Clue is a comedic and farcical take on the mystery genre with an extremely colorful cast of characters (no pun intended). 

Although probably not the author’s intention, I believe the play to have an “idiot plot”. An idiot plot is a story that solely exists because all of the characters are idiots. Another good example of an idiot plot is the movie The Hangover. 

For my sound design, I want to lean into the farcical nature of the story. I want to include over the top and colorful sounds. I think if I were to take the sound design too seriously and too realistically, I will be putting myself in a box. I am thinking of loud and instrumental sounds. 

In order to streamline the process (since there are so many sounds in this play) I think I can get away with recycling the same sounds over again in different places where I deem appropriate. I think this will make the sound design funnier and add to that over the top nature I am going for. 

I like the idea of my sounds feeling like they would belong in an SNL sketch. The play itself does feel like it was made for a show like SNL. If I were to put this production of Clue on in real life, this would be the concept I would lean into for every aspect of the design. There is something so humorous about a cast of characters playing a role completely straight while the world around them is utterly ridiculous. 

One specific bit that I am drawing inspiration from is a set of sketches called ‘The Californians’. Its use of classic soap opera and reality tv show sound effects in its sound design is phenomenally funny.