Stage Designs

Rocks and Lines

Caleb McCarthy from Apostolic Campgrounds in Millersport, Ohio brings us this clean design.

From Caleb: This year we as a team decided to keep last years stage set and to just add to it. We added white slats made out of 1 by 4’s from Lowe’s cut to 42” and painted flat white. Then we attached them to the already existing fake wall that was already there from the previous stage sets. We also used the same American DJ tri-par pulse lights from the years before. By using these lights we were able to have more control over the design of the lights. The great thing about this set is that we have used the same fake wall for 3 years now and the same set for 2 years. Now if this is your first time seeing this set, the other texture on the wall is silver window screen from Lowe’s. We crumpled up then stapled it to the fake back wall.

Creating Texture with Aluminum Screening

This rocks and lines stage design demonstrates the power of combining different textures to create visual interest. The silver window screening provides a metallic, rock-like texture that catches light beautifully, while the clean white slats add geometric contrast. This combination creates depth and dimension that transforms a simple wall into a dynamic stage backdrop.

The genius of this rocks and lines design lies in its reusability. By building a modular fake wall system, Apostolic Campgrounds has been able to evolve their stage design over multiple years while keeping costs down. The aluminum screening has held up for three years of use, proving that durable materials pay off in the long run.

Materials and Construction

White Wood Slats: The 1×4 pine boards from Lowe’s provide an affordable and lightweight linear element. Cut to 42” lengths and painted flat white, they create a clean, modern look that reflects light evenly. The uniform spacing between slats creates rhythm and draws the eye across the stage.

Silver Window Screening: Standard aluminum window screen material from the hardware store becomes an unexpected texture element. Crumpling the screening before installation creates shadow-catching facets that read as rocky texture from a distance. Stapling it securely to the backing wall ensures it stays in place through multiple years of use.

Lighting Considerations: The American DJ tri-par pulse lights provide both illumination and visual interest. Positioned to wash across the textured surfaces, they create highlights and shadows that bring the rocks and lines design to life. The ability to control color and intensity adds versatility for different worship moments.

Related Stage Designs

  • Slat by Slat – Dynamic wood slat wall with LED backlighting for dramatic effect
  • Turn Back Time – Working clock stage design with mechanical gears and rustic elements
  • Woven – Textural backdrop using woven materials for organic visual interest
  • Textured Wall – Creative texture techniques for dimensional stage backdrops
  • White on White – Monochromatic stage design with layered white elements

Pro Tips for Rocks and Lines Success

Build for Reuse: Invest in a sturdy fake wall framework that can support multiple designs over several years. This rocks and lines set proves that one good structure can evolve with your creativity and seasonal needs.

Layer Textures: The combination of smooth white slats against crumpled metallic screening creates visual tension. Don’t be afraid to pair opposite textures—rough with smooth, shiny with matte—to create compelling stage designs.

Light It Right: Textured surfaces come alive with side lighting. Position your fixtures to graze across the aluminum screening to emphasize the crumpled texture. The rocks and lines design really shines when light hits it from an angle.

Paint for Durability: Flat white paint on the slats may require touch-ups over time, but it provides a clean, professional look. Consider keeping extra paint on hand for quick repairs between services.

Processed with VSCO with j2 preset

Strata Mountains and ValLED

4 responses to “Rocks and Lines”

  1. Kent Coleman says:

    Love aluminum mesh. It’s such an incredible material to light and project on. Great clean design! Might incorporate some elements in ours. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Edwin says:

    Could you leave a link to what mesg you used?

  3. Edwin says:

    Could you leave a link to what mesh you used?

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