Chicago Scenic oversaw the various elements that helped create the setting for Shakespeare’s study of the brilliant, scheming hunchback monarch who murders and seduces his way to the English throne.

Audience members seeing the “standard”28-foot long by 20-foot wide deck probably didn’t realize they were seeing just the top layer of a 3-layer deck, said Project Manager Rob Kovarik said. “The second and third layers were necessary for structural and automation support.”

Two automated elements on the deck were supplied by Chicago Scenic. The first piece was an aluminum framed, acrylic elevator which raised up six feet above the stage floor and lowered again to be flush with the stage surface.

The second automated element was an eight-foot by eight-foot, hinged trap door. In Richard’s death scene, the trap door flung open and amidst eerie red light and billowing smoke, Richard’s body seemed to be sucked into Hell.

Both the elevator and trap door were controlled by Chicago Scenic’s proprietary “Mini 8” Control system. The portable Mini 8 provided concise positioning and consistent reliability, important characteristics for a theatrical presentation that may repeat up to eight times a week. Cues are executed based upon position and cue timing and calculated during entry so users know exactly how long a cue will last before it is executed.

Chicago Scenic also built a rolling staircase that occupied various positions on stage throughout the play, and a 12-foot spiral staircase that descended below the stage and provided an onstage exit.