A writer at last fall’s LRWN conference said, “Finally, a place is actually soliciting submissions. How refreshing.”
Since its beginnings, Lakes Area Theatre (LAT) has had a call out for script submissions. Lakes Area Theatre produces a weekly radio theater show which is currently heard in the Alexandria, MN and Marshall, MN areas. The shows represent all genres. They are produced from a combination of old time radio scripts and scripts written by contemporary playwrights from throughout the United States. You can learn more about submitting a script on the LAT website at www.lakesareatheatre.com/getinvolved. The information outlines the royalty agreement as well.
Now the burning question is what makes up a good script? Here are some of my pat answers. A compelling/engaging/funny/you-add-your-adjective story or plot line with sub plots is necessary. There will be conflict and resolution. Character creation and development is crucial. They must be believable to the plot situation. The setting of a show is important. What is the location and what is the date or time of year/day/hour? Remember that the story is being written for the ear. The script must be made up of picture words which help define the action and setting for the audience. Dialogue is a very important aspect to consider when writing. It must sound natural and authentic while suiting the character’s personality. Using sound effects and/or music is vital to establishing the setting, action, or mood. These are all elements of a good script. You can do an Internet search on the subject and get the same feedback and more tips than can be covered in this blog. There will be good sources for how to layout a radio theater script also.
The magic comes when all the components meld together. When reading script submissions for the first time there are those that I just know will make great shows and others that will not. The selection process is very subconscious. It might be compared to seeing a well bred, sleek racehorse next to an old, swayback work horse. You don’t need to know much about horse conformation to determine which horse is more likely to win a race. You just instinctively know.
Read your script aloud before submitting it. Find family or friends to act out the script and encourage their feedback. Close your eyes and listen carefully as your story unfolds. You can learn much by using this technique prior to editing. Some contemporary story examples that LAT produced are on the website under Past Shows: 2012 – Jan. 22 How Love Came To Louie Polanski; 2011 – Oct. 23 The Good Death, July 17 The Further Adventures of Phoebe and Maude, June 17 First National Bank, April 17 Vince Washburn: New Age Detective, Feb. 20 Drummer’s Dome; 2010 – Dec. 26 The Further Adventures of Phoebe and Maude, Oct. 24 The Diary. Listen to them while keeping the above elements in mind.
If after submitting the script I feel some aspects need a boost, we will work on it to tighten up the story. I look forward to any and all submissions to lakesareatheatre@gmail.com or Lakes Area Theatre, 2214 Geneva Road NE, Alexandria, MN 56308.
Ann Hermes holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism, a B.A. in Speech Rhetoric/Public Address, and an M.A. in Philanthropy and Development. She has been a television reporter, TV anchorwoman, and a writer/producer of multi-media presentations. She currently is the Artistic Director for Lakes Area Theatre producing weekly, half-hour radio theatre shows, which are broadcast on a local Alexandria, MN AM radio station. She also operates her freelance business, Choice Voice, providing writing services for multi-media productions, voice acting, and on-camera acting services.
Tagged: Call for Manuscripts, Lakes Area Theatre, Publishing, Submission Guidelines, Writing Process
