Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Episode Summary – Dane Laffrey

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, host Dimitri Boylan engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned set designer Dane Laffrey. Celebrated for his innovative work on Broadway productions such as Spring Awakening, Once on This Island, and the latest musical sensation, maybe Happy Ending, Laffrey shares insights into his creative journey, design philosophy, and the collaborative processes that have defined his illustrious career.

Early Life and Education

Dane Laffrey's formative years were marked by a transient upbringing across the American Midwest and Western Canada, influenced by his father's career as a university administrator. This nomadic childhood exposed him to diverse environments, fostering a deep appreciation for theater and design.

Dane Laffrey [04:55]:
"I think there is something I found immensely transporting about those films... there's an amazing, like, artifice around it."

Laffrey's passion for theater ignited during his involvement in local community theater in high school. An inflection point came when he transitioned from performing to designing, a shift that aligned with his intrinsic desire to create and innovate within the theatrical space.

Pursuit of Design: From Community Theater to Professional Craft

Despite initial academic struggles, Laffrey's commitment to theater led him to an arts-focused boarding school, where his academic performance improved as he immersed himself in the creative community. This period was pivotal in honing his design skills and solidifying his dedication to set design.

Dane Laffrey [06:59]:
"I just was happy to do anything they would let me do... I wanted to be present for the performances." [07:00]

Seeking specialized training, Laffrey initially enrolled at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music but quickly realized it wasn't the right fit. This realization propelled him to pursue further education abroad at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia, where he encountered rigorous mentorship under Peter Cook.

Dane Laffrey [16:50]:
"Peter Cook... ripped it to shreds... It was kind of a revelation and so important." [17:10]

This challenging yet transformative experience at NIDA instilled in Laffrey a critical eye and the resilience necessary for high-stakes design work.

Career Milestones and Notable Works

Dane Laffrey has amassed an impressive portfolio over two decades, contributing to acclaimed productions such as Parade, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, and Spring Awakening. His designs are characterized by their innovative use of space, technology, and collaborative synergy with directors and choreographers.

• Spring Awakening (2018 Broadway Revival):
  Laffrey tackled the unique challenge of accommodating both English and American Sign Language within the set design, ensuring accessibility without compromising aesthetic integrity.

  Dane Laffrey [23:10]:
  "We needed architectural opportunities to subtitle the ASL parts that wouldn't get buried." [23:24]

• Once on This Island (2018 Revival):
  His research trip to Port-au-Prince profoundly influenced the set design, transforming the stage into a post-hurricane Haitian landscape that dynamically reconstructed itself, reflecting the resilience of the community.

  Dane Laffrey [29:10]:
  "Port-au Prince... it was constantly being reconstructed in beautiful, inventive ways." [29:10]

• Parade (Revival):
  Utilizing historical photographs and projections, Laffrey created an intimate and powerful visual narrative that underscored the play's harrowing themes.

  Dane Laffrey [33:52]:
  "Our greatest strength visually was the people... compressing the space and forcing the action to an elevated platform." [34:00]

Design Philosophy: Simplicity, Collaboration, and Technological Integration

Laffrey emphasizes the power of simplicity in design, believing that a well-crafted, minimalistic set can evoke profound audience engagement and imagination.

Dane Laffrey [35:59]:
"Simplicity rather than scale or cost can be the most powerful tool in design." [36:00]

His collaborative approach, particularly his partnership with director Michael Arden, focuses on pushing dramatic sequences to their limits, demanding precision and timing that heighten the theatrical experience. This synergy fosters a creative environment where both designers and producers work holistically to achieve excellence.

Dane Laffrey [51:33]:
"I prefer to stand during shows. If something goes wrong, I can't do anything, but almost never does." [51:38]

Latest Project: maybe Happy Ending

maybe Happy Ending is a groundbreaking musical that explores the lives of two lifelike robots navigating love and self-discovery. Laffrey's set design for the show is a testament to his innovative vision, seamlessly blending technological elements with humanistic storytelling.

Key Design Elements:

1. Integrated Digital and Physical Spaces:
   The set features a near-future aesthetic with post-mid-century modern influences, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary environment that mirrors the robots' internal and external journeys.

   Dane Laffrey [38:19]:
   "We wanted to lean away from mythologizing a sci-fi universe and focus closely on the characters and their lives." [38:25]

2. Dynamic Set Movements:
   The stage undergoes constant transformations, moving every minute and 17 seconds to reflect the protagonists' evolving experiences.

   Dane Laffrey [51:33]:
   "We have something like 75 distinct scenic moves... every minute and 17 seconds the set is moving." [51:35]

3. Emotive Space Manipulation:
   Utilizing irises—mechanical frames that expand and contract—the set transitions seamlessly between intimate character-focused scenes and expansive, immersive sequences like the "fireflies" moment that envelops the audience.

   Dane Laffrey [48:32]:
   "An iris is two planes moving towards the center... creating an expanding and contracting frame." [48:32]

4. Technological Aesthetics with Human Touch:
   The design blurs the lines between technology and humanity, using neon edges and digital elements to represent the robots' perception of the world.

   Dane Laffrey [43:45]:
   "The helper bots feel the tension between the coolness of the technological world and the most human story." [43:50]

Emotional and Visual Impact:

The set's ability to morph and adapt not only serves the narrative but also enhances the audience's emotional engagement, making them active participants in the robots' journey.

Dane Laffrey [50:38]:
"There's something about the boundary being taken away that has some alchemy... it's powerful." [50:40]

Challenges and Triumphs in High-Stakes Design

Designing maybe Happy Ending involved navigating complex technical challenges, such as ensuring the precise timing of set movements and integrating digital visuals seamlessly with physical elements. Laffrey acknowledges the inherent stress in creating intricate designs but finds fulfillment in the thrill and creativity it brings.

Dane Laffrey [51:47]:
"It's fun, you know, it's okay... I watch the show and my heart rate goes up." [52:00]

Despite the high demands, Laffrey emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety and the repeatability of the production, ensuring that each performance meets the artistic and technical standards set forth.

Future Endeavors and Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, Dane Laffrey expressed keen interest in expanding his creative influence beyond set design to producing. He aims to bridge the gap between the creative and business aspects of theater, fostering a more integrated approach to production that mirrors practices in the film and television industries.

Dane Laffrey [57:10]:
"Michael finds he is my producing partner as well as my creative partner... something more sustainable and more interesting is made." [57:15]

Upcoming projects include productions of The Lost Boys on Broadway and Hercules in London. Additionally, Laffrey is exploring opportunities in film, opera, and installation art, seeking to apply his design expertise across various mediums.

Conclusion

Dane Laffrey's contributions to theater design exemplify a harmonious blend of simplicity, technological innovation, and deep emotional resonance. Through his work on maybe Happy Ending and other esteemed productions, he continues to push the boundaries of set design, creating immersive environments that enhance storytelling and audience engagement. His dedication to collaborative excellence and his forward-thinking approach position him as a pivotal figure in contemporary theater.

For more information about Dane Laffrey and his work, visit danelaffrey.com.