Versatile Brilliance

At the Seven Marks Church in Raleigh, NC, Jeremy Courtright explains how their desired fixture design had to have versatility. They ended up constructing a square, composite fixture out of 1x2s in different sizes. The tape lighting consisted of 12 single-controlled lines for each fixture and they implemented a DMX controller with 24 channels for easy control.

Building Custom LED Fixtures for Versatile Stage Lighting

This innovative lighting design from Seven Marks Church demonstrates how churches can create professional-grade stage fixtures without the professional-grade price tag. By constructing custom square fixtures from simple 1×2 lumber and integrating LED tape lighting, Jeremy Courtright and his team achieved remarkable versatility at a fraction of the cost of commercial theatrical fixtures.

The genius of this approach lies in its modular construction. Each fixture is essentially a wooden frame that houses 12 independently controlled lines of LED tape lighting. This design allows for incredible flexibility in programming—each line can be a different color or intensity, creating complex patterns, chases, and effects that would be impossible with standard fixtures. The DMX controller with 24 channels provides precise control over every aspect of the lighting.

What makes these fixtures particularly effective for worship environments is their adaptability. Unlike fixed theatrical lights that serve a single purpose, these custom units can function as wash lights, accent lights, or even create animated effects depending on how they’re programmed. For a contemporary worship service, they can provide energetic, colorful movement. For more contemplative moments, they can shift to soft, warm tones that create intimacy.

The construction process is accessible to churches with basic woodworking capabilities. The 1×2 lumber frames are lightweight yet sturdy, and the square design allows them to be mounted in various orientations—hung vertically as columns, suspended horizontally overhead, or positioned at angles for dynamic looks. The composite construction using different sizes of 1x2s creates visual interest even when the lights are off.

From a technical perspective, the 12-line configuration offers excellent granularity for programming. Each line can be addressed individually via DMX, allowing for sophisticated chase sequences, gradient fades, and synchronized effects across multiple fixtures. The 24-channel controller mentioned provides ample capacity for complex programming while remaining manageable for volunteer operators.

For churches considering a similar DIY approach, the cost savings can be substantial. Commercial LED fixtures with comparable output and control capabilities often cost $500-1000 per unit. Building custom fixtures using LED tape, lumber, and basic electrical components can reduce that cost to $100-200 per fixture while providing greater customization options.

Related Designs

• Light Boxes – A stunning LED-lit design using wooden frames and fabric panels that creates a warm, glowing backdrop effect similar to the custom fixture approach.
• LED Lighting + Haze – Discover how combining LED fixtures with atmospheric haze can dramatically enhance your lighting effects and beam visibility.
• Acrylic LED Cross – Another DIY lighting project featuring LED tape integrated with acrylic to create a glowing contemporary cross design.
• Tip: Lighting and Texture – Learn fundamental principles about how different materials interact with light to create depth and visual interest on your stage.
• Light Chimes – A creative PVC pipe design featuring hanging illuminated tubes that create an ethereal atmosphere perfect for worship services.

Pro Tips for Custom LED Fixture Construction

Plan Your Channel Layout: Before building, map out exactly how you want to control your LED lines. With 12 lines per fixture, consider grouping them logically—perhaps four lines per side of the square, or alternating patterns for chase effects. Document your channel assignments clearly so programmers can quickly understand how to achieve desired effects.

Invest in Quality LED Tape: Not all LED tape is created equal. Look for high-CRI (Color Rendering Index) tape with consistent color temperature if you plan to use white light. RGB or RGBW tape offers the most versatility for color mixing. Ensure the tape has adequate adhesive or plan to secure it with additional mounting clips.

Calculate Power Requirements: LED tape can draw significant power, especially with 12 lines per fixture. Calculate total wattage and ensure your power supplies are rated appropriately with a 20% safety margin. Use proper gauge wire for power distribution and consider adding fuses for protection.

Test Before Final Assembly: Wire and test all LED lines before permanently mounting them in the fixture frames. This allows you to identify and fix any issues with solder connections, tape segments, or addressing without disassembling completed units. Label each line as you test it to maintain organization.

Related: Columns and Mod Scenes – See how Journey Church combined spandex columns with Mod Scenes to create versatile vertical stage elements with dramatic lighting effects.

Related: Tube Ceiling – Discover how suspended fabric tubes can create immersive overhead lighting effects that complement ground-based fixtures.

Related: Shattered Spandex – A creative fabric design using stretched spandex panels to create dynamic visual texture with backlighting.