Martin Audio Powers Watcher in the Woods at New York's Urban Stages

	"With Martin Audio, I could achieve an audio field that wrapped the audience into the story," says Weidner. Photo: Vic Carroz Design and Photography

Watcher in the Woods: A New Musical based on Florence Engel Randall's novel, was staged last season at Off-Broadway's Urban Stages. With a score by Johanna Telander, book and lyrics by Douglas Thompson, direction by Chase Kniffen, and music direction by Brian Walters, this new musical reportedly pushed the boundaries of immersive theatre through advanced sound design.

Elisabeth Weidner, the production's sound designer, was tasked with creating an auditory experience that enveloped the audience: "I knew from the first read that the sound design would be a critical element," she says. "The script opens with an apparition of light, glass shattering, and a haunting melody. From there, the sonic possibilities just grew; this was a sound designer's dream project."

The challenge was clear: to turn a 74-seat black-box theatre into a multi-dimensional world where sound moved seamlessly between the real and the supernatural. Weidner's approach involved creating a surround-sound experience harnessed the power of Martin Audio's FlexPoint Series.

The system included 12 FlexPoint loudspeakers, with FP12s flown horizontally as mains, FP6s delivering immersive surround effects, and two SXC115 subwoofers for the powerful low end that underscored the show's eerie atmosphere. "I wanted the sound system to behave like a high-quality movie theatre," Weidner explains. "With Martin Audio, I could achieve an audio field that wrapped the audience into the story, whether it was the storm outside, the supernatural presence of 'The Watcher,' or the subtle echoes of an empty house."

Director Chase Kniffen emphasizes the transformative impact of the sound design on the production. "Sound was essential in creating the mystical elements of the story," he says. "It wasn't just about sound effects; it was about crafting an environment. Martin Audio allowed us to explore these sonic textures, blurring the line between the physical stage and the supernatural world of the woods."

Working within the constraints of a small venue presented unique challenges. The speakers needed to deliver precision without overwhelming the space, and installation time was limited. "The FlexPoint system was ideal," Weidner says. "The FP12s were lightweight, versatile, and easy to adjust, even in a cramped setup. Their combined cone/horn design delivered outstanding clarity and frequency balance, which is crucial in a venue this size."

Despite sharing a single ladder across departments, the sound team had the system tuned and ready within two days. Weidner adds, "The FlexPoint rigging is incredibly intuitive and with Dante connectivity and efficient iK81 amplifiers, the system performed flawlessly with limited power resources."

From foreboding silences to atmospheric effects, the soundscape heightened the emotional stakes of the narrative. Douglas Thompson, who penned the book and lyrics, always envisioned sound as a cornerstone of the production, adds: "The woods, the chapel, the house are all characters in the story, and their voices come through in the sound design."

The team also relied on TiMax panLab software to fine-tune the spatial placement of sound effects. This level of precision ensured that every whisper, echo, and supernatural creak felt alive and immersive. "It's one thing to design for a bigger venue where you can spread everything out," Weidner says, "but achieving that same depth in an intimate space requires precision -- and the Martin Audio system delivered that beautifully."

Weidner reflects on the experience with admiration for the sound equipment. "Martin Audio's systems were exceptional. The subs provided depth without overpowering, and the FP12s and FP6s allowed for moments that were both subtle and spine-chilling."

For Kniffen, the production raised the bar for immersive storytelling in small venues. "The sound was impeccable. It added so much to the show's impact, elevating the entire experience for the cast and audience alike."

Weidner sums up, saying, "Martin Audio's legacy in live sound is legendary, and it's exciting to see that same quality redefining what's possible in theatre. This project wouldn't have been the same without it."