Theater of the mind can be a powerful tool for a radio show. Especially when incorporating characters.

To many the idea of radio characters, in this era, may seem dated or corny beyond belief. I agree; BUT, proper execution and the uniqueness of an audio only forum can make radio characters absolutely captivating.

Characters can be defined as real people, callers, invented UNREAL people, you name it.

If done right, and believably, then you can pull off almost anything.

I have been absolutely amazed through the years at what has captured the audiences' imagination. So, I'll throw out some examples that may fire an idea that takes your show to a place never imagined.

If you decide to "invent" a character, plan it. Think about who he is and what he does every day when he's not at the station. This can really help you come up with ideas that this character will bring into the studio.

Let me start with my favorite character I created for a show.

Lead Belly Louie.

The World's One and Only Blues Weatherman.

Lead Belly Louie came about as a function of being bored doing the weather the same way four times an hour, 5-6 days a week. I thought; How can I do the weather differently, so it would actually be "interesting"?!

Then I got the idea of singing the weather. I am, after all. a musician.

God knows, a singing weatherman is corny as hell, but what if I could make it cool and not so "corny"?

Blues has always had a hip factor of ten, so why not? I'll create a character who saunters into the show, goofs around (like a blues man might) sings the weather; to the blues.

Then all of the sudden, there he was, flirting with my morning partner, being an incorrigible, if not loveable, part of our show.

Drawbacks.

I always worried Louie might have seemed like a stereotype.

If you listen to him you'll understand this. The character is very reminiscent of Black Southern Blues Men. I was concerned about just this reaction, especially since I unveiled this character, originally in 1983 in Detroit, Michigan.

Racial tensions were high at the time,but my black news anchor, Mike Hudson, said he didn't think it would be a problem, so I ran with it.

I never did, and haven't since, received ONE complaint about the character I thought "might" fire up a negative response. So what does this character sound like? I thought you might ask. You can click here for Lead Belly Louie, the World's One and Only Blues Weatherman.

As with everything in life and radio, moderation is the key.

I only use Louie occasionally. I've actually had listeners call up to talk with him. He's also convenient to do those REALLY corny bits that I might not be comfortable doing myself. A character can say things I (or you) would never say.

This use of theater of the mind can really help to create a diverse audio world for your listeners.

I wish you all the best. Comments are always welcome.

Take Care!

Michael Stone
Radio Personality
Singer-Songwriter
----Observer----