The studio of WVOL, a 500 watt local radio station, broadcasting a weekly variety show. The year is 1942. There is a standing microphone center stage, and another lower one with chairs around it stage left. Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd are sitting limply in their chairs. They are expressionless and do not react until the ventriloquist arrives.
Stage right is the sound effects table.
Players for each scene, scripts in hand, gather around the microphone when speaking. Others may be seated on chairs at the rear of the stage or come on stage as their scene begins. George and Gracie come to microphone. Announcer steps to one side. George and Gracie exit.