Stories Told Through Sound Workshop Features A Centenary Alumnus

A workshop titled Stories Through Sound featuring an alumnus, Barry M. Putt, was held on Feb. 28 in the President’s Circle Room. The event was organized by Dr. Erica McCrystal, Assistant Professor of English.

During the event, Putt explained his work as an audio drama and story writer for American and Chinese entertainment companies. 

“I learn as a writer. That’s what is great about being a writer, or at least as a nonfiction writer, you learn all the time,” Putt said.

Audio dramas are performances broadcast on the radio or are published recordings of audio media or podcasted stories. 

Putt also discussed the history and the Golden Age for audio dramas (the 1920s-1960s). 

Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBS) was one of the main pioneers of audio drama. National Public Radio (NPR) also did a Star Wars audio drama in the 70’s (a recording of just audio from the movie). 

After introducing the world of audio dramas, Putt began his interactive workshop. 

Each participant was given paper and a pen to write an outline with some characteristics. After brainstorming distinct characteristics, Putt granted participants a 10-minute window to craft a concise narrative or synopsis inspired by the diverse traits they had generated.

Participants then were allotted time to ask Putt questions regarding audio dramas as well as ponder his craft of creative writing. 

“Writing a book is kind of like putting together a puzzle. You might not have the pieces immediately so you have to find them. Then, you have to put them together,” Putt said. “That was something that I found challenging while writing my books. But, my education at Centenary taught me the process of finding those puzzle pieces.”