She Kills Monsters

by Qui Nguyen

TheatreMSU
April 2025
Starkville, MS

Director: Jesse Wade

Stage Manager: Kensi Frasure

Scenic Design: Jesse Wade

Lighting Design: Greg Thorn

Costume Design: Melanie Harris

Sound Design & Composition: Kat Trinque

Assistant Sound Design: Zavibien Welch

Puppet Design: Kiki Efantis

Choreography: Caroline Donnelly

Wig Design: Mariama Hawkins

Design Concept

She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen is a high-energy, fantasy-driven play, about Agnes Evans, who is grieving her younger sister, Tilly. Set between the Dungeons & Dragons world and reality, the sound design will emphasize the juxtaposition between the real world and the fantasy realm.

The music in the fantasy world will be inspired by classic fantasy film and video game scores and mystical sounds to evoke a sense of adventure. In contrast, the real-world music will be rooted in the 90s, reflecting the era the characters grew up in. One key scene feature the 90s hip-hop track, “Poison,” by Bell Biv DeVoe, during a dance battle, marking a pivotal moment for Agnes as she connects with Tilly’s world. This song bridges the two realms, highlighting Agnes’ growth. 

After my initial read of the play, I was excited about the idea of doing some voice work for certain characters. My first thought was to add reverb to Chuck's battle announcements, giving them an epic, larger-than-life feel. The pitch shifter effect was fed to Tilly and Farrah the Faerie’s mics for specific moments, like when Tilly transforms into Tiamat. 

Paperwork

She Kills Monsters Paperwork

Sound Collage

Please enjoy this soundscape featuring music I composed for She Kills Monsters. The original score is designed to bring the play’s fantasy world to life, capturing its adventure, mystery, and emotional depth.

Next
Next

Medea