THE ghoulish stage is set. King Lear has been fitted for her cloak and the clowns are ready.

Clowns? In a Shakespeare tragedy?

They won't look like the average red-nosed acts from the Big Top, but the University of Southern Queensland final year acting students have become well-versed in the art of clowning for yet another imaginative Shakespeare in the Park production.

Final rehearsals are under way for opening night this Thursday.

Using the word "rambunctious" to describe his "fantastic group of young actors", director Scott Alderdice said they had grown enormously in their clown work in a little under a year.

"This is a different sort of production in as much as it's a clown-based production - clowns doing tragedy which is sort of throwing comedy straight at sad and robust stories to get a completely different mix," he said.

"Clowns go a lot further. Clowns are innocent by their very nature and they walk into a tragic situation not believing it's going to hurt them.

"Therefore you watch innocents getting themselves embroiled in a tragic circumstance.

"In a way it's a bit like Christmas storytelling, like watching kids tell Christmas stories to grandparents."

A grotesque side-show alley feel and dramatic, dark costumes will add to the characters' torment and make for a mad spectacle under the stars.

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Production manager Jessica Schutt said this year the crew had focused on creating an atmosphere typical of Shakespearian times.

"In Shakespeare's times, the audience would boo and throw things, there was a massive amount of interaction," she said.

"The stage is different. It's a diamond so the audience can wrap right around.

"I can't give too much away but the actors will be getting involved with the audience."

Shakespeare in the Park is on from Thursday, March 19 until Monday, March 23.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

•  March 19 - 23
•  Performances are nightly at 6.30pm
•  USQ front oval
•  Phone 4631 1111 or visit artsworx.com.au