Stage Design for “Just Say Gay” (Single Set, Two-Act Production)
Setting: A converted storm shelter/garage in West Texas, cluttered but functional, serving as an emergency refuge during a tornado. The space reflects the personalities of JD and Irma, the aging conservative couple, with practicality at the forefront but hints of nostalgia and old-fashioned decor.
Layout & Key Elements:
- UPSTAGE (U) – KITCHEN EXIT
- A visible door or archway leading to the house. This serves as an escape route and a reminder of the world outside the storm.
- A coffee station sits near the exit, a staple for JD and Irma, adding warmth to the otherwise tense environment.
- UP LEFT (UL) – HATCH & STORAGE AREA
- A hatch leading to an attic or extra storage (symbolic of hidden secrets and past baggage).
- A mirror hangs nearby, allowing for comedic reflection moments, especially for the drag queens.
- A bookcase with outdated titles, family Bibles, and old magazines.
- CENTER STAGE – MAIN LIVING AREA
- A love seat and JD’s chair (his throne, resistant to change).
- A pile of clothes near the bookcase, adding to the lived-in feel.
- The bunk bed unit serves as both seating and sleeping space, emphasizing the cramped, makeshift nature of the shelter.
- UP RIGHT (UR) – BATHROOM UNIT
- A small, enclosed bathroom for privacy.
- This becomes a comedic hotspot as multiple characters fight for access throughout the play.
- DOWN LEFT (DL) – STOOL & PERSONAL ITEMS
- A stool for side conversations or intimate moments.
- This area might serve as a dressing spot for Phoenix Fatale and Betty Bouquet.
- DOWN RIGHT (DR) – COMEDIC & CHAOTIC ENTRY POINT
- A makeshift pile of clothes, possibly costumes from the drag show, adding flair and potential for hilarious wardrobe changes.
Visual & Lighting Notes:
- Warm tones for pre-storm coziness, shifting to dim and flickering lights as the storm worsens.
- Shadows & Silhouettes through the mirror and hatch area for dramatic moments.
- Use of space to highlight tension—characters crammed together, using levels (bunk beds, stools) to maximize physical comedy.
The set Transforms into a Disco Night Club by rotating the walls. On the back side of the storm shelter flat is the wall for the Disco Club
Here is the basic look of the set with characters.