How do I get work as an actor on radio?
There are numerous ways, but the most likely are the following:
- Your work might be heard in the theatre, on TV, in film – and you might be cast in a radio play on the strength of that performance
- You may have auditioned for a role in a specific project (though Radio rarely holds auditions for casting unless producers are seeking specific dialects or vocal ranges)
- You may have attended an actors’ workshop run by Radio Drama and been recommended on the strength of your performance at that
- You might have sent the department a voice CD which has been heard and sufficiently well-liked that it is remembered when producers are casting and looking for new voices
How do I submit a voice CD?
You can send a CD to BBC Radio Drama at the following address:
Soundstart Office
BBC Radio Drama
East Wing
Bush House
The Strand
London WC2B 4PH
We cannot guarantee an acknowledgement.
What should I include on a voice CD?
Most actors’ voice-reel showcase the range and versatility of their voice.
If, however, actors want advice on how to put together a CD, Radio Drama suggests the following:
Enclose with your CD an accompanying letter and CV – this is especially useful if you can highlight radio, theatre, film or TV credits. And timing is also critical: if you are about to appear on stage, in a radio production or on TV, it is possible for Radio Drama to flag that fact and to encourage producers to see your performance firsthand.
- select no more than 8 pieces, each approx 1 minute long
- make sure they’re contrasting
- make sure that they cover a range that, where possible, includes some demonstration of all or some of the following:
- Comedy
- Classic drama
- Contemporary prose
- Native accent or dialect
- Something from contemporary theatre
- Include a poem...
- Or a song, if you wish
- Include any accents/dialects with which you are comfortable
- each extract should start with the name of the play and role you are playing
- on Track 1, it’s helpful to introduce yourself to demonstrate your natural voice
What will happen to my voice CD next?
- Experienced Radio Drama staff will listen to your voice CD. If it is felt that your voice could be useful when casting, the CD will be heard in a group meeting of producers. These meetings happen approximately once every 3 - 6 months.
- The department may retain your CD for further reference
- From time to time, voice CDs may be returned. If you need a return, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope
- Submitting a voice CD is NO GUARANTEE that it will progress through a casting system
What could happen if my voice CD is well received?
- You could be invited to an actors’ workshop
- You could be invited in to meet a producer who is casting in your voice range... And
- You could be asked to come in to audition for a role in production
What are Actor's Workshops?
Radio Drama holds these as required throughout the year.
Workshops are held in a BBC Drama studio (where possible) and the sessions recorded for private audition
Copies of the workshop recording may be circulated after the event to other Drama producers.
Workshops normally run for a four-hour morning or afternoon session
An ideal number of actors for a workshop is eight.
Workshops usually focus on a specific voice range, e.g. a workshop for older character actresses, young male voices that can range from teens to late twenties, etc.
Attendance is through invitation. This might arise from any one of the following:
- A producer has worked with you and recommends you to others
- A producer has heard your work and wants to see how your voice would work on Radio
- You’ve submitted a voice CD that has been well–liked
- Your work has been seen on TV
- You might be offered a contract with the Radio Drama Company
- You might be offered a freelance engagement in a radio play
- Your workshop recording will be available to other Drama directors in the department
- You will receive a letter thanking you for attending
ATTENDING A WORKSHOP DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RADIO WORK
