nobody gets paid for anything. That includes scripts.But money isn't everything. We put our best effort into producing the shows you hear on our podcasts and we can offer you the opportunity to have your work produced and published.
In order to have your script accepted for production by ART you must follow some simple guidelines.
Scripts must be written in radio format. If you don't know what that is, please take a look at some of the examples posted on our scripts page. Scripts that are submitted in TV or Film format will not be considered.
Many submitted scripts rely heavily on visual references. These do not work on radio. Remember that with audio drama you have only three tools: voice, sound effects, and music. You must set your scene, create your action, and introduce your characters with only those tools. Visual cues do not come across.
Your script must be original. You must be the author. The characters must be your creations. The only exceptions to this rule are for historical dramas where the characters are public figures or if your script is an adaptation of an existing work that is clearly in the public domain.
Scripts must be a standard length. Standard radio time slots in the golden age of radio were fifteen minutes, half hour and one hour. We prefer to adhere to those lengths even though we are not actually bound by the clock. As a general rule, one page of script written in radio format will run about one minute so, for example, a half hour script should probably be in the range of 26 to 30 pages depending on how dense the dialog is. We have some flexibility on this but keeping the standard lengths in mind is still a good practice.
Scripts can be any genre. Our members have expressed an interest in doing more comedies but any genre will be considered. We are looking for good stories, well plotted with interesting and compelling characters. You can also improve your chances of acceptance if your script is suitable for the voices we have available to use.
All scripts submitted for consideration must be preceded by a signed release. You can download the release here. Fill it out completely, sign and mail to: ART, 3663 Carr Pl. N., Seattle, WA 98103. Once the release has been received we will contact you and arrange to receive a digital copy of your script.
Let's do some great things together!
