Once I heard on a Focus on the Family broadcast of a kid who was asked whether he preferred the radio dramas or television shows produced. He promptly answered, "the radio shows!" which surprised the asker a bit. When asked why, he answered, "Because the picture is better!"
I love that. That's a kid whose imagination was working! His short answer also encapsulates one of the reasons I love audio dramas. There are other reasons though. Don't worry--I'm not going to talking about the morality or even the health and neurological benefits, although there's significant research, to be found in other places, that audio drama is superior to TV in that respect too. But in this little blog post, I'll explain some benefits to audio drama solely for entertainment purposes, mostly dealing with time.
Television is the most commonly used mode of entertainment. TV captures people because it employs sight and sound, and it is addicting. Even the worst story lines somehow capture our attention because it fixates our sight on a screen where things are happening every 2-4 seconds. But there are times, when we simply can't look at the screen, because we're doing something else that we have to use our eyes for, and yet those things may be very mundane tasks, and we still want to be entertained. In fact, people try to employ TV in some of these situations, and it can be dangerous...like in the car for example. So I thought of three times when listening to audio drama is a better source of entertainment than watching TV.
1. While going to sleep.
I know people watch movies as they go to sleep. But there are problems with this. The chief problem involves these two facts: a) watching TV requires open eyes; b) sleeping requires closed eyes. See the problem? Audio dramas communicate the entire story through sound so you won't even miss anything while your eyes are closed! Until you fall asleep, of course.
2. While driving.
Please don't watch TV while driving. Please keep your eyes on the road! This is for your safety and all those around you. Of course, we all know that when you are commuting 30 minutes to an hour, things tend to get boring real quick. Make good use of the time. Audio dramas are also PERFECT for long road trips! Don't want to spend the money on one of those fancy little screen deals that fastens to the back of the seat? Just pop in an adventure audio CD! Endless entertainment.
3. While working.
Naturally, this is only for those times when you are doing completely brainless and menial tasks that require no mind power. When I have to clean the house, I often listen to a radio drama. When you're working outside or on the assembly line of a factory, just plug in some ear buds and let your imagination soar.
I'll provide some great links to awesome audio dramas below:
http://store.lamplighter.net/affiliates/default.aspx?Affiliate=55&Target=Store
http://store.lamplighter.net/affiliates/default.aspx?Affiliate=55&Target=Home
www.whitsend.org
www.cbhministries.org
www.radiotheater.org
Audio dramas are apparently more popular in Europe than in America, but I think they should make a comeback here, people. There are so many advantages! Now go practice your multitasking by listening to some audio dramas.
Me and my siblings are almost always listening to an audio drama while folding clothes, cleaning the kitchen, or a bedroom. It helps us to keep going and do a really good job at something. Because we are trying to spend as much time as we can on the job so that you can finish the audio drama.=)
ReplyDeleteHaha, yeah- like Melody said, we listen to audio dramas ALL the time. I totally agree- it's something that I try to stress to other people that I talk to concerning the Lamplighter audios- that it IS SUCH a more efficient use of time to listen to an audio drama while we are trying to get stuff done rather than watching movies or TV.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason that audio dramas can be fantastic... several months ago I was sick as a dog and wanted so badly to read but it hurt my eyes and my head- I barely even had the energy to hold a book anyway. We had just ordered some new Lamplighter audio dramas- it was exactly what I needed!
Another note, my siblings weren't as interested in audio dramas as they are now that we have MAJORLY cut back on movies and films. Once we have begun to depend less and less on media that spoon-feeds (like movies and TV- in which we are both hearing AND watching) us we allow our imaginations and minds to get creative by having to actually *work* to create and put images to what we are hearing...