Image: Stretch Shapes
Online church services require affordable, simple options for set design that will look good on-camera.
Since early 2020 and the onslaught of the coronavirus, more and more people are attending church services online. Even so, your church clients are looking for affordable staging design solutions that are easy to set up and light, look good on-camera, and easy to modify and change out.
Stretch Shapes in Eugene, Ore., a maker of staging backdrops and green screen materials, is working hard to keep up with the demands churches are facing with online worship. Jessica Bengtson, the company's marketing manager, shares the top ways your church clients can stretch their budgets and get the most out of their stage design.
1-Focus and accent with flat panel sails
Originally one of the most popular products for houses of worship, flat panel sails are among the most effective budget-stretching products, Bengtson says. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they're ideal for churches looking to create angelic shapes or a layered look.
Some ways churches are using flat panel sails include the following:
- Frame an altar or stage: flank the sides of a stage or altar to accent the main backdrop and direct audience attention
- Create a layered backdrop: combine multiple panels in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a backdrop with dimension
- Use for a ceiling or covered area: create a temporary covered space with aerial rigged Flat Panel Sails
2-Project and display using stretch projection screens
As technology evolves, so does an audience’s expectations--making staging and projection even more critical. A compact, portable solution that works for either front or rear projection is the company's stretch projection screens. Bengtson says the solution fits both small and large 16:9 video formats and doesn't require a frame. Churches can choose the size and number of rigging points, for a uniquely defined perimeter.
Some ideas for churches using stretch projection screens are:
- Create a central focus on stage: use one large stretch projection screen as a backdrop and primary area of attention
- Use multiple screens for accents: add screens to the sides of the stage; this option works well for large in-person congregations that may have trouble seeing the center stage
- Other options: repurpose as an outdoor projection screen for study groups, movie nights, and other church-related activities
3-Refine and redefine by using quick walls
Pop-up quick walls are multi-use staging tools. Their durability and quick, easy setup, can be a real solution for time-strapped church teams.
Ideas for using quick wall solutions include:
- Redefine spaces to the size churches need: quick walls are ideal for creating smaller breakout areas, such as age-appropriate childcare rooms or discussion group areas
- Construct temporary hallways and paths: direct the flow of traffic by setting up hallways and egress paths to the location of your choosing
- Include in-stage backdrops: lightweight quick walls can work double duty as a stage backdrop and projection surface
- Pro tip from Bengtson: Try a black stretch for high-impact projections
4-Enhance projections with borderless projection screens
Churches can maximize projection surface area by incorporating a large, bezel-free screen. Borderless projection screens are a high-end, wrinkle-free projection surface with ultra-clean edges. Bengtson suggests using a 100% blockout projection screen fabric to give the screens greater durability and zero frame shadowing.
Ideas for borderless projection screen use:
- Provide edge-to-edge projections: the projection equivalent of full-bleed printing, these screens provide a borderless, high-quality projection surface
- Create a more intimate space with Curved Borderless Projection Screens: incorporating a Curved Projection Screen will help envelop and draw the audience in, making even large spaces feel more intimate
5. Print and expand with panel wall tiles
Panel wall tiles are easy to resize, reuse, and reprint, Bengtson reports. They're available in a variety of geometric shapes and 3D options, with modular design that makes it easy to adjust, size, and incorporate prints and projections.
Ideas for designing a modular, versatile backdrop with panel wall tiles include:
- Create a visually appealing backdrop: choose your favorite shape to create a unique, geometric backdrop Pro Tip: Try using a 3D option to add more depth and dimension
- Incorporate printed inserts for relevant events and messages: the modular design makes it possible to include printed inserts in a variety of sizes, and easily swap them out anytime an update is needed
- Include unprinted inserts for projection: capitalize on the interchangeable design by including large, unprinted tiles for projection