An early decision for this production of Cuckoo's Nest at Ohlone College's Nummi Theatre was to have the audience on three sides to create an immersive experience for them, almost a feeling of being in the day room themselves. Action areas would be spread throughout the space, and the window would be at the back of the house, up on the audience risers.

Another decision was to have a very cold and impersonal space that reflected some of the Chief's lines about a "machine" that controlled people and dictated every facet of their lives: a space also reflective of Nurse Ratched's power over the patients.

This led to a monolithic "concrete" tower that incorporated the nurses' station and also served as a background for projections during the Chief's fantasies. Inspiration for this set came from generator rooms in power plants, as well as some WPA projects and 1960s Russian architecture.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest scores on all acounts, from the excellent scenic design (George Ledo), lighting (Matthew O'Donnell) and sound (Fred Alim), to the dynamic storytelling by an outstanding cast."
—Tri-City Voice

Ohlone College, Fremont, CA