Story Roads

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Story Roads^©?

Story Roads^© is a new company specializing in full-cast Children’s Audio Theatre (C.A.T.). We are bringing back the charm and benefits of Radio Theatre from yesteryear, and combining it with the modern pace and styling of today’s book on tape. Every Story Roads^© series title is told in an on-going series/chapter format. (Example: Wendy & Wally: Story, 1,2,3…etc – it’s a continuous tale).

At Story Roads^©, all of our story series are completely original, they have never before been heard or published in print. They have been written specifically to be audio entertainment for kids and families as a whole.

Our stories are incredibly entertaining and perfect for daily drive- time listening, a quiet family-time activity, or as a perfect bedtime tool. It is a style of entertainment the whole family can enjoy together. (A true rarity in our world today!) They are sold on CD’s, with running times ranging from 1 to 2 ½ hours each series installment.

Not only are Story Roads^© productions completely fun and engaging to listen to, they are also GOOD for you. In today’s highly visual world, most children only listen to things that have accompanying visual stimulation. The ability to listen and process what they hear, without that visual stimulation attached, has become increasingly difficult for many kids. All parents today know the frustration of having to continually repeat themselves unless eye contact is achieved. Just ask any teacher and he or she, will tell you that our children's attention spans are now measured in “nanoseconds” unless their lessons are visually stimulating. Listening to the Story Roads^© products helps to strengthen listening, imagination, visualization and memory skills.

What makes these CD's different from a book on tape?

Story Roads^© productions are ALL full cast recordings using original material written specifically for this medium, like a radio play – only with a faster pace and style. A book on tape is just that- the reading of a published book. It is normally read by only one person, exactly as it is written, word for word. Since our productions have a full cast of professional actors who, like Radio Theatre, perform our story for you, it becomes far more engaging and entertaining for the listener.

What does full cast audio mean?

Full Cast means that every character has its own professional actor bringing it to life. It should be noted that it is Story Roads^© goal that once an actor begins with a character at the beginning of a series, that same actor will be the voice of that character all the way through the series to give the listener the opportunity to have continuity and grow attached to their favorite character voices.

What does original audio story mean?

Story Roads^© produces only original stories that have never been published as a book, nor have these stories ever been heard before. They have been written exclusively for Story Roads^© by its authors. The format the story has been written in is specifically for audio storytelling. (It should be noted that each and every one of our stories and its characters, are fully protected with copyrights and registered with the US Copyright office to protect them across all audio/video/publishing and merchandising mediums.)

What does chapter/serial style mean?

It means that while each story in a series will have its own beginning, middle and end. The next story in the series will pick up and carry on telling what takes place next, then next…etc. Think Harry Potter or your favorite soap opera (day or night)…While some questions may get answered, new adventures, and new issues are introduced.

What age group are these stories targeting?

Our age groups vary depending on the Story Roads^© series. As an example, the WENDY & WALLY series is recommended for children age 5 – 12 (although children as young as 4, and adults of every age have expressed loving it as much as our recommended age group). Meanwhile, we have another story series currently in production called EARTH CITY that will be suited for children 10 - 17 year olds (although adults will enjoy this one too!) The beauty of our stories is that while they are written with children in mind, whether younger or older, it is our goal that any age listener will be entertained as the writing does not "talk down" to children.

How is the appropriate age recommendation determined?

Story Roads^© has an advisory group of varied professionals who work with children and assist us with these determinations. As such, once the youngest age of listener is determined for a series, Story Roads^© is committed that those productions then remain responsible regarding their context, to ensure that all material is appropriate for them. Story Roads^© is committed that every story series remain suitable with regard to any violence, bad language or sexual content.

How long is each story?

Every story in a series will have a running time between 1 to 2 1/2 hours. Our goal is that each story series will have between 12 and 24 chapter installments.

Are these stories published as books, too?

No, Story Roads^© specializes only in full-cast Children’s Audio Theatre (C.A.T.) productions, told in this on-going series format.

Do you offer any stories targeting adults?

At this time Story Roads^© focuses only on works for children. However, all our productions should be thoroughly enjoyable to any age listener who is enjoying this audio experience along with their kids. Plus, with some of our productions geared for the older child, they could also be appropriate for adults as well. (Think Harry Potter - loved by young and old alike.)

Yes, we are constantly seeking exceptional and exciting new works to produce and add to our story series product line. Please refer to the Story Roads^© contact page for where to submit works for consideration.