Open lecture: Beyond the Theater of the Mind- Six Concepts for a Theory of Radio Drama
Radio drama has long been a beloved but underexamined medium, in part because scholars have lacked a critical language to explain it. When we listen, we often know there is deep craft going on in the “theater of the mind” but it is difficult to articulate or explore comparatively. In this lecture, Prof. Verma will draw on his two decades studying the medium, proposing key concepts for a theory of radio drama, with examples from classical to contemporary works in the United States. While ranging from theories of perspective and sound design to questions of the ontology of radio itself, this historically informed lecture will illuminate dimensions of a misunderstood medium.
Neil Verma is Associate Professor of Sound Studies at Northwestern University, where he directs the MA in Sound Arts and Industries and the PhD in Screen Cultures. Verma is best known for his 2012 book, Theater of the Mind: Imagination, Aesthetics, and American Radio Drama, which won the Best First Book Award from the Society for Cinema and Media Studies. His most recent book is Narrative Podcasting in an Age of Obsession, published in 2024. Verma has been a consultant for a variety of radio and film projects, including Martin Scorsese’s film Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). In addition to his historical research, he has created experimental sound works and podcasts, winning a number of awards, including honorable mention from the Sound of the Year awards in the U.K. in 2020.
Radio drama has long been a beloved but underexamined medium, in part because scholars have lacked a critical language to explain it. When we listen, we often know there is deep craft going on in the “theater of the mind” but it is difficult to articulate or explore comparatively. In this lecture, Prof. Verma will draw on his two decades studying the medium, proposing key concepts for a theory of radio drama, with examples from classical to contemporary works in the United States. While ranging from theories of perspective and sound design to questions of the ontology of radio itself, this historically informed lecture will illuminate dimensions of a misunderstood medium.
Neil Verma is Associate Professor of Sound Studies at Northwestern University, where he directs the MA in Sound Arts and Industries and the PhD in Screen Cultures. Verma is best known for his 2012 book, Theater of the Mind: Imagination, Aesthetics, and American Radio Drama, which won the Best First Book Award from the Society for Cinema and Media Studies. His most recent book is Narrative Podcasting in an Age of Obsession, published in 2024. Verma has been a consultant for a variety of radio and film projects, including Martin Scorsese’s film Killers of the Flower Moon (2023). In addition to his historical research, he has created experimental sound works and podcasts, winning a number of awards, including honorable mention from the Sound of the Year awards in the U.K. in 2020.