The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine

 Big Design Questions

- The whole thing should look realistic and functional

 - Everything about props and costumes is realistic

 - it should almost smell musty

Set

unit set

cramped, dark, homey, out-dated, cluttered

there is not enough space

the audience should be able to feel the basement

furnace in the center of the set

stairs coming down just off centre stage

ugly floor

old furniture

door leading to bedroom

kitchen and living room in one area

dressings galore – they JUST moved in

the playing areas : kitchen, couch, furnace, doorway, stairs

Lights

somewhat more abstract that all other design elements

overall dark and warm feeling

there is no sunlight coming in

working lights on the set?

Costumes

timeless awkwardness

it was ugly then and its ugly now kind of thing

Ernestine in a very loud pattern but not too bright

Ernest is very minimalist and tidy

hats are important, poor boy cap and Blossom hat

they fit in with the apartment

Sound

So Many Reasons needs to be composed so that it can be played in many forms

think Ingrid Michaelson’s You and I

something that could be played on the ukulele but also by a full rock band or a classical symphony orchestra

Essential Needs List 

• The temperamental furnace is the most essential piece of the set.
• The set needs to feel contained and somewhat claustrophobic. The audience should not feel claustrophobic themselves, but feel that for Ernest and Ernestine
• There are certain costume pieces that are mentioned in the script that will be needed such as both Ernest and Ernestine's hats, and Ernest's glasses
• With regards to props, a tissue box, hammer, cereal box, carton of milk,  banana,  broom are all needed as they are mentioned in the script
• Lighting will have to keep in mind how to establish alcoves for Ernest and Ernestine at their opposite ends of the stage. Perhaps having a square shaped special would be the best option for this.
• It would be interesting to explore the moments in the play when the characters are warm and cold, and emphasize this with the lighting. Using cool and warm gels to coincide with the feeling of the characters at their time.
• Overall the design should be minimalist, but realistic. 
• We would love to incorporate stairs into the set design so that Ernest and Ernestine have to go down stairs to get into their basement apartment. This could potential be tricky to plan out, but is entirely doable. Perhaps linking steps from the balcony of the Rotunda Theatre to our stage could achieve this.