Trussed and Screened

Derrick Smith from Simple Church in Reynoldsburg, OH brings us this cantelevered truss setup

This was a really basic design in an attempt to get big coverage from a short throw projector and clean trussing. It was on a very small stage.

They used on ULTRA short throw projector and a projection screen attached to trussing.

Understanding Cantilevered Truss Systems for Small Stages

Cantilevered truss designs have become increasingly popular among churches with limited stage space. This innovative approach allows you to extend visual elements beyond the physical boundaries of your stage without requiring additional floor support. By mounting truss sections to existing stage structures or walls, you create the illusion of a larger performance area while maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic.

The key to successful cantilevered truss implementation lies in proper weight distribution and secure mounting. When Derrick Smith designed this setup for Simple Church, he focused on maximizing projection coverage while minimizing the visual footprint. The ultra-short throw projector choice was strategic—positioning the projector close to the screen eliminates shadows cast by presenters and reduces the risk of audience members walking through the projection beam.

Choosing the Right Projection Setup

Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized how small churches approach visual presentation. Unlike traditional projectors that require significant throw distances, UST models can produce large images from just inches away from the screen surface. This technology is particularly valuable when working with cantilevered screens, as it eliminates the need for ceiling mounts or rear projection rooms.

When selecting a UST projector for your church, consider the ambient light conditions in your worship space. Many modern UST projectors offer laser light sources with brightness ratings of 3,000 lumens or higher, making them suitable for environments with moderate lighting. The screen material also matters—look for tensioned surfaces that maintain flatness when suspended from trussing.

Mounting considerations for cantilevered projection screens include ensuring adequate structural support and accounting for vibration. Even minor stage movement from worship teams can cause noticeable image shake if the truss isn’t properly secured. Using multiple mounting points and considering vibration-dampening hardware can significantly improve image stability.

Related Designs

• Lit Truss – Another innovative truss-based design featuring integrated lighting elements that create dramatic visual impact.
• Light-Filled Boxes – A geometric approach using truss-mounted boxes with internal illumination for a modern worship aesthetic.
• Mountains and Starships – Combines truss work with creative projection mapping for an immersive stage environment.
• Points of Light – Features suspended truss elements with pinpoint LED fixtures for a starfield effect.
• Stage Origami – Uses geometric truss configurations to create architectural interest without overwhelming small spaces.

Pro Tips for Cantilevered Truss Stage Designs

Structural Engineering First: Before installing any cantilevered elements, consult with a structural engineer or qualified contractor. The forces exerted by cantilevered loads differ significantly from vertical loads, and proper mounting hardware is essential for safety. Factor in dynamic loads from lighting fixtures, projectors, and potential movement.

Cable Management Strategy: Plan your cable routing before installing truss sections. Power and data cables for projectors and lighting should be concealed within the truss or run along the least visible paths. Consider using cable trays or conduit to maintain a clean appearance and protect cables from damage during setup and teardown.

Projection Surface Selection: Not all screens work well with ultra-short throw projectors. Look for UST-compatible screen materials that reject ambient light from above while reflecting the projector’s image effectively. Some churches have success using tensioned white fabric or specialized UST projection films mounted to rigid frames.

Lighting Integration: When designing cantilevered truss systems, consider how stage lighting will interact with your projection surfaces. Position lighting fixtures to avoid washing out projected images while still providing adequate illumination for presenters. LED fixtures with precise beam control work particularly well in these setups.

Related: He’s Got the Whole World – Discover how to create a stunning globe stage design with paper lanterns and projection for under 00.

Related: Blinder in an Arch – Discover how to create stunning blinder lighting effects for your church stage using truss-mounted fixtures and youth volunteer teams.