The Radio Drama Handbook combines both theory and practice to lead, stepwise, to a full understanding of radio drama form. Broken down into two large sections, the first gives the reader an overview of English language radio drama in the US and UK and explains a variety of approaches to how radio can be understood to function as a dramatic and performative medium. The second section puts the academic groundwork into practice by leading the reader through the process of developing and creating a radio script and gives an understanding of the unique techniques demanded in radio performance skills. With a wide selection of case studies and practical exercises to make the book engaging and, above all, useful, the authors analyze War of the Worlds, We're Alive: A Story of Survival, and The Terrifying Tale of Sweeney Todd! Each section will be accompanied by practical exercises and suggested activities. Practice oriented and teacher/student friendly, this handbook is sure to become the new standard for all radio drama courses.

Section 1: A Contextual Guide to Radio Drama Chapter 1: History of Radio DramaCase Study: Mercury Theatre on the Air's "War of the Worlds" (1938)Chapter 2: Theories of Radio DramaCase Study 2: The Revenge and A Pot Calling the Kettle BlackChapter 3: Radio Drama in the Contemporary WorldCase Study: We're Alive: A Story of Survival (2009 onwards)Section 2: A Practical Guide to Radio DramaChapter 1: WritingChapter 2: Production Chapter 3: PerformingCase Study: The Terrifying Tale of Sweeney Todd!Appendix: Writing Effective Radio Ad Copy: Six Steps to Successful Radio Commercials by Rik FerrellBibliographyWebsitesRadio, Audio and Screen Filmography