Weave Spots

Steven Morris from Kearney eFree Church in Kearney, NE brings us this combination of weave and light beams.

This design was used over the Christmas season. They wanted something new and engaging for their Christmas season. Something they have also wanted was to create levels for the band. They budget was about $1000 on this project.

The main structure was a 8’x24′ platform for some of their band to be up on. They would change out who was up there along with the drums (Keys, guitars, etc). These were actually 3 8’x8′ platforms with 4×4 legs, then bolted together. They built these in mind that each platform could be reusable in the future. They then sheeted the sides with 1/4″ ply and drilled various size holes in it. Behind the ply, they had 4 LED pars, and 3 basic pars. Each of these were designed to shoot light through the holes and then with a hazer create interesting beams of light. (Side note, for one song they had 4 musicians who weren’t playing in that song sit behind and just move the LEDs around to create a really cool effect.)

On top of the platform, they rented (4) Studio Spot 575 CYM Zooms. This setup was for their college service and the Christmas concerts the Worship Arts team puts on each year. For their normal Sunday morning services, they built (3) simple Coroplast panels with the Coroplast alternating bent directions. They took the 4 LEDs from behind the riser and moved it to behind those, which were sitting right in front of the riser and lit them that way. Then the 3 normal lights still shot through the riser holes to create a dot pattern on the Coroplast.

More pictures here.

Design Inspiration and Planning

The creative team at Kearney eFree Church wanted to craft a stage environment that would captivate their congregation during the Christmas season while providing practical functionality for their worship team. The concept of combining textured surfaces with dynamic lighting emerged from their desire to create visual interest without overwhelming the space. By incorporating raised platforms, they solved two challenges simultaneously: adding dimensional depth to the stage and giving band members flexible positioning options throughout different songs and service elements.

The decision to use Coroplast panels came from their lightweight nature and ability to diffuse light beautifully. These corrugated plastic sheets are incredibly versatile and budget-friendly, making them a favorite among church stage designers working with limited resources. The alternating bend pattern on the panels created subtle shadow lines that added texture even when the lights weren’t actively changing.

Technical Implementation Details

One of the most innovative aspects of this design was the creative use of volunteers as moving light operators. Having musicians who weren’t playing during specific songs control the LED pars behind the platform created organic, ever-changing light patterns that no automated system could replicate. This approach not only solved the technical challenge of dynamic lighting but also engaged team members in a unique way.

The platform construction deserves special attention for its forward-thinking design. By building three separate 8’x8′ sections rather than one solid structure, the team ensured these risers could be reconfigured for future designs. The 4×4 legs provide sturdy support while keeping the build simple enough for volunteers with basic carpentry skills. Sheeting the sides with quarter-inch plywood created the perfect canvas for the drilled hole pattern that became the signature light-beam feature.

Related Designs

• Gallons of Light – A colorful discotheque wall design using Coroplast panels and creative lighting techniques for vibrant stage effects
• Radiant – Another Coroplast-based design showcasing how versatile this material can be for creating stunning visual backdrops
• Faux Stained Glass – A creative approach to stage design using affordable materials to achieve a high-end look
• The Weave Love – A fabric-based design that explores textural elements similar to the weave concept in this project
• Checkerboard Stage – A simple, checkered design that demonstrates how geometric patterns can transform a worship space

Pro Tips for Platform and Lighting Designs

Plan for Versatility: When building platforms or risers, consider how they might be used in future designs. Modular construction with standard dimensions allows pieces to be recombined in new configurations, maximizing your investment over multiple seasons.

Layer Your Lighting: This design succeeds because it uses multiple lighting techniques together: backlighting through holes, front lighting on Coroplast, and moving spots from above. Don’t rely on a single light source—layer different types and angles for depth.

Engage Your Team Creatively: The moving LED effect created by volunteers added a dynamic element that automated lighting couldn’t match. Look for ways to involve your team beyond their typical roles—you might discover unexpected creative solutions.

Material Selection Matters: Coroplast is inexpensive, lightweight, and light-diffusing, making it ideal for church stages. When selecting materials, consider not just the upfront cost but also storage requirements, durability, and versatility for future uses.