Shakespeare Under the Stars Unveils a New Sound, New Look, and New Standard with Point Source Audio

For over 38 years, The Australian Shakespeare Company has captivated audiences with its mesmerizing outdoor performances of Shakespeare Under the Stars. With stunning backdrops and stellar performances, sound has always been a critical component in delivering Shakespeare’s words to the audience. Yet, after two decades of using the same microphones, the company recently faced a challenge that demanded a bold change.

A New Sound with SERIES8 Lavaliers

“We had used a competitor’s microphones for over 20 years,” says Peter Amesbury, Technical Director of The Australian Shakespeare Company.

However, supply chain issues led to prolonged delays—up to four months—for equipment, threatening the company’s ability to maintain its high production standards.

Faced with this issue, Amesbury and his team set out to find a new audio solution that could match the reliability and sound quality they needed. The search led them to Point Source Audio, whose SERIES8 Omni Lavalier microphones provided not only a solution to their supply problems but also a remarkable upgrade in performance. “We have never had a better sound in 25 years of miking Shakespeare Under the Stars,” Amesbury shares. “The clarity from these capsules performs better than anything else in the same price point.”

A New Look with On-Ear Lavalier Mounting

The transition to Point Source Audio didn’t just enhance sound quality—it also changed the way performers wear their microphones. While some actors still hide their microphones within their hairline, others have adopted EMBRACE as on-ear lavaliers. These earmounts are becoming a fast favorite among seasoned performers, offering comfort and a more discreet look compared to traditional methods.

“The ear mounts are preferred by many of our actors,” says Amesbury. “They’re much more comfortable and reliable than the traditional hairline approach.”

A New Standard in Mic Reliability

Beyond aesthetics and sound, Point Source Audio has introduced a new standard of reliability to the company’s outdoor productions. “Reliability is paramount outdoors,” Amesbury emphasizes. “We haven’t experienced a single microphone fault with these lavaliers.” This consistency, combined with the exceptional audio clarity, has elevated the company’s productions to a new level, ensuring that every word of Shakespeare’s prose and poetry is delivered seamlessly to the audience, regardless of weather or environmental conditions.

In addition to the cutting-edge equipment, Amesbury commends the support from Point Source Audio’s partner, Studios Connections. “The support we’ve received has been fantastic. They’ve been friendly, approachable, and always available to assist us.”

A New Era for The Australian Shakespeare Company

Thanks to this partnership, The Australian Shakespeare Company is setting a new standard for outdoor theater, delivering performances that sound better than ever. From Australia to the UK, audiences are treated to crystal-clear audio, ensuring that the magic of Shakespeare continues to thrive under the stars.