King Lear

Concept

In this production of King Lear, the design team set out to explore the emotional and psychological depth of the play, bringing a modern sensibility to one of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies. Performed in the Claire Trevor Theatre, the show took full advantage of the proscenium space to emphasize the themes of isolation, fragmentation, and unraveling power.

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The scenic design leaned into a stark, abstract visual language. Large, fractured set pieces and a muted color palette suggested a crumbling kingdom, once whole, now breaking apart under the weight of betrayal and madness. The space was constantly shifting, with moving panels and subtle reveals that echoed the instability of Lear’s mind and the collapse of order around him. The environment became a visual metaphor for erosion, decay, and the slow but inevitable breakdown of both family and state.

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Throughout, we played with distortion, decay, and erosion, letting sounds shift and break down over time to mirror Lear’s unraveling mind. The Fool’s voice was given a subtle reverb, separating him from the others and hinting that he might exist only in Lear’s head, an ethereal presence commenting from within.

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Actors were miked to help push their presence downstage and blend cleanly with the sound design, especially in those larger, more surreal moments. Low end elements such as rumbling bass and thick drones added weight and danger, reinforcing the violence simmering beneath the surface.

Photo Credit: Paul Kennedy

The Design

The sound design supported these themes by living at the intersection of natural and manmade disaster, including storm, rupture, and collapse. The music and sound design were deeply intertwined throughout the production. In fight scenes and transitions, composed elements leaned into the textures of heavy metal, layering tonga drums, didgeridoo, and electric guitar to create an intense, driving force. These were paired with environmental sounds such as gusts of wind, thunder, and low rumbles that did not just underscore the music but became part of its rhythm and structure. This blending with natural sound allowed moments to swell with tension or dissolve into eerie stillness.

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The storm is a pivotal moment in the play. It symbolizes Lear’s inner turmoil and descent into madness, as well as the chaos overtaking his kingdom. There were two parts to this violent storm sequence. The first was the build-up, when Lear is at the height of his rage, and the storm needed to match that intensity. Elements of the soundscape were spread throughout the space. While lightning cracks, thunder, rain, and wind were sourced from onstage, the rumble of thunder after it struck and the environmental ambience were placed in the overhead and surround systems in the house, allowing the audience to feel fully immersed in the storm.

Photo Credit: Paul Kennedy

The second part of the storm sequence was the gradual calming as it began to subside, mirroring Lear being brought to shelter and starting his journey toward clarity. The soundscape reflected this shift, with the storm gradually lessening by the end of Act 3, Scene 4.

Photo Credit: Paul Kennedy

System Design & Technology

I used QLab 5 for playback in combination with Spat Revolution spatial software, which allowed me to shape the sonic environment. Spat’s internal reverb engine added depth and dimension to the ambient soundscapes, giving me the flexibility to play with scale, introduce subtle movements, and layer textures that traveled through the house surrounds and overhead speakers. This spatial movement created a fully immersive experience, pulling the audience deeper into the emotional and physical world of the play.

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In addition to the surround system, I implemented a dedicated vocal reinforcement setup, including frontfills and a separate vocal system to support the wireless microphones. Upstage speakers were used to localize key environmental elements—like rain, wind, and thunder—while special effects speakers in the wings provided targeted moments of surprise and tension, enhancing the dynamic range of the storytelling.

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Paperwork

The Team

Directed by Lucas James Nelson

Scenic Design: Andrea Corona

Costume Design: Savannah Flower