Audio Play Elements
Back to Help- Back in the day, radio plays were often broken up by commercial breaks and an ACT is the section of show between each commercial break. Acts are optional in this format.
- SCENE HEADINGS are usually numbered like “Scene One” and can include a brief heading. There is no need for a description, since there is no visual element here. Instead, try to paint a picture in the listener's mind using sound to establish the scene.
- First write the CHARACTER name and then begin typing DIALOGUE. Each line of dialogue, sound and music is considered a "cue" and each cue can be numbered optionally when creating a PDF. Often a CHARACTER LIST appears under the scene heading, indicating the characters in a scene. If you choose to include the character list option when generating a PDF of your script, the lists will be created automatically.
- PARENTHETICALS are used to indicate the character's demeanor or note to whom they are speaking. In the AUDIO format, these are embedded in the dialogue, not a separate line. We do provide a parenthetical element, but only for the sake of format swapping.
- ACTION isn't often used except for writer or director notes to the actors or sound engineers. Do not include any visual description here!
- SOUND cues are very important in this format, so don't be afraid to write them in often. Most audio plays also have a number of MUSIC cues. Some SOUNDS and atmosphere can even be achieved through MUSIC, so be creative.
