Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks seeks original scripts for live performance by the On-the-Air Radio Players.
This year the theme is "Voices from the Past"
Looking for scripts written in the style of old-time radio, with plenty of sound effects for our talented foley artists to play with! It could be a new episode of an old show. Or it could be contemporary characters written in an old-time style. In addition to sound effects, we favor scripts with a variety of voices and good roles for females. New this year - a special category for best fake commercial. Give it a show with a one-minute pitch of a made-up product or one that is no longer around. As always, scripts must be family-friendly for an audience of all ages.
Here's what you win:
1. See and hear your script performed! (scheduled for June 2014, specific dates to be announced.)
2. The recorded show will be available for streaming and downloading from our website!
3. Cash prizes! (First place: $50; Second place: $30; Third place: $20; Best commercial: $10)
Deadline is February 1, 2014
Rules for Scriptwriting Contest for OTARP Radio Drama:
• The script should be between 15 minutes and 25 minutes in length.
• It must be an original script, unpublished, unproduced and free of royalty and copyright restrictions.
• It must be appropriate in language and theme for a “family” audience.
• There are no limits on cast size, sound effects or settings, but keep in mind that your script should be able to be performed with an ensemble of 6 to 12 people, and the sound will be created by a table full of gadgets, gizmos and the vocal talent of our sound effects wizards. We use an electronic keyboard for musical intros and outros, but we do not use pre-recorded sound effects in general or licensed musical recordings in our shows.
• Up to 3 scripts may be submitted by one author.
• All scripts must be postmarked by or before February 1, 2014 or send by email by or before that date. Winners will be notified by April 1, 2014.
• Scripts will be judged anonymously by a panel selected by the Board of Directors of the On-the-Air Radio Players.
How to Submit a Script:
We now accept electronic submissions as well as hard copy submissions. All scripts should be typed using a standard radio script formatting (see next page for example) and numbered. The author’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript except the first title page. Please include TWO title pages: the first one will include the title, your name, address, phone number, and email address. The second title page will have the title only.
Scripts will not be returned, so save a copy for yourself!
Send your scripts to:
County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks
Attn: OTARP Radio Scriptwriting Contest
P.O. Box 907755
Henrico, VA 23273
Or email it to: per22@co.henrico.va.us with the subject line OTARP Scriptwriting Contest
Judges’ decision is final. Judges reserve the right not to award all prizes if no suitable script is chosen. If your script is chosen we reserve the right to edit for time and format. The County of Henrico does not assume responsibility for loss, damage or return of scripts.
Questions? Email us at info@OTARP.com
SAMPLE FORMATTING FOR RADIO SCRIPTS:
(Music intro)
ANNCR: With the sweep and fury of the resurrection – (stinger)
There’s a New World a Coming!
(Music)
ANNOUNCER: Every Sunday at this hour WMCA in cooperation with the Citywide Citizens Committee on Harlem brings you a series of vivid programs dramatizing Negro Life in America, based on the theme of Roy Utley’s book, “New World A Coming.”
SFX of tanks rolling along)
SARGE: Hey, Lieutenant,
COUCH: Yes, Sergeant?
SARGE: What’s that up ahead of us?
COUCH: Where?
SARGE: Just off the side of the road, straight ahead of us. Here. Here look through these binoculars.
COUCH: Say, looks like a few tanks.
SARGE: Yeah well what’s on them, stars or swastikas?
COUCH: Stars!
SARGE: Let’s race out there and get them.
(Music)