Mr Yap, who is more commonly known as a teacher and artist, has been working on Happy as Gary.

The sold-out show will hit the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre stage on Thursday, July 26. The one-act, comedy play follows an evening in the life of Gary Tucker as he tries to keep up in today’s fast-paced society.

The artist director said he loved being able to translate his personal aesthetic to the show.

“Even when the play was in its initial stages, there was already a heavy concentration on the mis-en-scene. It has been such a learning experience to know how each piece will accentuate the turn of events unfolding in Gary’s chaotic life,” Mr Yap said.

While Happy as Gary is set in modern times, Gary’s fondness for the 1970s carries through the show.

As art director, Mr Yap worked with the director and playwright to design the ‘70s look of the stage. Everything from the lampshades to the personal accessories had to be covered.

Mr Yap said the creative team wanted a run-down budget motel room to set the tone for Gary as he questioned his life.

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“This ‘emotion-triggering’ space is where he recollects and questions it all,” he said.

“The visuals have been styled in a way that validate his current life ponderings and the times that have gone ever so quickly before him. The best part was making props from scratch, much of it was trial and error.

“I’ll let the stagecraft speak for itself.”

Happy as Gary writer and performer Andy Carolan said he was extremely pleased with Mr Yap’s creative efforts.

“Kieth has done a remarkable job roping the show together visually. He has made a brilliant debut as art director and I cannot wait for audiences to appreciate his and the team’s hard work,” he said.

Happy as Gary will be at the DRTCC for one night only.

The show is sold out but anyone yet to buy their tickets for the play can contact the DRTCC box office to be added to the waiting list.

More information about Happy as Gary can be found on the website at www.happyasgary.org.