Taking Audiences Under the Sea: How Electro Sound Systems Helped Bring Bikini Bottom to Life at the DCT
By Kenn Koubek, Director – SpongeBob the Musical at Delaware Children’s Theatre

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing Bikini Bottom to the stage? At the Delaware Children’s Theatre, we took on the high-energy, imagination-fueled challenge of directing SpongeBob the Musical — and thanks to the cutting-edge support from Electro Sound Systems, we delivered audiences a truly “Best Day Ever.”

Diving into Bikini Bottom with Electro’s Tech Arsenal

Electro Sound Systems has long been a go-to for East Coast productions, and their gear became the foundation of our visual storytelling. Central to our setup was the Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max – 32GB, a powerhouse that flawlessly ran all of our video and projection elements throughout the show. With its speed and reliability, we were able to push technical boundaries and truly immerse our audience in SpongeBob’s undersea world.

Full HD Projection for a Fully Immersive World

Using three projectors, strategically placed throughout the theatre, we displayed high-resolution background and front projection content that brought Jellyfish Fields, the Krusty Krab, and even the looming Mount Humongous to vivid life. Whether we were simulating a sudden volcanic eruption or standing outside the Barg’n-Mart, the visuals were crisp, vibrant, and seamless thanks to Electro’s support.

The Karen Gimmick – When Tech Becomes Character

One of my favorite creative solutions was our take on Karen, Plankton’s sentient computer wife. Using a disguised 32″ TV monitor built into a faux-CRT shell, we linked a video feed to display real-time oscilloscope-style visuals synced with the actor’s voice. The result? Karen looked and felt like a living, breathing piece of tech straight out of the cartoon — a total crowd-pleaser made possible by the performance capabilities of our setup.

Painting the Theatre in Ocean Light

To complete the transformation of our space into an undersea adventure, we turned to Electro’s ADJ Encore LP18IP fixtures. These heavy-duty IP65-rated par lights filled the theatre with deep blues and greens, washing over the audience and making them feel as if they too were swimming through the world of SpongeBob. The emotional and visual effect was nothing short of magical.

Wrapping Up – The Power of Theatre Meets the Power of Tech

Bringing SpongeBob the Musical to life was more than just a tribute to a beloved cartoon — it was an ambitious creative venture made possible through technical excellence. Thanks to Electro Sound Systems, we delivered a theatrical experience that wowed kids, parents, and fans alike. If you’re looking to push boundaries and elevate your next production, Electro has the gear and expertise to make it happen.

Because when the right technology meets the right story… it really can be the Best Day Ever.