He’s Got the Whole World…

Joel Caron, the Production Designer at Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington, TX submitted this fantastic and inexpensive stage design.

All of the supplies used in this design can be purchased at Home Depot and Ikea for under $200.

Joel took some blankets from Ikea and stapled them to the back of some 1×4″ wood frames. He then attached the wood frames using aircraft cable to some steel pipes and truss (Only because they had to be able to roll them on and off stage for other events).

He lit the paper lanterns using Wiedamark Colorwasher HP and the fabric panels using 2 – MAC 2K wash fixtures. The paper lanterns were hung with simple black tie line.

For the giant globe in the center, his original goal was to use a Puffersphere, which was featured in Coldplay’s Viva La Vida tour, but the budget didn’t allow for that. After doing some research, he ended up purchasing a 12′ inflatable PVC sphere (basically a large white beach ball) and projecting on it use an extra projector he had, using a Catalyst Media server on a Macbook Pro that fed the projector.

Joel’s original intent was to edge blend two projectors and use warping on the media server to blend them, which would have been very tricky. In addition, the projectors he had access to would have been unsightly due to their size and weight. He ended up just using a single projector on the same axis as the center of the sphere, which worked very well within a 120 degree viewing angle, which was about 90 percent of the seats in our room. To soften the edges of the globe, he applied a 5 percent edge blend. During the message, he used an animated earth texture that made it look like the globe was actually spinning.

Creating Impactful Stage Designs on a Budget

This design demonstrates that stunning visual impact doesn’t require a massive budget or professional fabrication. By combining readily available materials from everyday retailers with creative lighting techniques, Joel achieved a world-class aesthetic for under $200. The key insight here is understanding how different materials interact with light and projection.

The fabric panels serve multiple purposes in this design. Beyond their visual appeal, they help manage acoustics on stage by reducing unwanted reflections and echoes. The lightweight nature of the IKEA blankets makes them easy to handle during setup and teardown, while their textured surface catches light beautifully, creating subtle variations that add depth to the overall composition.

Paper lanterns have become a staple in church stage design for good reason. They provide soft, diffused light that flatters speakers and performers while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. When combined with color-changing LED fixtures like the Wiedamark Colorwasher, these simple spheres become dynamic elements that can shift from warm amber tones during worship to cooler blues for more contemplative moments.

Projection Mapping Techniques for Spherical Surfaces

The inflatable globe represents one of the most innovative elements of this design. Projection mapping on spherical surfaces presents unique challenges that Joel solved through careful positioning and edge blending. By placing the projector on the same axis as the sphere’s center, he eliminated the geometric distortion that typically occurs when projecting at an angle.

The 5 percent edge blend Joel applied serves a crucial function in creating a seamless image. Edge blending gradually reduces the brightness at the edges of the projected image, preventing the harsh cutoff that would otherwise reveal the projection boundaries. This technique is particularly important when working with inflatable surfaces, as they tend to have slight irregularities that can accentuate projection edges.

For churches considering similar projection setups, the animated earth texture Joel used demonstrates the storytelling potential of dynamic visuals. Rather than a static image, the rotating globe created a living backdrop that reinforced the message theme. Modern media servers make this type of content accessible even to smaller churches, with many affordable software options available that can run on standard laptops.

Related Designs

• Paper Lantern Cloud – A stunning ceiling installation using paper lanterns that creates an immersive worship atmosphere.
• Trussed and Screened – Learn how Simple Church created a cantilevered truss design with projection for small stages.
• Hidden Candle Holds – Pallet towers with integrated candle shelving that bring warmth and rustic charm to worship spaces.
• Stage Origami – Geometric Coroplast folding technique that creates sophisticated architectural backdrops on a minimal budget.
• Office Party – Fluorescent light panel design showing how everyday materials create stunning worship backdrops.

Pro Tips for Globe and Lantern Stage Designs

Inflatable Surface Preparation: Before projecting on any inflatable surface, ensure it’s fully inflated and stable. Slight variations in air pressure can affect image quality, so check inflation levels regularly. Consider using a small fan to maintain consistent air circulation inside the sphere, preventing heat buildup from the projector that could cause expansion and distortion.

Fabric Panel Mounting: When attaching fabric to wood frames, stretch the material taut to prevent wrinkles that catch light unevenly. Use upholstery staples rather than standard staples for better holding power. Pre-drill holes for aircraft cable attachments to prevent wood splitting, and always use appropriate safety hardware rated for the weight of your panels.

Lantern Spacing and Layout: The visual impact of paper lanterns depends heavily on their arrangement. Experiment with varying heights and cluster densities to create visual interest. For a more dynamic look, mix lantern sizes or combine spherical lanterns with other shapes. Always ensure lanterns are hung securely using appropriate weight-rated line, and position them away from heat sources.

Projection Brightness Considerations: When projecting on white or light-colored surfaces in a lit environment, projector brightness becomes critical. Calculate your required lumens based on ambient light levels and screen size. For inflatable spheres, matte white surfaces work better than glossy finishes, as they minimize hot spots and provide more even illumination across the curved surface.