The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Below based on Alfred Hitchcock's Film
Directed by William Osetek


​​​​Ball State University
Strother Theatre
February 20th, 2014 - March 1st, 2014

Scenic Design: John Sadler
Costume Design: Melanie Mortimore
Lighting Design: Graham Zellers
Sound Design: Brandon Wayne Reed
Photos taken courtesy of David "Kip" Shawger

About The Play

The 39 Steps is a parody adaption from the 1915 novel by John Bucan and the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Four actors play a variety of characters with one being the hero Richard Hannay, an actress playing all three romantic love interests, and two clowns that play everything from men, women, heroes, villains, and even inanimate objects. 

Richard Hannay is at a London theatre, attending a demonstration of the remarkable powers of "Mr. Memory", a man with a photographic memory, when a fight breaks out and a shot is fired. In the ensuing panic, he finds himself holding a frightened Annabella Schmidt, who talks him into taking her back to his flat. There, she tells him that she is a spy, being chased by assassins out to kill her. She claims to have uncovered a plot to steal vital British military secrets, implemented by a man who is the head of an espionage organization called, "The 39 Steps." The next day, Hannay wakes up to find her dead, stabbed with a knife. Driven by vengeance, will Hannay uncover the true intention of the evil organization when he is the one being accused of murder?

The Sound Design


​Anabella's Ghost

A mere seconds after we witness the death of Anabella, Hannay's phone rings. When he answers we hear the voice of her ghost reminding him of what was said merely seconds ago. Propelling the motion of the story.


The Chase

After a brief awkward moment of romance between Hannay and a Scottish Woman, he is discovered by the police force. What follows is a chase sequence that is underscored by a radio announcer.


​Train Sequence

As Richard Hanny continues to run from the police force, he eventually decides to hitch a ride on the train. What you hear is the general soundscape of the train scene that mostly layed in the background while also helping tell the story when needed. From the train arriving departing, to stopping in Scotland, picking back up pace, and then as we travel through a tunnel.