Designing Into the Breeches! for MainStage Irving-Las Colinas

As a set designer, I've always been drawn to productions that celebrate the magic of theater itself — plays that revel in the artistry, camaraderie, and chaos that unfolds both on stage and backstage. That's why I'm particularly excited to share my experience designing Into the Breeches! for MainStage Irving-Las Colinas.
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This charming and heartwarming play, written by George Brant, is a meta-theatrical love letter to the resilience of artists. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a group of women determined to stage a Shakespearean production in their small New England town after the male actors have all gone off to war. Their passion, determination, and ingenuity not only keep the theater alive but challenge societal norms in delightful and unexpected ways.

1/4 scale model. A scene from act one.

The Design Vision
One of the most thrilling aspects of designing Into the Breeches! is capturing both the setting of the 1940s and the whimsical, creative world of a theater in transition. The set needed to evoke the grandeur of a traditional theater space while allowing for intimate moments that showcase the characters' journey. I wanted to create a design that feels both nostalgic and imaginative — a space that transforms as the women's confidence grows and their production comes to life.

Challenges and Creative Solutions
A primary challenge in this production was balancing the dual worlds of backstage and onstage theatrics. We needed to seamlessly shift between scenes that take place in the theater’s rehearsal space and moments that capture glimpses of their ambitious Shakespearean performance.
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1/4 scale model. A scene from act two.

A Personal Connection
As a designer, I often work behind the scenes, helping to build the world where stories unfold. Into the Breeches! celebrates that unseen artistry and reminds audiences of the community it takes to bring a production to life.
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I’m also thrilled to be designing back-to-back shows for MainStage Irving-Las Colinas at the Irving Arts Center. Following Into the Breeches! will be Noises Off, another meta-theatrical masterpiece filled with hilarious chaos and intricate set requirements. While the two plays differ greatly in tone, they both honor the magic of theater — and the joy of stepping into a world where anything is possible.

​Catch Into the Breeches! at the Irving Arts Center this March. See you there!
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