Waiting in Lines

Camron Ware working with Planet Wisdom Conference brings us this great use of projection and wood slats.

They basically took white wood slats, hung them spaced out with chain, and suspended them from pipe and drape which they blacked out. Camron used Hitachi ultra-short throw projectors to project motion/imagery on them. It created a cool, cheap versa-tube effect!

Check out the Visual Worshiper Facebook page to see some videos of the event.

Creating Dynamic Projection Surfaces with Wood Slats

Projection mapping has revolutionized church stage design, offering virtually unlimited visual possibilities without the physical storage demands of traditional set pieces. This wood slat installation demonstrates how simple materials can create stunning projection surfaces that transform ordinary spaces into immersive environments. The spacing between slats creates a unique visual texture that adds depth and dimension to projected imagery, making it appear to float in three-dimensional space.

The choice of white wood slats was particularly effective for this application. White surfaces provide excellent reflectivity for projection, ensuring that colors appear vibrant and true to the source material. Unlike screens or flat walls, the gaps between slats create interesting light patterns and shadows that add organic texture to digital imagery. This combination of analog material and digital projection creates a hybrid aesthetic that feels both contemporary and approachable.

The suspension method using chain and pipe-and-drape hardware offers several practical advantages for temporary installations. Chain provides adjustable spacing and easy leveling, critical for ensuring that the projection surface remains uniform across the entire width of the stage. The pipe-and-drape system, commonly available through event rental companies, provides a freestanding structure that does not require permanent mounting to walls or ceilings. This makes the design highly portable and suitable for venues that host multiple events or need to reconfigure spaces frequently.

Ultra-short throw projectors were the key technology enabling this design. Unlike traditional projectors that require significant throw distances, ultra-short throw models can produce large images from just inches away from the projection surface. This eliminates shadows cast by performers and reduces the risk of audience members blocking the projection beam. Hitachi’s ultra-short throw lineup offers excellent brightness and color accuracy, making them well-suited for stage environments where ambient light can be challenging.

The versa-tube effect mentioned in the original description refers to the visual similarity to expensive LED tube fixtures. By projecting motion graphics onto the spaced slats, the installation mimics the appearance of illuminated tubes at a fraction of the cost. This approach allows for dynamic color changes, animated patterns, and video content that would be impossible with physical lighting fixtures. The content can be changed instantly to match different songs, sermon themes, or event types without any physical modifications to the set.

Related Designs

• Bottled Lights – Discover how Watermark Church built a stunning Lite Brite stage wall using 7,000 water bottles and LEDs for an immersive visual experience.
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• Fractal Wall – See how Next Level Church created a stunning textured stage backdrop using Mio Paperform tiles and pendant lighting.
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Pro Tips for Projection Stage Designs

Test Your Surface Material: Not all white surfaces project equally. The wood slats in this design work well because they provide a matte finish that minimizes hot spots and glare. Before committing to a full installation, test your projection on sample materials under your actual lighting conditions. Glossy surfaces can create distracting reflections, while textured surfaces may reduce image clarity.

Consider Sight Lines: When spacing slats or other projection elements, consider viewing angles from all seating positions. The gaps between slats create interesting effects when viewed straight-on but may appear as solid surfaces from extreme side angles. Walk through your space during setup to ensure the design reads clearly from all seats, not just the center section.

Plan Your Content Pipeline: Projection-based designs require ongoing content creation to remain fresh. Establish a workflow for creating or sourcing motion graphics that match your design aesthetic. Tools like ProPresenter, Resolume, or even simple video loops can drive your projection content. Consider the technical skills of your volunteer team when selecting content creation tools.

Account for Ambient Light: Projectors compete with stage lighting, house lights, and natural light from windows. Ultra-short throw projectors help by placing the light source close to the surface, but you will still need to control ambient light for optimal results. Work with your lighting designer to create scenes that balance illumination of performers with preservation of projection visibility.

Related: In the Darkness, Light – Discover how Church at the Cross created stunning hybrid LED and incandescent fixtures using buckets and Edison bulbs for their Christmas stage design.

Related: Crazy Summer – Discover how One Hope Church created a bold geometric summer stage design using Coroplast and creative lighting techniques.

Related: Ground Zero – See how Pleasant Valley Church created a haunting memorial stage design using foam board and LED lighting.