Contestants will present an original radio program written by the students and/or sponsor, or a program that has been adapted by the students and/or sponsor. Credit must be given to the original author. The drama is to be prepared as a presentation over a Christian radio station.
Requirements
- No more than five contestants and/or student technicians may be involved. Adults may give technical guidance and advice, but the students must do the preparation and production.
- Contestants may portray more than five characters. Females must play female roles, and males must play male roles.
- The drama must convey a Christian, moral, or character-building theme.
- Students must specify the audience to whom the program is being presented (i.e. children, adults, etc.).
- Contestants will not perform the presentation before a panel of judges. The contestants’ audio recording (pre-recorded presentation) will be judged.
- The program must be recorded in an MP3-type format, and the file must be clearly labeled by entry number, title (no contestant name or school information), and the suggested age group of the audience for ease of judging. The file must be able to open and play on any computer without additional software.
- The maximum time limit for the recording is eight minutes.
- For judging criteria, see form MDF10 (shown on each event's page).
Before Registration Day – Each school must submit their Radio Program entries digitally at least fourteen days prior to the beginning of PILOTS. Entries will be submitted through the PILOTS program; further information will be communicated via email.
Tips:
- Remember, when recording the radio program, the audience can only hear the students. Gestures and facial expressions are of no value, so students should stress voice inflections.
- Avoid background distractions such as crackling or shuffling papers, scraping chairs, or clearing of the throat.
- Make a presentation with a specific audience in mind, including preparing the script carefully, giving attention to the introduction, body, and conclusion so the intended message is conveyed.
- Practice until the students are thoroughly familiar with the script before making a recording in order to avoid monotones and mechanical expressions.
- Avoid long pauses or "dead time." Speak into the microphone at the appropriate distance to avoid crackling, distortion, or breathing sounds, while focusing on pronouncing words clearly.