Reflection

Jacob Addison from Faith Church in Milford, OH brings us their first stage design that turns their projection screen into a giant mirror.

They had a few obstacles to overcome, including an arch-front baptismal, on-stage doors to the baptismal, HVAC vents halfway up the stage walls, and more than a dozen on-stage wall corners. They created a blank slate by making a large black curtain made of 12 oz. “Brava” velour from RoseBrand. They chose a fabric that was already flame retardant to satisfy the fire marshall. The curtain was sewn into six sections; one for each outer angled wall, one for each wall running perpendicular to the stage edge, and two for the long back wall. This allowed them to use only the curtains needed for any given design, as well as place a break in the middle of the back wall if they needed to pull the curtains back for a baptism.

The curtain was the most expensive part of the design (about $1200) – but the most long lasting and versatile. It was designed to be put up and taken down in less than an hour.

The curtains were pocket-hung on 1″ galvanized pipe, supported by 1/2″ rigging rope, and suspended from pulleys and d-rings 22 feet up the stage walls and on top of the arch. They were flown to their fixed positions, and tied off at the floor on d-rings.

The red fabric on the back wall was inspired by the stage design Tied. Because weight was an issue, they used 60″ cotton scrim, also flame retardant, and double-layered it to give a heavier look. Because the fabric was so thin, tying it off would not have created a substantial knot, so they used rope to create a “napkin ring” effect.

The projection screen (9’x12′) was made of 128″ poly-muslin stretched over a 1″ wood frame. The thin frame made for a light structure able to be hung with s-hooks and paracord, but also ended up bowing slightly. The “mirror frame” around the screen was made of foam board, and the seams were taped with 1/2 inch glossy white masking tape. The depth of the foam board was masked with black gaff tape to give depth, and make up for any inconsistencies. The “mirror” projection screen was then hung, and a custom map made in Photoshop for all projection during the series.

The two mirrors hung on the side were purchased at a local home furnishing store, and hung over the galvanized pipe with large s-hooks and 550lb cord. Originally they attempted to make lighter mirrors out of styrofoam, wood trim, and Rosco mirror roll. But when hung, the material stretched unconventionally and showed roll marks, so they moved on to actual mirrors.

The HVAC vents about 12 feet up the stage walls (four of them), were diverted using 6″ expandable duct and L-shaped vents at the floor, taped with black duct tape to disappear at the bottom of the curtain while still heating or cooling the room.

Battery operated LED pillars and candle stands were the final touch in this design.