Moving Day

Cory Welch, Nicki Cabaniss, Taylor Hart and Abby Brooks from Purcellville Baptist Church in Purcellville, VA brings us this design that’s ready to move.

From the team: Our next sermon series was from James and was titled “Moving Day.” We wanted to bring some literal imagery to the stage and decided to use actual cardboard boxes. We researched several locations before striking a deal for 100 boxes from a storage facility to be used in our design. We built all the boxes using clear packing tape and then built two layers side by side on the back of the stage before stacking a single layer on top. Our goal was not to glue the boxes yet produce a stable wall and we were able to do this which means the boxes can be used later to help families in our church who may be moving.

We then took boxes and pushed open the bottom and top flaps so that they would then be see-through. We stacked these at angles to create two towers on either side of the stage.

We then projected our logo for this sermon series: Moving Day, on the boxes and painted over it to create a clean and simple look across the back wall.

Finally, we used 4 Colorsource LEDs PARS on the ground to light up the sides of our two box towers and we centered two of our above PARS with an Apollo Gel in “Spiced Run” to shine down from the top which gave us some fun and abstract shadows. We are also able to color change the LEDS and can change the color based on service needs.

Finally, we used two more Colorsource LEDs to create the asymmetrical amber lighting on either side of Moving Day and angled a white Ellipsoidal light from stage left and across at roughly a 45 degree angle.

Why Cardboard Box Stage Designs Work

Cardboard box stage designs have become increasingly popular among churches for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the cost-effectiveness is unmatched. While traditional stage backdrops can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, this entire setup was accomplished for under $50 in materials. The storage facility partnership meant the church only paid for packing tape and minimal supplies.

Beyond the budget benefits, cardboard boxes offer incredible versatility. They can be stacked, painted, cut, and arranged in countless configurations to match any sermon series theme. The neutral brown color provides an excellent canvas for projected images, and the texture adds visual interest under stage lighting. For churches with limited storage space, the boxes can be flattened after use or donated to families in need, making this an environmentally conscious choice as well.

The lightweight nature of cardboard also makes this design ideal for volunteer teams. Unlike heavy lumber or complex metal frameworks, boxes can be moved and positioned by volunteers of all ages and abilities. This accessibility means more of your congregation can participate in the creative process, building community while building the stage.

Related Designs

• Honeycomb – A stunning geometric printed backdrop using honeycomb patterns and strategic lighting for under $100
• Pixel Perfect – A creative cardboard pixel art design that uses a similar material approach with stunning visual results
• Pizza Party! – Another budget-friendly design using unconventional materials for maximum impact
• Multi-Purpose Squares – Geometric stage elements that demonstrate modular design thinking
• Down the Light – Creative lighting techniques that complement textured backdrops like cardboard

Pro Tips for Cardboard Stage Designs

Source Smart: Contact local storage facilities, retail stores, and moving companies for free box donations. Many businesses discard perfectly good boxes daily and are happy to help churches. Build relationships with these partners for ongoing material sourcing.

Reinforce Strategically: While this team avoided glue for reusability, consider reinforcing high-stress joints with removable fasteners or Velcro if stability is a concern. Test your structure before services and have a volunteer monitor it during events.

Lighting is Everything: Cardboard absorbs light differently than fabric or wood. Use uplighting to highlight texture and create dramatic shadows. LED pars work exceptionally well because you can adjust color temperature to warm up the brown cardboard tones.

Plan for the Afterlife: One of the best aspects of this design is the boxes can help families after the series ends. Advertise this benefit to your congregation and coordinate with your benevolence ministry to connect boxes with those who need them most.

Related: Words with Friends – Cardboard box design – similar budget-friendly approach.