Designing Noises Off

I’m excited to share that I'm about  wrap up the design plans for MainStage Irving-Las Colinas' upcoming production of Noises Off, directed by the incomparable BJ Cleveland. This will mark my third time designing this brilliantly chaotic farce, and while the timing and technical demands never get easier, the challenge always feels fresh — and wildly fun.

​For this version, I wanted to find a way to make the set stand apart from the many productions of Noises Off I’ve seen or been a part of over the years. The play is already a designer’s playground — full of split-second timing, backstage antics, and that famous rotating set — but I felt this one needed a signature visual stamp.

That inspiration came in the form of a wooded show portal designed by the late Peter Wolf, a legendary figure in Dallas theatrical design. This piece was originally created for the Dallas Music Hall’s production of The Sound of Music, and when I saw it, I knew it would add an unexpected warmth and charm to the set — a grounded, almost storybook frame to contain the beautiful madness of this show. Incorporating Peter’s work into this design feels like both a tribute and a way to elevate this production visually beyond the expected.

Side note, I will be sharing many posts about the design and in each of those posts you will be able to meet the cast.

I’ve used scenic drops by Peter Wolf before in several previous designs — On Golden Pond, Into the Breeches, and Gypsy. Trying to reimagine or add in new elements can be a daunting task but I am really excited about introducing this piece to add to the story telling. 

As always, I’m grateful to be collaborating with such a talented director and I can’t wait to see the cast bring the set to life (and occasionally destroy it) night after night.
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More to come soon, including build photos and backstage sneak peeks. Until then, thank you for following along — and don’t miss Noises Off when it opens at the Irving Arts Center. This one is going to be a riot.

​Joseph Cummings
Scenic Designer, Noises Off | MainStage Irving-Las Colinas