Example of the Format of a Radio Play Script

This is a basic sample of a radio play script template generated by AI, purely to demonstrate as part of our how to write a radio play checklist, but there are many examples available online. I would recommend that you research the station you are interested in writing for and check their criteria before submitting.

As you can see, each character’s lines are written in all caps, and followed by their dialogue. Sound effects (SFX) are noted clearly before or after dialogue to indicate what is happening in the scene. If needed, narration or description provides context for listeners to imagine the setting.

TITLE: The Mysterious Visitor
WRITER: [Your Name]
GENRE: Mystery/Thriller
DURATION: 30 minutes

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

• NARRATOR (calm, omniscient voice)
• MRS. JOHNSON (middle-aged, nervous)
• MR. JOHNSON (middle-aged, calm, but skeptical)
• THE VISITOR (deep, mysterious voice)

SOUND EFFECTS (SFX):

• SFX 1: Thunder rumbling
• SFX 2: Heavy rain
• SFX 3: Door creaking
• SFX 4: Footsteps on wooden floor
• SFX 5: Clock ticking

SCENE 1: The Johnson’s Living Room, Late Evening

SFX: Thunder rumbling in the distance, followed by heavy rain beating against the windows.

NARRATOR:
(solemnly)
It was a stormy night, unlike any the Johnsons had ever experienced. The rain pounded the old country house, as though demanding entry, while the clock on the wall ticked relentlessly into the dark.

MRS. JOHNSON:
(nervously)
Harold, did you hear that? There’s someone outside!

MR. JOHNSON:
(calmly)
It’s just the wind, dear. Go back to your knitting.

SFX: Door creaks open slowly.

MRS. JOHNSON:
(startled, whispering)
There it is again! The door—it’s opening!

SFX: Footsteps on wooden floor, approaching slowly.

NARRATOR:
(with suspense)
The footsteps were deliberate, slow. Each step echoed through the darkened room, as if the very shadows carried weight.

MRS. JOHNSON:
(whispering)
Who… who’s there?

THE VISITOR:
(deep, unsettling voice)
Good evening, Mrs. Johnson. I’ve been expecting you.

SFX: Thunder crashes, louder this time.

SCENE 2: Same, Moments Later

MR. JOHNSON:
(demanding)
Who are you? How did you get in here?

THE VISITOR:
(smooth, unsettling)
That’s not important. What matters is… I have a message. One you’ve been waiting to hear for a long, long time.

MRS. JOHNSON:
(trembling)
What do you mean? We don’t know you!

NARRATOR:
(ominously)
But in her heart, Mrs. Johnson knew that wasn’t entirely true.

SFX: Clock ticking, slowly.