Many theatrical set designers today follow the maxim of “less is more”, but in the old days when theaters had to compete with moving pictures, plays frequently featured elaborate and extravagant sets built with great attention to detail. These pictures of theatrical productions in Broadway, New York, from the early 20th century show how meticulously designers worked to create a make-believe world on stage.

The set designed by Sergei Soudeikine for the Theatre Guild's production of “Porgy & Bess”, 1935.