BBC - the L.A.B - Audio workshops

If you've ever turned on your radio or downloaded an audio podcast from your computer and fancied trying your hand at making your own show then the audio L.A.B is for you. We'll take you through the process of writing a short interview outline and practicing radio interview techniques, to script writing and adding sound effects and music with our easy to use software.

We can also help you learn how to make musical jingles, loops and sound tracks using our easy to use software. You can attach musical instruments to the computers or use musical loops to create a soundtrack for a movie.

There are a number of different workshops in the audio L.A.B. Check out the available workshops below.

You can have a listen to some of the podcasts created by previous audio L.A.B groups. Just click on one of the images to the right.

Podcast challenge!

Children (age 8+)

Take up our podcast challenge - work as a group make, record and build a short podcast for the new BBC Learning podcasting club. The session covers interview techniques, scripting and some editing. Come with your own ideas or we can set you a challenge.

The following dates are available -

January 12th / 13th and 14th 2010

More dates coming soon ...

To sign up for these workshops Email: labscotland@bbc.co.uk or tel: 0141 422 7896

Key Elements

Interview techniques and styles; Scripting for speech; Basic sound editing (using Garage Band); Having a finished podcast by the end of the session.

Listen Up! (audio magazine)

Children and adults (age 7+)

Welcome to the real world of audio broadcasting. Learn to interview and construct a radio feature. Working as a group make, record and build a short radio programme. The session covers interview techniques, scripting and some editing. Come with your own ideas or we can work with you on the day. You can do interviews, vox pops ... even make up a quiz.

Key Elements

Interview techniques and styles; Scripting for speech; Basic sound editing (using Garage Band); Having a finished programme by the end of the session.

Radio Drama

School children (age 7+)

Make your own episode of a soap opera or radio drama. Have fun acting, directing and making the sound effects. Come along to the workshop with a script you have already written or use one we have prepared.

This workshop can also be used for other creative content such as stories and poems.

Key Elements

Using dialogue; Creating sound effects; Basic recording techniques; Basic sound editing (using Garage Band).

Sounds Alright!

All ages

This workshop is all about the creative use of sounds and sound effects. Take part in a sound quiz, make your own sound effects and then write and record a story around them. You might even make an audio story from sound alone. The content of the workshop can be tailored to any age group. Come away listening to the world in a different way.

Key Elements

Listening; Creating sound effects; Storytelling; Basic recording techniques; Basic sound editing (using Garage Band).

Drama Studio Experience

All ages

How does a real drama studio work? In this special workshop the children will be given the chance to be actors, directors and studio managers as they work through a drama script and produce a short radio drama.

This workshop is aimed at children with an interest in acting and drama. It takes place only a few times in the year. The number taking part in the workshop is limited to 10.

Key Elements

Experience of a real drama studio; Acting; Making sound effects; Basic mixing (Garage Band).