Just finished Noises Off in November with our high school. Set was built in three pieces too.  The glass issue - we used a multi pane large window - all panes made of plexiglas.  The three that got pushed out were inserted and held in place by large dots of dried hot glue - just enough to keep it in. The sound effect was done by CD and provided for great laughs because it was never on time (both early and late).  You can see pictures of our production at www.geocities.com/dexterdrama - go to the Noises Off page.  We had the set built before rehearsals began. Almost essential especially for blocking act 1 (part deux).  I can mail you a program from the show too . Good luck - it's a great show.

We are opening in one week (yikes) - talk about life imitating art - or is it the other way around!  Those of you who have also directed this monster of a show, know what I am talking about!

I just saw this play - the window had a bunch of small pices alltogether (like a latice on top of it) so when they broke the window they just popped out the one piece and then replaced it later.

Hope that made sense?

Several things as I conquer my thrid production of Noises Off as Director and Designer.

1. for the window.  the use of a crash box does work great as I hate 'sugar glass' but if you want to combine things use a crash box and plexie glass in the window.  It works wonders.  You can attach the plexie with a small amount of adhesive in the corners and it knocks out easy/combine with the crash box.  That way the character Poppy can put it back in easy in ACT I and the extra panels for Act 2 and 3 will hold.

2. As for the set you have a few options: A.) Two level revolve. B.) the current production I am opening soon has a two level 7 piece revolve.  It is tougher to stablize but it is doable.  Do to the size of the stage the upper level and the the staircases all break apart and move. c.) I would disagree you can do it with a parical raised level of 3 steps to the upper bathroom and then one more step to the airing cupboard/bedroom/archway.  this gives more of a raised ranch effect and can move easily. 

3. Depending on your actors you will be fine as long as you get on the set 2 weeks before plus tech week for a total of 3 weeks.  sooner of course is better however in the world of community theatre that is not always an option. 

I hope this helps and let me know how it goes.

Jeff