Growing Foliage – Botanical Church Stage Design

Theresa Brandon and Nate Parker from Willow Creek Huntley in Huntley, IL brings us these towers of Coroplast foliage creeping up their screen on the back wall.

This design was originally supposed to be sheaves of wheat to tie in with Willow Creek Huntley’s Easter branding. It was designed and built by Nathan Parker, Technical Director, and Theresa Brandon with help from Suzanne Parker.

They first tried making the individual pieces in pointed shapes, but then decided they liked the rounded shapes better. They were made out of pieces of Coroplast, 6″ x 48″ bent into a curve. They used a Coro-Claw Flute cutter to make the long cuts. They cut small wedge shapes from 2″ x 3″ lumber and then fastened both ends of the Coroplast to the wedge using a washer and screw on each side. About 10% of the wedges would split when they drove the screws in so they made sure they had plenty of extras. They found that some of their older Coroplast wouldn’t take the curve and would snap into a point because it was more brittle.

The individual elements were arranged into “heads of wheat” with 6 – 8 elements fastened together with white small zip ties front and back. After they had them hung up in an arrangement similar to the original sketch, there was a last minute decision to change them to a more branching design. So they brought them all down and zip tied them together into longer elements and re-hung them.

Creating a Botanical Church Stage

This botanical church stage design demonstrates how everyday materials can be transformed into stunning organic backdrops. By using Coroplast to mimic natural foliage, Willow Creek Huntley created a botanical church stage that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside their worship space. The curved elements catch light and cast interesting shadows, adding depth and dimension to the platform.

A botanical church stage works particularly well for Easter celebrations, spring worship services, or sermon series focused on growth and new life. The organic shapes soften the typically hard edges of church stages and projection screens, creating a more welcoming environment. This approach to botanical church stage design proves that you don’t need expensive silk plants or complex set pieces to achieve a natural, garden-like atmosphere.

The versatility of this botanical church stage concept allows for endless variations. Change the Coroplast color from white to green for a lush summer look, or use warm amber tones for an autumn harvest theme. The modular construction means you can adjust the height and density of the foliage to match your space and message. Whether you’re creating a full botanical church stage transformation or simply adding accent pieces, this technique offers flexibility and visual impact.

Materials and Construction Tips

Coroplast Selection: Use fresh, new Coroplast for best results. Older material becomes brittle and won’t hold the gentle curves needed for organic shapes. The 4mm thickness provides enough rigidity while remaining lightweight.

The Coro-Claw Advantage: Investing in a Coro-Claw flute cutter makes this project significantly easier and produces cleaner cuts than utility knives. The tool follows the flutes in the Coroplast, ensuring straight cuts that maintain structural integrity.

Creating Curves: The key to this botanical church stage design is the gentle bend in each element. The 6″ width provides enough material to create elegant curves without stressing the plastic. Test a few pieces before cutting your entire batch.

Attachment Strategy: The wedge and washer method distributes stress evenly across the Coroplast. Pre-drilling holes in the wooden wedges prevents splitting. Have extra wedges on hand—about 10-15% more than your calculated need.

Related Nature and Outdoor Stage Designs

• Trees on Stage – Bring the majesty of trees indoors with this nature-inspired stage design
• Treepees – A whimsical tree-themed backdrop perfect for creating an outdoor atmosphere
• Through the Trees – Forest-inspired stage design creating depth and natural beauty
• String Trees Back Story – Minimalist tree silhouettes made from string and light
• Rustic Renew – Natural materials and organic textures for a warm, earthy stage design
• Winter Wonderland – Seasonal nature design bringing outdoor winter beauty to your sanctuary

Pro Tips for Botanical Church Stage Success

Plan for Flexibility: The team at Willow Creek Huntley originally created wheat sheaves but pivoted to branching foliage at the last minute. Build modularity into your botanical church stage so you can adapt as needed.

Lighting Matters: White Coroplast reflects light beautifully, but the effect depends heavily on your lighting design. Use side lighting to emphasize the curves and create dramatic shadows. Backlighting can create a silhouette effect that reads as foliage even from a distance.

Consider Scale: These 18-foot towers make a statement, but adjust dimensions to fit your space. Smaller versions work well as stage accents or altar decorations. The botanical church stage concept scales up or down effectively.

Storage Solutions: Coroplast is durable and stores flat. Keep your botanical church stage elements wrapped in sheets to prevent dust accumulation. Store wooden wedges separately to avoid warping.

Color Variations: While white creates a clean, modern botanical church stage, consider painting the Coroplast or using colored gels on your lights to transform the look seasonally. Green creates lush garden vibes, while gold and amber suggest harvest themes.