What is the best way to design a set for multiple performances?

This is flexibility is certainly the place to start but it is difficult to answer with out knowing the number of productions that the set will be serving and the number of styles. For the purposes of discussion let's assume three separate productions each in a different style and that these are each single runs and not in a rep. format. I am also assuming that extensive repainting is not possible. Working under these assumptions, the best and most economical solution to design a set that allows the costumes, sets, props and of course lighting to establish the style. The set designer is creating a neutral palette which will allow the other members of the design team maximum freedom in establishing the style and period of each production.

In this this situation the set design must be developed to serve the needs of the light design. The lighting design must be completely almost completely redone to serve the story, style and period of each separate production. A generic design will be artistically unsatisfying. It follows that the set design must allow for maximum flexibility in the lighting design area. In these situations the set designers need to check their egos at the door of the Production Meetings. Sound is in the purview the Director, the Sound Designer and the Producer not the Set Designer. Sound Design is the one area not restricted by the multi-production situation.

Producers need to understand that although money will be saved in set construction costs for other design elements may need to increase. There is a difference between being economical and being cheap. The audience invariably knows the difference.

This practice is very common nowadays. Designers want to show off to producers with saving money by reusing sets. It is known as revamp or set recycling. It involves modifying the set in various ways to create a new appearance. For example, most common tricks are to float walls to reveal something else or install hidden compartments in the floors, or simply apply a fresh coat of paint and add some decorative items to transform the set completely.