Write Radio Play Script Cues for Dialogue, Music, Sound EFFECTS & moreby Tony "Sparx" Palermo - Radio playwright, Sound Effects Artist, ComposerWhile there are hundreds of books on writing film screenplays and stage plays, radio scripting isn't a widely known form. However, because radio is produced with the script in HAND, it is important that the various cues for dialogue, music, and sound effects be able to quickly and clearly communicate the writer's intentions to the cast and crew for rehearsals and performance. Here are some suggestions and examples to encourage clearly written radio drama scripts.I not only write and PRODUCE my own radio dramas, but also re-create classic shows from the past and perform new works by contemporary writers. Through the years, I have found rehearsals and performances go more smoothly if the scripts are very precise in their instructions to cast and crew. This page--which I'll update as new ideas come to me--addresses the many radio drama conventions and guidelines in an effort to aid writers and directors--especially those with little radio production experience. I've worked on hundreds of radio dramas and have honed these techniques to the point where I can produce a 25-minute show in just two hours--from start to finish--(casting, rehearsal, and performance) for broadcast or recording. Here's the SECRET of how you can do it too.I mostly work in the live production style, where the dialogue, music, and sound effects occur in real time as the program is being performed for stage, recording, or broadcast. These guidelines will aid you greatly if you produce in a similar manner, but will also be useful if you record dialogue separately and then assemble the finished program in post-production. The intention of writing good radio drama cues is to clearly communicate all instructions, thereby cutting down on misunderstandings, notes, mistakes, and time. A well-written script will save everybody headaches and MAKE your shows easier and cheaper to produce.