Exploring Theatre

Chapter 17: Readers Theatre and Radio Theatre

Overview

Readers theatre mingles oral interpretation with the performance of conventional theatre, but in readers theatre the readers hold scripts and are not dressed in costumes. In selecting printed material to use, one ought to look for an exciting piece—full of imagery—that seems like it will “turn on” an audience. One might cut or change a literary piece before it is presented; this is called adapting the piece. While rehearsing, the reading group should consider phrasing, staging, blocking, and focus.

Radio theatre, a reading of a play or story on the radio, is similar to readers theatre, only the audience cannot see the performers. The auditory design of the radio makes sound effects and voice of paramount importance in conjuring up images for the audience. One must develop the energy, emotional range, emphasis, flexibility, clarity, and expressiveness of one's voice to be an effective radio theatre performer.